What are the best professional networking groups for a genetic counselor?

If you're a genetic counselor, I’d prioritize professional groups that give you a mix of peer networking, specialty expertise, leadership opportunities, and connections outside genetic counseling.

Best professional networking groups

1. nsgc.org — Best overall

• The primary professional home for genetic counselors in the U.S.
• Particularly valuable for SIGs (Special Interest Groups), committees, advocacy, continuing education, and leadership.
• NSGC says it has thousands of members and specifically emphasizes career growth and professional networking.
• Best for: virtually any genetic counselor, especially early- to mid-career professionals.

2. NSGC state/regional chapters — Best for local networking

• These can be even more useful than national groups for finding jobs, mentors, collaborators, speakers, and informal peer relationships.
• NSGC currently lists officially chartered chapters including the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors, Pennsylvania Association of Genetic Counselors, Florida Association of Genetic Counselors, and others.
• Best for: building a network where you actually live and work.

3. ashg.org — Best for research/genomics

• Excellent if you're interested in research, genomics, academia, laboratory medicine, computational genomics, or translational science.
• Its membership spans researchers, clinicians, laboratory professionals, genetic counselors, and others in human genetics.
• Best for: expanding your network beyond traditional genetic counseling.

4. acmg.net — Best for clinical genetics

• Particularly useful for counselors working closely with medical geneticists, rare disease teams, metabolic genetics, pediatric genetics, and genomic medicine.
• It's also a strong venue for interdisciplinary connections.

5. Specialty-specific professional societies — Best for niche expertise Depending on your practice area, consider the major organization for the clinicians you work alongside:

• Cancer:
• Obstetrics/prenatal:
• Rare disease:
• Laboratory/genomic testing: ASHG and ACMG are particularly useful.

The National Cancer Institute specifically identifies NSGC, ACMG, ASCO, ACOG and other organizations as important professional organizations in cancer genetics and genetic counseling.

If your goal is career advancement

I'd use a 3-layer networking strategy:

• NSGC + an NSGC SIG → your core genetic-counseling network.
• Your state/regional GC organization → local relationships and opportunities.
• One specialty organization outside GC → visibility with physicians, researchers, industry, or other healthcare professionals.

The third piece is particularly powerful. You don't want your entire professional network to consist of people who have the exact same job as you.

If you're in Texas, the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (TSGC) is especially worth joining alongside NSGC. NSGC officially recognizes TSGC as a state chapter, and TSGC provides professional links and resources connecting counselors with organizations such as ACMG and ASHG.

If you tell me your specialty (e.g., cancer, prenatal, pediatrics, rare disease, laboratory, industry) and whether you're early-, mid-, or late-career, I can narrow this to the 5 highest-value groups for your specific career goals.

For genetic counselors, professional networking spans national organizations, specialized identity or advocacy networks, and local/regional chapters.

The primary and most impactful professional networking groups and associations for genetic counselors include:

- **Overview:** The [NSGC](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESOAHrOzAVQ7WmlF2sxK4zUcs-AtlocqXjKg2ETfCgbJSGeDvvZ2Y8-Jl-POVZD5xBY9AA3sdPQTrE) is the preeminent and largest professional membership organization for genetic counselors in the United States.
- **Networking Value:** It offers a massive directory, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) focused on various clinical specialties (like cancer, prenatal, cardiovascular, and psychiatric genetics), annual conferences, and leadership development programs.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESOAHrOzAVQ7WmlF2sxK4zUcs-AtlocqXjKg2ETfCgbJSGeDvvZ2Y8-Jl-POVZD5xBY9AA3sdPQTrE) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESOAHrOzAVQ7WmlF2sxK4zUcs-AtlocqXjKg2ETfCgbJSGeDvvZ2Y8-Jl-POVZD5xBY9AA3sdPQTrE)

