Biomedical Engineer Career Plan

Some highly educated engineers design bridges; others design hearing aids and medical equipment. If you want to design on the medical team, you’ll likely want to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. The best opportunities are typically found at the graduate level, so it’s good to begin early!

1. Take an advanced college prep curriculum that’s rich in math, science, and computer courses. You will learn very specialized computer programs like data manipulation and design later; it’s good to build a foundation with the more basic programs now. (Think Microsoft.) Also take mechanical drawing and general engineering courses if they’re available. These courses will also give you a better idea of whether or not this is a path you’d like to pursue.

2. Find an opportunity to shadow a professional. The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is one resource you can use to begin your search.

   Once you feel confident of your goals and can articulate them, you can look for internships in biomedical engineering or related fields. There are a surprising number open to high school students. Examples include the Medical College of Wisconsin Research Opportunity for Academic Development in Science and the Pittsburg Tissue Engineering Initiative High School Summer Internship. There are also general engineering internships like the Idaho Engineering and Environmental Laboratory.

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3. Research biomedical engineering schools. There are programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. At the higher levels, you may be involved in the creation of ground breaking new designs. It is indeed possible to get a PhD in biomedical engineering. (If you think you want to take your education to this level, your undergraduate degree doesn’t necessarily have to be in biomedical engineering, but it should be in a related field.)

4. Continue to seek out work experiences. There are far more opportunities at the university level, and they will be more closely related to your career goals. Engineering World Health is one site to explore; this organization places biomedical engineering students in third world nations as part of the Summer Institute.

5. You may wish to join a professional organization like the BMES. Student memberships are relatively inexpensive, and there are leadership opportunities which can help you build your resume.

6. Now it’s time for a position. Your professional connections are a source of job leads. You can also search for jobs on the BMES site.

Personality Traits: Biomedical engineers are precise and analytical. They have ability in science and drafting, and can communicate well.