SYCL—AACC’s Society for Young Clinical Laboratorians—sets the pace for clinical laboratorians to develop professionally with a clutch of valuable networking and programmatic offerings. All AACC members younger than age 40, as well as Trainee members, automatically are enrolled in this dynamic community. From there, the full menu of SYCL activities is theirs for the taking.
The SYCL Forum on AACC Artery—the association’s private online community—offers an easy and efficient way to connect with colleagues across the globe for career and practice-related questions.
SYCL 360—a series of informative short videos that address career topics—is available for on-demand viewing. The latest features SYCL leaders discussing tips for job interviewing.
SYCL members also have compiled an extensive list of career guidance resources, and have highlighted the careers of clinical laboratorians who have taken a special interest in mentoring early-career professionals. A pilot mentoring program launched in 2016 is expected to be continued in 2017. This new initiative aims to connect more experienced AACC laboratory professionals with SYCL members to assist the latter in establishing and developing professional relationships, expanding and deepening their peer networks, and developing and strengthening leadership skills, among other career development actions.
In addition to these online resources, SYCL sponsors several face-to-face opportunities for networking and education. Each year at the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting, SYCL sponsors a highly anticipated workshop the Saturday before the official start of the meeting. Recent workshops have addressed information technology in laboratory medicine and essential communication skills for clinical laboratorians. Planning for the 2017 workshop is underway, and CLN Stat will publish more details as they become available.
Following the workshop, an evening of relaxed networking ensues at the annual SYCL Mixer. SYCL also co-sponsors at each AACC Annual Scientific Meeting a joint networking and awards mixer in collaboration with the American Board of Clinical Chemistry.
SYCL members direct the group’s activities, and they welcome all members’ participation. SYCL members liaison with the editors of Clinical Chemistry and the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine to identify SYCL member contributors to these publications. SYCL members also develop content for AACC Annual Scientific Meeting sessions as well as AACC webinars offered through the year. In addition, SYCL also recognizes career achievements and supports career development through several awards.
With these opportunities and more awaiting, start your journey with SYCL today and take the next steps for a successful and satisfying clinical laboratory career.