- **Overview:** A collaborative network and mentorship initiative designed for racial and ethnic minority genetic professionals, including genetic counselors, medical geneticists, and nurses.
- **Networking Value:** Provides private discussion forums, a dedicated mentorship matching program for professionals and students, and support tailored to underrepresented groups in the genomics workforce. You can check out more details via the [Minority Genetic Professionals Network Mentoring](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESPQHrOzAVqbzEj6SGpodppY8iSrZHn3bUSEfbZ5Bp3Htigy7n5-4PEE7nepl3eTAW_6WqVtyUqJ_pNFwYTME) hub.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESPQHrOzAVqbzEj6SGpodppY8iSrZHn3bUSEfbZ5Bp3Htigy7n5-4PEE7nepl3eTAW_6WqVtyUqJ_pNFwYTME) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESPQHrOzAVqbzEj6SGpodppY8iSrZHn3bUSEfbZ5Bp3Htigy7n5-4PEE7nepl3eTAW_6WqVtyUqJ_pNFwYTME)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESTgHrOzAV2wu91SxtovWaDUNjElN4OYvFA3bTGmyH2MHUafHatW9YLfdceqAC2Q6OJS2yOoZgepBJfHBGji_OysMWMgPXY5A_oPx9XafGZg)

- **Overview:** Formerly known as the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors, the [Genetic Counselor Educators Association](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESOQHrOzAV1Fc6pVcM9TAU8aRKy5ZcG8PJdP8e-Ha8tw4UFEUdQE-vHpbC6Qd7ARLLTDqhZnyNBrRdWg) focuses on graduate-level education professionals.
- **Networking Value:** Ideal if you are involved in or looking to transition into academia, clinical supervision, or program administration. It centers on resource-sharing, defining educational best practices, and building community among clinical trainers and faculty.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESOQHrOzAV1Fc6pVcM9TAU8aRKy5ZcG8PJdP8e-Ha8tw4UFEUdQE-vHpbC6Qd7ARLLTDqhZnyNBrRdWg) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESOQHrOzAV1Fc6pVcM9TAU8aRKy5ZcG8PJdP8e-Ha8tw4UFEUdQE-vHpbC6Qd7ARLLTDqhZnyNBrRdWg)

- **Overview:** State or regional groups (such as the *Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors*, *Wisconsin Genetic Counselors Association* , or regional equivalents across North America).
- **Networking Value:** These localized groups are fantastic for state-specific licensure advocacy, regional job boards, face-to-face meetups, and earning continuing education units (CEUs) close to home. The [Elsie Support Center Directory](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbwHrOzAVHwVLy82Aku6tBelIZ86jOpL1LZBY5OAymzZ2SXRyQelhUSc8hxDxrZF2MnVU6sLbGE8M87vDkLqQsUpeN15vilqaqoxhC-S9VNp7Vxefi4wBUrc80JDlyqSwCWaCtW4JaKyKiUT_P3OwYQ) maintains a helpful reference list of regional chapters.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbwHrOzAVHwVLy82Aku6tBelIZ86jOpL1LZBY5OAymzZ2SXRyQelhUSc8hxDxrZF2MnVU6sLbGE8M87vDkLqQsUpeN15vilqaqoxhC-S9VNp7Vxefi4wBUrc80JDlyqSwCWaCtW4JaKyKiUT_P3OwYQ) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbwHrOzAVHwVLy82Aku6tBelIZ86jOpL1LZBY5OAymzZ2SXRyQelhUSc8hxDxrZF2MnVU6sLbGE8M87vDkLqQsUpeN15vilqaqoxhC-S9VNp7Vxefi4wBUrc80JDlyqSwCWaCtW4JaKyKiUT_P3OwYQ)

- **Overview:** Broader multidisciplinary professional homes for genetics and genomics fields.
- **Networking Value:** Joining ACMG or ASHG allows genetic counselors to cross-network with clinical geneticists, laboratory directors, and research scientists, fostering cross-disciplinary research and clinical collaborations.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESZgHrOzAVcX20-JM8D1sucLr1VldYUXPW8rMm6ZoNEFI4ocUK5QosHTnQVTVKxHvkaKT0ESWkELBVHGTpuOsuXc1DM2myP_lJiKvFGmsc-2ndLnAMNUn9St25R97teQnOhY1znpqUwA) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESZgHrOzAVcX20-JM8D1sucLr1VldYUXPW8rMm6ZoNEFI4ocUK5QosHTnQVTVKxHvkaKT0ESWkELBVHGTpuOsuXc1DM2myP_lJiKvFGmsc-2ndLnAMNUn9St25R97teQnOhY1znpqUwA)

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

• Are you looking for a local state chapter?
• Are you interested in a specific clinical specialty (like cancer or prenatal)?
• Are you trying to connect for student mentorship or career advancement?

