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Genetic Counselors in Startup Companies: Redefining the Genetic Counselor Role
Author(s) -
Rabideau Marina M.,
Wong Kenny,
Gordon Erynn S.,
Ryan Lauren
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/s10897-015-9923-8
Subject(s) - flexibility (engineering) , equity (law) , business , set (abstract data type) , financial compensation , compensation (psychology) , stock options , marketing , finance , psychology , management , computer science , economics , political science , psychoanalysis , law , programming language
Abstract Genetic counselors (GCs) have recently begun moving into non‐clinic based roles in increasing numbers. A relatively new role for GCs is working for startup companies. Startups are newly established companies in the phase of developing and researching new scalable businesses. This article explores the experiences of four GCs working at different startup companies and aims to provide resources for GCs interested in learning more about these types of roles. The article describes startup culture, including a relatively flat organizational structure, quick product iterations, and flexibility, among other unique cultural characteristics. Financial considerations are described, including how to understand and evaluate a company's financial status, along with a brief explanation of alternate forms of compensation including stock options and equity. Specifically, the article details the uncertainties and rewards of working in a fast‐paced startup environment that affords opportunities to try new roles and use the genetic counseling skill set in new ways. This article aims to aid GCs in determining whether a startup environment would be a good fit, learning how to evaluate a specific startup, and understanding how to market themselves for positions at startups.