In celebration of the one-year anniversary of NSGConnect, we showcase the numerous ways this platform can help you connect with fellow genetic counselors, develop your career, and enrich the field of genetic counseling.
Connect
NSGConnect strives to promote a professional and social platform to connect members across all career stages, positions, and specialties in networking, career development, and exploring new roles. Through this community, you have the flexibility to connect with a variety of genetic counselors. These connections can range from the traditional 1:1 mentee/mentor relationship to a one-time conversation when you need advice. Do you want to find someone to help you with a journal article submission? Perhaps you are looking for guidance on how to apply for a faculty promotion. Or maybe you want to expand your clinic referral network but are unsure of how to market yourself. NSGConnect is the perfect forum!
Tutorial micro-videos, 45 to 90 seconds in length, reside on the NSGConnect landing page to assist new members with how to:
- Make a profile
- Choose a mentee/mentor
- Utilize the discussion forum, events, and shared files on the site
The mentee/mentor team of Bailey Hulswit, MS, CGC and Monique Lubaton, MGC, CGC share their thoughts on their NSGConnect experience:
“I reached out to find a mentor after starting my first job as a genetic counselor. After completing the survey to find a matching mentor, I reached out to Monique, who is a cancer genetic counselor in Maryland. There is a very limited chance I would have met Monique otherwise. I have so appreciated having an experienced genetic counselor who I can touch base with regarding questions and concerns that I may not feel comfortable asking someone within my own health system. Monique has been there as I navigated my first performance evaluation, research opportunities, and various unexpected situations that have arisen... I am so grateful to have this opportunity!” – Bailey Hulswit, MS, CGC
“Being a mentor has been a joy, and I am so grateful for our connection. I can honestly say that while, officially, I may be the mentor, this relationship has mentored me as well. Bailey’s hurdles, achievements, and insights remind me to practice what I preach.” – Monique Lubaton, MGC, CGC
Develop
NSGConnect also provides resources for individual professional development. Spark! is a monthly memo sent to NSGConnect members to inspire self-reflection and ignite discussions with colleagues relating to professional development topics such as leadership, self-care, and research. The format includes:
- A summary and link to a relevant TEDtalk
- Self-reflection/discussion questions
- Key points to consider
- Additional resources, including links to applicable podcasts, books, and articles
As a member of NSGConnect, add your thoughts to the NSGConnect discussion forum. Share a link to a podcast that was not previously suggested. Speak up about an issue of Spark! that resonated with you. Start a thread to discuss your thoughts on a proposed book selection.
Along with the discussion forum is a library of resources on writing a CV, time management, and goal-setting. Topics are wide-ranging to apply to genetic counselors at various points in their careers, and suggestions on additional resources are always welcome.
Connections can range from a 1:1 mentee/mentor relationship to a one-time conversation.
Enrich
In line with the 2019-2021 NSGC Strategic Plan, members of NSGConnect are actively collaborating with the Culture Competency Subcommittee and Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. The goal is to increase the number of questions on the mentee/mentor questionnaire to bolster underrepresented populations, thus allowing members to connect with mentors and mentees based on shared sexual, gender, racial, and ethnic identity.
In September 2019, NSGConnect members, Jeannine Austin, Lindsey Byrne, and Leslie Bucheit presented “Elevate Yourself and Others: Insights and Best Practices of Mentor Relationships,” revealing supportive resources used in effective mentorship relationships and illustrating the benefits of being a mentor and mentee. In this digital age, NSGConnect has made it easy to make an initial connection to both broaden and deepen NSGC member engagement. Connect with your fellow genetic counselors, develop your career, and enrich the field of genetic counseling.
Shannon Wieloch, MS, CGC works as a remote genetic counselor at Mayo Clinic. She's held leadership roles in education, research, marketing, product and social media development, and mentorship.