Genetic counselor explains how to introduce yourself in genetic counseling grad school interviews

[@vanessaprernavenner3256]

Thank you for these videos, they're extremely helpful when navigating this process! What are some good questions to ask programs during interviews? I don't want to ask generic questions; are there specific frameworks to make questions more meaningful?

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

One way to make questions less generic is to tie them into your experience and GC interests. For example, I would say something like- "I am really interested in psychiatric genetic counseling, does your program offer any opportunities to learn about that specialty?" At the time I was applying, whole exome sequencing was brand new, so I would also ask about opportunities in that. Essentially, if you can think of a hot topic in GCing that is of interest to you, that's a great starting point. I can def make a video on this!

[@vanessaprernavenner3256]

@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 Great advice, thank you!

[@malv4935]

This is fantastic, I had so many useful notes to scribble down while watching this video! Interview season is still 1-2 months away but I suddenly find myself with more time now that I've submitted all my applications. I like to start preparing for stuff early, so practising introductions is a great place to start. Thanks so much Katie!

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Mallika! Thanks so much for watching. Congrats on getting all those applications submitted. That's a huge accomplishment. You're ahead of the game with interview prep. Good work.

[@Noah_McLennan]

These are so wildly helpful. I'm so glad I found this channel before my upcoming interview(s). Please keep making these!

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

I am so very happy to hear that! Thanks for watching.

[@gabriellewright3092]

I would definitely love for you to go over more of those common questions!

[@AlixFallenStar]

Usually before I end, I add a quick sentence of two or three of my personal hobbies, it makes it a bit more personal and maybe memorable to the interviewer.

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Hey, that's a great tip. When I interview, I love learning a little bit more about each applicant beyond their professional accomplishments.

[@2134knees]

This is AWESOME. Thanks so much for it!!!! I'm starting my Prerequisites either in the Spring or next Fall due to my other issues that cropped up this Summer. I love the first question. Not sure if I should start with my story/how I got into the field. I'm just not sure because it's a lot. And my advocacy work. This is helpful.

[@2134knees]

Should I also include if I am interested in research with a specific doctor if interviewing at a specific program?

[@kmac2110]

Thanks so much for sharing this video! Very helpful! Should we avoiding throwing in details about our undergrad. accomplishments - such as research fellowships or community outreach (of course these items are listed on my CV and some aspects discussed throughout my application)

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Great question! No, I wouldn't avoid these types of accomplishments at all. Most of my undergrad "accomplishments" were drinking-related so I personally didn't have much to highlight there, but if you do- absolutely highlight what they should know. If you are coming straight from undergrad or are just a year or two out it would be more than appropriate to use that material for your introduction.

[@kmac2110]

@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 Understood ;p

[@kaylisousa9464]

My interview is on Friday, wish me luck 😍 using your tips

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

Good luck tomorrow! I hope you land it! Know that since your preparing in advance of the interview you are probably sitting pretty!

[@kaylisousa9464]

@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 UPDATE, I got in 😍😍😍😍 and I used your tips!! Thank you so much x

[@karla2011384]

Thank you great video !

[@nickfriedl4462]

I like to throw in some personality traits that I pride myself in at the beginning of the intro.

[@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248]

That's a great idea so the interviewer can get to know you quickly! Once in a while I say something like- "I have been told my past supervisors that I'm a great teamplayer and collaborator."

[@Comeonyoutubeseriously]

Hello, thank you so much for this video! I have an interview coming up and the school stated they think i am a competitive applicant. But i know i didn’t have the most stellar grades and an average GRE. I’ve been out of undergrad for 2 years now and have gained a lot of healthcare experience. I’m thinking this may be why they invited me for an interview, but i bet they will ask me to explain my GPA. Do you have any tips on how to answer them while also assuring them i believe i’ll excel in their program?

[@libakornbleuth2539]

When they say "tell me about yourself" are you not supposed to talk about your life outside of things that are relevant to genetic counseling specifically??