Here are the top professional organizations, societies, and networking groups for genetic counselors:

• National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC): The primary national home and leading professional association for genetic counselors in the United States, offering massive networking, mentorship programs, and annual conferences via NSGC.
• American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG): An organization bringing together medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and other specialists, providing great cross-discipline networking through ACMG.
• American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG): A premier scientific membership organization for human genetics research professionals and clinicians, ideal for research-focused networking via ASHG.
• Minority Genetic Professionals Network (MGPN): A specialized network dedicated to supporting, connecting, and empowering minority genetics professionals, accessible via Minority Genetic Professionals Network.
• Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA): Focused specifically on networking, collaboration, and professional development for those involved in genetic counseling training and education via GCEA.
• Regional and State-Level Societies: Local chapters (such as regional or state genetic counselor associations) offer intimate, localized networking, CEUs, and state-specific advocacy. You can find a comprehensive directory via the Elsie Support Center Guide.

Would you like to focus on local/state groups in a specific region, or are you looking for specialty interest groups (like cancer, prenatal, or lab-based)?

If you're a genetic counselor looking to build a strong professional network, I'd prioritize groups that give you repeated access to peers, mentors, employers, and adjacent healthcare/genomics professionals.

Best networking groups

1. National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) — best overall

• This is the central professional organization for genetic counselors in the U.S., with a network of 5,000+ genetic counselors and professionals.
• Its Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are particularly valuable because they let you network around a specific specialty or career path—cancer, cardiovascular genetics, prenatal, research, laboratory/industry, precision medicine, leadership, etc.
• NSGConnect is specifically designed for mentoring and career connections across specialties and career stages.
• Best for: mentorship, job opportunities, career advancement, finding collaborators, and staying connected to the profession.

nsgc.org 2. NSGC Special Interest Groups (SIGs) — probably the highest ROI Rather than joining every organization you can find, I'd pick 1–2 SIGs aligned with where you want your career to go. Current groups include Cancer, Cardiovascular Genetics, Genomic Technologies, Laboratory/Industry, Precision Medicine, Research, Leadership & Management, Primary Care, Prenatal, Neurogenetics, and others.

The Laboratory/Industry SIG, for example, explicitly focuses on networking, idea-sharing, education, collaboration, and relationships among counselors working with testing companies and laboratories. NSGC 3. NSGC state/regional groups These can be even better than national organizations for actually meeting people in person. NSGC has officially chartered state chapters, and there are also independent regional organizations.

If you're in Southern California, for example, Southern California Genetic Counselors (SCGC) offers professional development, an annual educational conference, referral networking, and opportunities to increase the visibility of genetic counselors locally.

socalgc.org 4. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) ACMG is useful if you want to expand beyond the genetic-counselor community and build relationships with medical geneticists, laboratory geneticists, researchers, and other genomics professionals. ACMG specifically promotes collaboration and career development in medical genetics and genomics.

This is particularly valuable if you're interested in clinical genetics, rare disease, genomics, laboratory medicine, or research. 5. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) — excellent for reproductive genetics If your work is in fertility, prenatal genetics, reproductive endocrinology, or preimplantation genetics, ASRM's Genetic Counseling Professional Group (GCPG) is worth joining. It has 100+ members and specifically provides a professional home for genetic counselors within reproductive medicine.

My recommendation

I'd use a three-layer networking strategy:

• National: NSGC + one relevant SIG
• Local: your state/regional genetic counselor organization
• Adjacent specialty: ACMG, ASRM, oncology, laboratory/genomics, etc., depending on your career direction

And don't underestimate the SIGs. NSGC explicitly describes them as a way to expand your career network, develop leadership skills, and connect with people in your specialty.

If you tell me your area of genetic counseling (e.g., cancer, prenatal, pediatrics, rare disease, industry, research, or telehealth) and whether you're early-, mid-, or late-career, I can narrow this to the 5 highest-value groups and conferences for your specific career goals.

