Pre-Genetic Counseling Internship Program:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Internship Program is organized and led by Co-Founder, COO, and Director of Education, Rachel Baer, MSc, in partnership with Founder, CEO, and Lead Genetic Counselor, Andy McCarty, MS, CGC. Questions regarding the application and interviewing process can be directed toward Rachel Baer. Please review all FAQs below prior to reaching out.

NOTE: We are currently seeking funding for our internship program, but at this time, our internship program is an unpaid volunteer commitment that reciprocates support and guidance to facilitate the professional goals of our interns.

Eligibility Requirements:

Do I need to be a current student to apply?

All current and former students are welcome to apply! We understand that professional journeys are not always linear and do not require you to be a current student for our internship program.

What education do I need to apply?

Undergraduate students must be at a junior level or above

Biology and introductory genetics coursework must be completed

Graduated students with a BS / BA / MA / MS degrees must also meet core coursework requirements

Non-genetic counseling graduate students are also eligible

What academic skills must I have to be eligible?

Attestation to zero tolerance plagiarism policy

Proper APA/MLA citation and in-text citation skills

Fluency in communicating and comprehending American English

Location:

What time zone does the internship operate within?

Clover Genetics operates out of the Eastern Time Zone in the US, but we serve patients across the US and its territories. As a result, we contract genetic counselors, providers, interns, and volunteers across the country in various time zones. In general, team meetings and check-ins are scheduled during Eastern Time Zone business hours, but evening meetings and presentations are often scheduled for flexibility. Webinars and meetings are generally recorded to ensure those with time conflicts can still participate in the program to the fullest.

Are international interns eligible?

Due to logistical challenges and Clover Genetics’ bandwidth, we are only able to accept a limited number of international interns into our Pre-Genetic Counseling Program. Additionally, International Interns are only eligible for the Genomics Advocacy role.

Where is Clover Genetics office located?

Clover Genetics has an office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but operates remotely via telehealth services operated by staff across the country.

Availability Requirements:

How long does the internship last?

Spring or Fall Interns:

The cohort activities generally begin either in April or September, depending on need. Interns are required to participate for at least one academic semester. Those interested in the Genetic Counseling Assistant role are requested to commit to at least two academic semesters.

What are the weekly requirements for each internship role?

GCA Interns must commit a total average of 8 - 15 hours per week (2-5 hours for scheduled meetings, 2-5 hours for individual projects, 5 hours a week for clinical support).

Genomics Advocacy Interns must commit a total average of 5-10 hours per week (2-5 hours for scheduled meetings, 2-5 hours for indivisdual projects).

How are the hours tracked and why?

Volunteer hours are tracked on our free online time clock.

This is to comply with volunteer labor laws and other regulations.

Tracking hours volunteered is mandatory and will also act as a means to measure your adherance to the program requirements.

Application Process:

What do I need to prepare to apply?

You will need to submit an application once available.

Prepare to submit your resume or CV.

Prepare to submit one creative or academic writing sample.

Prepare to submit one original visual sample of educational content (an infographic, presentation, chart, flier, social media post, etc).

When are applications reviewed?

Applications are not currently being accepted.

Clinical Opportunities:

Will I have the opportunity to shadow?

All interns are invited to shadow based on their availability and role. Shadowing invitations are rotated through the interns until each has shadowed once before others begin their second round of shadowing.

How does a telehealth clinic operate?

We receive patient and provider inquiries via our virtual phone service and shared email inbox. The team collaborates to monitor our cases and respond appropriately. This is dependent on meticulous tracking and consistent, open communication.

What indications and specialties will I be exposed to?

Clover Genetics focuses on access to care, so we provide services to almost all indications across the country. The most frequent inquiries received are neurology, cancer, psychiatric, pharmacogenomics, connective tissue disorders, direct-to-consumer, and rare disease. The only patients we do not currently service are those currently pregnant and in need of potentially urgent services (this is due to our current bandwidth for urgent caseloads, but this may change in the future).

Project Selection:

How is my project selected?

You will be assigned a mutually agreed upon project to complete by the end of your internship, or another set deadline.

This will be discussed during your onboarding interview and based on your professional and personal interests.

What is the process of completing a project?

You will receive your project outline and overview, a deadline for your first draft, and an estimated timeline for the completion of the final project. Once a month during your check-in, you will discuss your progress and any support you need.

What are some examples of previous projects?

Previous projects include blogs, social media initiatives, brochures for patients or providers, presentations shared with the cohort, and other research.

Concluding Your Internship:

When do internships conclude?

Internships generally end either at the end of summer or end of the year. Each year, we re-start the cohort, but may offer continuing positions to previous interns.

What if I need to end my internship early

Employment, contracting, internship, and volunteer roles with Clover Genetics are all at will. This means that you can leave your role at any time for any purpose. We ask that you make all efforts to provide two weeks notice to prevent disruption to clinical care, but understand that some circumstances are unavoidable.

Will Clover Genetics end my internship prematurely?

As roles with Clover Genetics are at will, Clover Genetics may terminate your role at any time for any reason with or without notice. Clover Genetics will make all efforts to provide you with reasonable notice before ending an internship prematurely, but should you not meet the required time commitments, Clover Genetics may end your internship after attempting to mediate and find solutions that resolve the issue. Communication regarding any changes to your availability, or personal circumstances is the responsibility of each intern. We will work to accommodate leaves of absence when interns are direct and communicate as soon as the concern is established.

What are some reasons Clover Genetics would end my internship prematurely?

Failing to meet minimum average hours per week

Failing to log hours in our time management system

Missing required monthly meetings for 2+ consecutive months

Failing to communicate changes to your availability

Nonresponsiveness (responding to messages over 7 days from the original outreach without previously establishing being unavailable, excluding emergecies)

Consistently missing mutually agreed upon deadlines established within your contract

Citations of plagiarism or violation of our Values and Culture Policy

Genetic Counseling School Application Support:

What kind of professional development can I expect?

You will participate in pre-recorded and live-scheduled trainings, presentations, and discussion groups that will enhance your professional and academic skills as well as prepare you for the application, interviewing, and transitioning process as you move toward your goals as a genetic counselor.

What specific support will I receive during my preparation to apply for genetic counseling school?

Resume / CV Review and Feedback

Personal Statement Guidance, Support, and Revisions

Interview Practice and Coaching

Application Preparation and Support

Upper-Level Grammar, Spelling, Creative, and Scientific Writing Feedback

Professional Communications Training

Will I be eligible for a letter of recommendation?

Interns who demonstrate strong potential for success in graduate school that have completed their contracted / assigned projects may be eligible for letters of recommendation to genetic counseling school.

Learn more