entering medical industry with EE degree?

Question

Hi Element14 lurkers, I am a freshman Electrical Engineer student at Arizona State University, I'm half way through my first semester with a 4.0, currently working as a web developer, and setting up internships. Originally I was planning on going into the defense industry and working with embedded systems, security and maybe even robotics throughout my career after graduation. But lately I have developed a great interest in biomedical engineering and so my question is:

If I minor in Biomedical engineering coupled with my EE major, what are the career options?

Any info on companies that are developing medical products that are more electronic than mechanical, or any other info would be great!

Thank you!

DAB · Accepted Answer

I am not sure if I qualify as a lurker, but I have done a fair amount of hiring young engineers to do a lot of different jobs. A biomedical background with a EE degree could give you some nice options. There are a lot of government and civilian companies who need engineers with medical background for building devices and for testing the effects of man portable systems before they go into deployment. Make sure that you have a solid background in systems engineering, software development and hardware/software integration. There is always a need for those skills. Given the intense interest in new medical devices, you might find a good fit with medical device developers. Beyond those needs, there is always a need for someone with a background in Human Factors engineering for all consumer oriented manufacturers and designers. The key thing you need to do is make sure that you really understand the material and can translate medical and engineering requirements into hardware and software terms. If you can do that one job, you should not find any problems finding employment after graduation. When I would interview candidates I looked for detailed knowledge of the basic engineer process and then I would look for someone with a passion to do engineering. Be confident, but not cocky, and most of all, stress that you are willing to work on whatever tasks are available. That will show the interviewer that you are willing to be a team player and like to work on diverse projects. They may not need your biomedical background, but as long as you are flexible, you can make a good impression and get in the door. After that, you can work to get on projects that peaks your interests. I hope this helps. DAB

DAB · Answer

Hi Luke, I am glad you found my advice useful. Unfortunately, the company I worked for made me corporate enemy number one when I was disabled in an accident on the job. Since I am still in litigation, I shall leave them anonymous. I will say, that after people saw how I was treated, most of the engineers I hired have since left the company. After all, if they treat a senior engineer badly, what would they do to junior and midlevel engineers. As a note of caution to everyone, if you get injured on the job, get a lawyer and do it quick. You will not find justice or compensation otherwise. DAB

Catwell · Answer

I do not want to discourage you, but it doesn't matter how you organize your degree. When it is hiring time, it comes down to experience. When you first start, your experience will be purely acedemic.

I recommend if you want to be in that particular field, get out of web design. Start interning and working in the field now, or you will have a long and miserable time getting a foothold in it.

Although I am a EE myself, minor in computer science, I was able to get jobs in the medical field based only on my experience I had in early internships and first jobs.

The was told countless times I need at least 1-2 years experience. The jobs I wanted, in robotics or defence like jobs were completely shut off from me for that reason. However, after getting about 5 years experience in a related field, I did land a defence job designing fuel pumps for UAVs.

Start of your focus now. Every company is looking for a superstar for whatever position they have, if you have no experience for the job you will not be any type of star to them.

Cabe

DAB · Answer

I concur with Cabe.

You should start now to try to get into an intership at a business while you are still in college. I would hire "Tech Aides" at my old job to get a good look at promising college students and used them on jobs where a beginner could be tested without putting a project at risk. The program worked very well and I encourage all companies to use this approach.

As a business, you get an inexpensive look at potential future hires. The student gets to demonstrate their skills and see if they want to continue in your line of business. It is a total win-win.

DAB

DAB · Answer

Hi Luke, Do some web searches on Medical Instruments. It is not my field, but I know there are several companies that specialize in these products. Then see if there is one near you. You might also look into any local companies that maintain or repair these types of instruments. They are usually always looking for technicians and you might be able to get in as a part time employee while you finish your education. Good Luck. DAB

Catwell · Answer

Luke, I hate to admit it, but you need incredible luck or have to know someone to get in on internships. Think about it, nation wide, how many engineering students are there? More than will graduate, more than there are jobs. I recommend setting yourself apart by attempting a project. Use merit to get you the job. It is the only way these days. How to use your resume in job hunting. Why you should not use your resume job hunting. Cabe http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14

entering medical industry with EE degree?

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