"...[With the Master of Genetic Counselling], I am able to utilise my technical background in genetics and science. I really like how well-structured my course and subjects are. The curriculum is very innovative and the tutorials are very interactive."
Sowmya started the Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Melbourne in 2019, after completing a Bachelor of Technology in Genetic Engineering at SRM University in Chennai, India.
“Genetic counselling helps telecast my character of communicating and connecting with people, while I am able to utilise my technical background in genetics and science.”
The Master of Genetic Counselling is a highly specialised course and the University of Melbourne offers one of the very few established courses in the world.
“The worldwide reputation and ranking made me want to choose the University of Melbourne as my study destination for my Masters. I really like how well-structured my course and subjects are. The curriculum is very innovative and the tutorials are very interactive.”
Globally, opportunities in health are on the rise. Looking at the Australian health sector specifically, the number of jobs in Healthcare and Social Assistance are expected to grow by 14.9 per cent by 2023.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Labour Force Survey (May 2018), this could potentially lead to 250,000 new jobs being created.
Sowmya notes a key difference between the Australian and Indian health sector:
“The Australian health sector functions more on evidence-based practices, while the Indian sector utilises traditional methods.”
The Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Melbourne will provide Sowmya with practical experience in the Australian health sector.
“As part of my course I need to complete three clinical placements, which will be helpful in understanding the Australian healthcare system better.”
After completing the Master of Genetic Counselling, Sowmya intends to practice as a clinical genetic counsellor.
“Touching the lives of people positively is my ultimate goal. The journey I underwent to get into the Master of Genetic Counselling course drives me to push hard.”