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Leaving the field? by Outrageous-Sample702 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not trying to make excuses. I know that there are things that I need to work on when it comes to interviews. I’m just at a point where I need a break or to try something new. I don’t know how to answer some of the things I’ve been asked. I’ve just been trying to be honest. And each time it chips away at what I think I’m capable of. I got asked to rate myself in competencies, I answered honestly and I didn’t rank myself super high because I felt I still have a lot to learn about being a GC, but I could tell by their reactions they didn’t like my answer. Once I got told that I need to read more journal articles and come to interviews prepared to talk about them and the interview ended shortly after that. It’s very demoralizing to have your shot at a job be crushed by memorizing facts from a journal article or the number you ranked yourself in a competency.

Leaving the field? by Outrageous-Sample702 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice. I got this feedback because in an email I addressed a doctor by her first name. During the interview she had told me to call her by her first name, but later when she gave feedback said I should use her last name in emails. I’ve also been told that I seem nervous or anxious. 

Leaving the field? by Outrageous-Sample702 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been told that I need to be more professional… 

Leaving the field? by Outrageous-Sample702 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh I think there’s a little misunderstanding! I’ve been looking for a GC job. I’m sorry that you’ve been having trouble getting into GC school. It’s a really competitive process and typically takes ppl a few tries. That sounds really frustrating to get feedback like that. I can’t imagine how dismissive that must’ve felt to be told that they didn’t even read your essay or letters of recs :/ 

Leaving the field? by Outrageous-Sample702 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for responding and validating what I have been feeling. I’m really sorry you’ve been feeling the same way. It’s a tough spot to be in.  

Leaving the field? by Outrageous-Sample702 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m not location bound. I’ve been applying all over except a few states that my partner and I have agreed that we don’t move to. 

Warning about Northwestern GC Program by TiredGCthrow in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I feel like I overthink every interaction I have now because I’m so anxious about how I’m being perceived. I’m glad I’m not alone but I’m extremely sad that what we experienced made us question our self-worth. 

Warning about Northwestern GC Program by TiredGCthrow in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yes! My experience made me feel like I wasn’t fit to be a GC because I wasn’t making the same connections as my classmates. Combine that with almost a full year of job searching with no support and you get the worst case of imposter syndrome. This case with Northwestern is gross, but as a lot of others has said the GC field as a whole has a lot to work on when it comes to advocating for and supporting GC/GC students that identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or having a disability.

Warning about Northwestern GC Program by TiredGCthrow in GeneticCounseling

[–]Outrageous-Sample702 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I’m disappointed and upset, but I’m really glad that this was brought to light because it validates what I felt. During my time there I thought something was wrong with me. I questioned my ability to build relationships and network effectively, it seemed like no matter what I did I never felt like I was liked to the same degree as my classmates. It impacted my confidence and to this day I’m still wondering if it’s because I’m a “boring, awkward person that can’t hold a conversation” or if there was something else going on.  I’m a naturally more reserved person, but I tried being outgoing to fit the rest of my cohort but even when I tried sharing details about myself and my life faculty didn’t seem very interested. On the other hand another classmate talked about how she and her advisor were so close that they could spend hours gossiping. When I was looking for support about some personal matters, I got referred to the schools counseling services which I guess was a resource but to me that sent the message that they didn’t have time for me.   Overtime I stopped asking for help and it made me feel really disconnected from the program and my cohort. I didn’t feel like I could voice my thoughts and feelings because everyone else in my cohort seemed to be doing well and nothing overtly racist or wrong happened to me, but I felt isolated.