NSGConnect

NSGConnect Spark!

This quarterly email is sent to NSGConnect members to inspire self-reflection and discussions with colleagues relating to professional development topics including leadership, self-care, research, and many more. As a member of NSGConnect, add your thoughts to the NSGConnect Discussion Forum and visit the NSGConnect community page to find out other ways you can engage with the program! You can also utilize the NSGConnect Library for additional resources. We welcome your feedback on these memos at wdinonno@natera.com or salma.nassef@bcm.edu.

Advancing Your Career

"Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it." - Katharine Whitehorn

TED Talk Spotlight

Ross Cunningham "How Motivation Drives Success"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvCwPyMZIB4

"Motivation is the single most important characteristic in achieving success". Ross Cunningham talks about trying something new and how his motivation and drive to succeed led him to cultivate a new skill and ultimately propelled him from the bottom of the pack to the top. Ross Cunningham discusses how motivation can set you apart from colleagues or competitors and put you on the path to achieving your goals.

Self-Reflection/Discussion

• What is a skill you've worked to develop? What motivated you to learn this skill, and what methods did you use to improve in this area?
• What is your favorite part about your work? What are ways that you can celebrate and honor this passion while moving yourself forward in your career?

What are some ways you may be motivated to advance your career? Consider some of the following:

1. Create or utilize a career ladder: 50% of genetic counselors who completed the 2020 Professional Status Survey either have a career ladder in their current position or ladder development is in progress. If you already have one at your job, what steps do you need to take to reach the next level? If there is not one in place, what steps could you take to set one up?

2. Pursue additional education: Educating yourself can come in many forms; it can be as informal as listening to a new podcast or as formal as pursing an additional degree or certification. What have you always wanted to learn more about, and what would motivate you to take that next step to get started?

3. Explore a new position or role: Have you always wanted to start a specialty clinic or new service at your office? Is there a volunteer position that's been calling your name? Perhaps you're interested in a faculty role? Or maybe you've been wondering what it's like to work in a position completely different from your own. What's next for you in your career? What connections or resources can help you get there?

Additional Resources

• NSGC Online Course: Career Advancement and Professional Development: Finding, Creating, and Cultivating Opportunities
• NSGC Podcast: GCs in Academia: When is a PhD that right path? (June 2020 episode)
• Book: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/

Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she's showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead.

This quarter's SPARK! Memo brought to you by Michelle Jacobs with the editing help of Karen Corneliussen and Wendy DiNonno.