Each Genetics student enrolled in the freshman orientation class, GEN 110 taught by Dr. Lois Girton, is matched with an alumnus of the program who has embarked on a career path of interest to the student.  Alex Adams, a freshman from Milford, Iowa, is considering Genetic Counseling and interviewed Anne Heun, BS 2009, MS, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2012, CGC. Anne’s experiences in GEN 340, Human Genetics, convinced her to become a Genetic Counselor.  Anne is a dedicated Cyclone and was delighted to return to central Iowa after her graduate program to work in both prenatal, pediatric, and cancer genetics.

Anne had some advice for Alex:  “get involved in research, get some experience, do some job shadowing.” And some unsolicited advice too: “Don’t be afraid to take your time. I wish somebody would have told me it’s okay to take some time off.” Anne is a great resource person to have nearby for the many majors interested in Genetic Counseling and is a strong advocate for the Genetics degree program.

Other students interviewed alumni with research careers, veterinarians, medical students and doctors, physician’s assistants, dentists, PhD students, and professors.  Although much of the advice they received is similar to what they hear from their ISU professors and advisors, it is more meaningful when coming from someone who has recently completed the degree program.  And it is a great way for the program to maintain connections to its alumni.