For a genetic counselor, the strongest professional networking groups tend to be those that connect you with other genetic counselors, medical genetics teams, researchers, industry partners, and emerging genomics opportunities. Here are some of the most valuable options:

Particularly useful networking strategies for genetic counselors

• Join NSGC and at least one SIG aligned with your career goals (for example, cancer, prenatal, pediatrics, laboratory/industry, or leadership).
• Attend conferences, especially NSGC’s annual conference and genetics-focused meetings through ACMG or ASHG.
• Use mentorship programs and informational interviews—NSGC’s NSGConnect platform is designed to support connections across career stages.
• Volunteer for committees or projects; professional service is often where long-term collaborations and leadership opportunities develop.

If you are a student, new graduate, clinical counselor, industry genetic counselor, or someone transitioning into genomics/biotech, the “best” networking groups can differ quite a bit.

Here are top web results for exploring this topic:

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) (.gov)·https://www.genome.gov**Genetics Professional Groups** Online - Genome.gov Genetics Professional Groups Online. American Board of Genetic Counseling www.abgc.net/ABGC/AmericanBoardofGeneticCounselors.asp · www.abgc.net/ABGC/AmericanBoardofGeneticCounselors.asp. Information a NSGC·https://www.nsgc.org NSGC Professional Status Survey · Genetic Counseling Literature Repository · Perspectives in Genetic Counseling · Journal of Genetic Counseling · Expert Media Panel · Practice Guidelines & Practice Resourc help.meetelsie.com·https://help.meetelsie.com/article/68/genetic-counseling-professional-groups**Genetic Counseling Professional Groups** - Elsie Support Center Genetic Counseling Professional Groups. Find genetic counseling professional associations and societies in your area. By Jo Becerra October 3, 2024. Being a part of your local genetic counseling group Genetic Counselor Educators Association·https://educategc.org Resources - Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA)Professional Organizations. National Society of Genetic Counselors The national membership organization representing the Genetic Counseling profession. · Professional Organizations. National Society o Alliance for Genomic Justice·https://allianceforgenomicjustice.org Related Initiatives - Alliance for Genomic Justice The Latin American Professional Society of Genetic Counseling is a collaborative community of genetic professionals motivated to expand knowledge and access to genetic counseling services in Latin Ame Texas Society of Genetic Counselors·https://www.tsgc.org**Professional** Links — TSGC - Texas Society of Genetic Counselors Professional Links. American Board of Genetic Counseling. The American Board of Genetic Counseling is the credentialing organization for the genetic counseling profession in the United States and Cana ASHG·https://www.ashg.org**Genetics** Engagement & Education Network - ASHG Genetics Engagement & Education Network. Genetics Engagement and Education Network Logo The Genetics Engagement & Education Network is a place where the public can connect with ASHG members about huma NSGC·https://www.nsgc.org International Genetic Counseling Organization Directory - NSGC 33 Locations · Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. info@gceducationorg USA/Canada. null miles away · African Genetic Counsellors Association. GeneticCounselAfrica@gmailcom Africa. null miles TrakGene·https://www.trakgene.com 10 Essential Genetic Counseling Centers for Professionals in 2026 The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) serves as a leading organization dedicated to advancing the field of hereditary advising. It provides essential resources, advocacy, and continuous ed YouTube·https://www.youtube.com North American Genetic Counseling Organizations DEIJ ... - YouTube On October 10, 2024, representatives from the North American Genetic Counseling Organizations (NAGCO) hosted a webinar to share more about the organizations' collaborative efforts around Diversity, Eq

If you’re a genetic counselor, I’d prioritize organizations that give you both peer relationships and career opportunities, rather than simply adding lots of memberships.

Best networking options

1. National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) — best overall

   • The main professional network for genetic counselors in the U.S.
   • Particularly valuable for its Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which connect counselors by specialty, practice setting, and career interests. Current SIGs include cancer, cardiovascular genetics, laboratory/industry, primary care, research, leadership/management, prenatal, neurogenetics, and many others.
   • NSGConnect offers structured mentor/mentee relationships across career stages and specialties.
   • My pick: Join NSGC, then become active in 1–2 SIGs rather than just paying dues.

