EBME Forums Forums Management Recruitment Graduate Biomedical Engineer

Hi All
I've recently with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and a taught Master's in Mechanical engineering. I am hoping for some advice on what my next step should be. I'm finshed with the study side of things and would love to get a job. However at the moment I'm stuck with a catch 22 with my lack of experience and all posted jobs demanding experience. As for the job roles id be interested in, I like aspects such as design, validation, but i really wouldnt rule anything out. I'm looking for jobs in Ireland at the moment as I'm located here. However i feel that after christmas I will search further afield. I have no problem in relocation, no matter how far. I just like to know if there are any employer's out there that can look beyond my lack of experience, and see that I have a lot to offer.
Thanks

Welcome to the forum, Martin.

Yes ... we've heard a lot about that particular Catch-22 lately. Personally (and if you don't mind me saying), I believe that the route you (and others) have taken is ill-advised. Far better, I would have thought, to get a bit of "vocational" training (does it still exist?) in the first place, then get out in the workplace for a while. And then later on, if you're still so inclined, "go back" for some "higher" studies. That way, at least, more advanced studies are likely to be more interesting (if only because you will have something in your own experience to relate them to).

But have you got any money? If so, why not set up on your own?

Start off servicing equipment at GP surgeries, dentists and vets etc. throughout the Emerald Isle. No need to fret about lack of experience that way. And you would be gaining plenty, soon enough. Then, once you've got more work than you can handle, call upon others to lend a hand.

Take my tip, it's no good working for someone (anyone) else, however resplendent "the package" may appear. Sooner or later it all ends in tears.

Working for yourself, you don't need to impress anyone except your customers.

Good Luck.

Morning All,

The only advice i would give you is that i always look for an electronics qualification of some description i.e Degree, HND or BTEC.

My personnel view of some of these Biomedical Engineering Degrees are that they are of use if you have the electronics qualification to go along with it. In my experience if you have no electronics qualification you will not even get an interview.

Good luck in the job front Martin and welcome to the site.

Darth Welder

Hello Martin,

Have you tried voluntering or work experience as a way to get experience? It's not for everyone, as not being paid is for a lot of us, not an option.

A number of English NHS trust have policies for supporting people into the workplace. Mainly aimed at long termed unemployed, but its worth a look.
Best people to talk to are Human Resources departments, send a query via the Trusts websites. Look out for specialist centres for rehabilitaion as they undertake a lot of design work, which you may find interesting? - give 'em a go.

and good luck!! X

Hello Martin,
With Mechanical and Biomedical degrees. I would suggest that you try to search for Medical device manufacturers and OEM medical device companies in UK, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland etc. I think you would be more suite for product development or test engineer. I am sure you have worked with FEA, CAD, Pro-E applications? if so that will come in handy. You don't have to have an electronics background to be a biomedical engineer. I know plenty of biomedical engineers with mechanical background who have great jobs. I would suggest if you could take a course in American (FDA) and European (CE) regulatory for medical devices, that will really be very helpful to you when applying for jobs.
Also try to understand the clinical environments and their workflow.

Cheers
Tim