Non GC roles as 1st jobs postgrad
Hi all!
I'm a relatively recent grad from a program based in SoCal. The market here doesn't look too hot, especially with the trickier licensure rules and a general hesitance to hire new grads in the current environment.
I have a nice network here, but l'm relatively sure I won't be able to land a clinical or lab GC position without relocating. I am unable to relocate due to family care obligations.
I love patient counseling and genetics as a field of study, but l'm also a pragmatist. I'm not going to sit on my hands for 6-12 more months to hope for a position to come through- I need (preferably relevant) experience and money while waiting for the market to improve. I have previous experience working in clinical research coordination and database construction, along with pre-existing disability advocacy/leadership experience.
I'm mainly curious to know:
- What positions have people taken in the interim prior to their first clinical GC role?
- Has anyone taken a role outside of the GC space and stuck with that for their career? (I've been looking into med/genetics sales, patient coordination, med admin support, things closer to social work that don't immediately need MSW)
- How did you market your genetic counseling background for a non-GC role effectively?
- What is in high demand in the SoCal market right now, sparing nursing/PA? I'd rather not go back to school again, but wouldn't mind picking up extra certs/skills for a position!