2. NSGC Laboratory/Industry SIG — best for biotech, pharma, diagnostics, and startups

   • Especially useful if you're interested in genetic testing companies, clinical genomics, test utilization, product development, medical affairs, or moving out of traditional clinical practice.
   • The group specifically emphasizes networking, education, collaboration, and career development in lab/industry settings.

3. NSGC Leadership & Management SIG — best for career advancement

   • A strong choice if you're pursuing management, program leadership, clinical operations, or eventually a director-level role.
   • NSGC has SIGs specifically designed to facilitate professional relationships and leadership development.

4. Transnational Alliance for Genetic Counseling (TAGC) — best for international networking

   • Good if you want relationships with genetic counselors working outside the U.S., are interested in global genetic counseling, or want to contribute to development of the profession internationally.
   • TAGC is one of the international organizations identified in the current global genetic-counseling landscape.

5. Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) — best if you're in Canada

   • Provides a national professional community, member directory/listserv, continuing education, job information, and conferences.
   • CAGC also points members toward provincial organizations, which can be particularly useful for local networking.

6. Regional/provincial genetic-counseling groups — best for actually meeting people locally

   • These can be surprisingly valuable for referrals, job leads, mentorship, and informal peer support.
   • NSGC's international directory, updated in May 2026, is a useful way to identify genetic-counseling organizations worldwide.

If your goal is specifically career networking

I'd rank them:

NSGC + one relevant SIG → NSGConnect mentor → local/regional GC group → specialty-specific medical/genetics society → international organization (if relevant).

And don't overlook adjacent professional societies. If you're a cancer genetic counselor, for example, networking with oncology professionals can be just as valuable as networking exclusively with other GCs. The same applies to cardiology, reproductive medicine, pediatrics, rare disease, laboratory medicine, or primary care.

If you tell me your career stage (student/new grad/mid-career/senior) and area of genetic counseling (cancer, prenatal, pediatrics, lab/industry, etc.), I can narrow this to the 5 groups most likely to produce useful connections and job opportunities for you.

For a genetic counselor, networking happens across national, regional, and specialized clinical communities. The most impactful professional networking groups and organizations to join include the following:

National and International Organizations

• National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC): The preeminent organization for the profession in North America. Joining gives you access to NSGCommunities (their online discussion forums), the NSGConnect mentorship program, and major annual conferences that serve as the biggest networking hubs of the year.
• Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC): The primary professional organization representing genetic counselors across Canada, offering localized conferences, professional guidelines, and active peer networks.
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs) via NSGC: Rather than just a broad network, you can drill down into niche specialties through NSGC’s active SIGs, which host their own sub-networks, webinars, and projects. Popular groups include Cancer, Cardiovascular Genetics, Laboratory/Industry, Prenatal Counseling, and the Student/New Grad SIG.
• Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA): Ideal if you are in academia, supervise students, or work closely with training programs and educational research.

Regional and Local Chapters

• NSGC State and Regional Chapters: Most U.S. states or regions (such as the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors, Southern California Genetic Counselors, or the Maryland and DC Society of Genetic Counselors) have their own local chapters. These are fantastic for hyper-local job leads, regional licensure advocacy, and intimate networking dinners or regional symposia.

Cross-Disciplinary and Advocacy Networks

• American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG): A massive international membership organization uniting researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals, offering broad exposure to cutting-edge genomic science outside of pure counseling circles.
• Minority Genetic Professionals Network (MGPN): Designed to support and connect underrepresented racial and ethnic minority professionals and trainees in medical genetics, fostering dedicated mentorship and community spaces.
• Genetic Counseling Professional Group (GCPG) of the ASRM: Formerly a special interest group under the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, this group connects genetic counselors working specifically in fertility, assisted reproduction, and embryology.

Perspectives on Community

“NSGC connects you with thousands of peers who understand the clinical, ethical, scientific and professional challenges you face, and share your commitment to excellence. You don't have to explain your profession here — everyone already gets it.”

“Membership connects you to a nationwide (and global!) network of genetic counselors who understand your work and your challenges. As a member, you can: Engage with peers through discussion forums within NSGCommunities and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)...”

Are you looking to connect with a specific clinical specialty (like prenatal or cancer), or are you more interested in local/state chapters near you?

For genetic counselors, professional networking spans national organizations, specialty focus tracks, regional bodies, and diversity-driven advocacy communities.

National and International Organizations

• National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) : The National Society of Genetic Counselors is the premier home and leading voice for the profession. Joining gives you access to NSGCommunities, a vast directory, continuing education, and targeted sub-networks.
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs) via NSGC : NSGC hosts active specialty sub-groups (such as Cancer, Cardiovascular, Neurogenetics, Laboratory/Industry, and Prenatal) that offer dedicated discussion forums and collaboration spaces.
• Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) : For professionals in Canada or those with cross-border practices, the CAGC provides distinct national networking, conferences, and peer connection.
• Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA) : The Genetic Counselor Educators Association focuses on clinical supervisors, program directors, and faculty involved in training the next generation of counselors.

Specialty and Multidisciplinary Groups

• Genetic Counseling Professional Group (GCPG) of ASRM : If you practice or have research interests in reproductive medicine or fertility, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine features a dedicated GCPG tailored explicitly to reproductive genetic counselors.
• American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) : While broader than just counseling, joining ASHG connects clinical and research genetic counselors with lab directors, clinical geneticists, and basic scientists through initiatives like the Genetics Engagement & Education Network.

Regional and State Chapters

• State and Local Societies : Local chapters (such as the Wisconsin Genetic Counselors Association, Georgia Association of Genetic Counselors , or the Maryland and DC Society of Genetic Counselors ) run state-specific listservs, localized CEU events, and regional socials. They are often the best route for immediate, face-to-acional peer support and state licensure advocacy.

Diversity and Mentorship Networks

• Minority Genetic Professionals Network (MGPN) : Designed to support and connect genetic and genomic professionals from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Black in Genetics : A national network building community, mentorship, and professional visibility for Black genetic and genomic professionals.
• GOLDEN Project : The GOLDEN Project (Genetics Opportunities, Learning, Development, and Empowerment Network) focuses heavily on mentorship, guidance for prospective students, and community building.

Are you looking to network within a specific clinical specialty (like oncology or prenatal) or are you searching for local state-level chapters in your area?

If you’re a genetic counselor, I’d prioritize networking groups based on what you want from networking—peer mentorship, job opportunities, research collaborators, industry connections, or leadership.

Best overall: NSGC

National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) is by far the most important professional network for U.S.-based genetic counselors. It has 5,000+ genetic counselors and related professionals and provides professional networking, education, advocacy, and career resources.

The particularly valuable pieces are:

• NSGCommunities — ongoing peer-to-peer discussions and connections.
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs) — probably the best way to make targeted connections rather than simply meeting people at a large conference. SIGs cover areas including cancer, cardiovascular genetics, genomic technologies, laboratory/industry, precision medicine, research, leadership, prenatal, neurogenetics, and more.
• NSGConnect — designed specifically for career development, mentorship, networking and connecting GCs across specialties and career stages.
• State chapters — useful for developing a local network and getting involved in advocacy.

Other groups worth considering

If you're looking for career advancement, I'd rank them:

1. NSGC SIG + NSGConnect → best GC-to-GC networking
2. NSGC annual conference → broadest professional network
3. A specialty-specific organization/conference → best for becoming known within your niche
4. ACMG/ASHG → best for expanding beyond the GC profession
5. Patient/rare-disease organizations → excellent for advocacy and cross-sector relationships

One underappreciated strategy is to join one NSGC SIG that matches your current specialty and one that matches where you want your career to go. For example, someone interested in moving from clinical counseling into biotech could pair a clinical SIG with the Laboratory/Industry or Genomic Technologies SIG. NSGC specifically describes its SIGs as a way to expand your career network and develop leadership skills.

If you tell me what kind of genetic counseling you do (e.g., cancer, prenatal, pediatrics, rare disease, industry, research) and whether you're looking for jobs, mentorship, or leadership, I can narrow this down to the 5–10 highest-value groups and conferences for your specific career path.