EBME Forums Forums Management Professional Issues Skills required of a med. electronics enginee

Hello everyone.

After graduating from uni with a masters in medical electronics and physics, I have had a hard time being called back for an interview for job applications I've made. I understand that being a graduate without any work experience is not helping in the first place, but what I want to know is what skills are there required in most medical electronics engineer positions? How could one who has studied medical electronics "sell" himself on a cv? If it is any skill that can be acquired via studying, I will gladly crack on and start learning from home.
Thanks

You have not mentioned which type of jobs you are trying for.

If you are talking about "hands-on" (practical) positions, then I can see your dilemma:- "they" need an experienced guy; but how do you gain experience until you get a job.

If I'm on the right track here, I suggest that the solution is more like a question of "doing", rather than "studying" per se.

So ... what are you like on the tools?

If nothing else you could start fixing some kit ... any kit will do; just to get some practise in, as it were.

If you really are an "absolute beginner" when it comes to fault finding and so forth ... how about a visit to the auctions at Malmesbury, pick up a car-load of junk, come back and work through them (that is, fix 'em) - then write it up as an addendum to your CV. You know:- "twenty technical problems on medical equipment, and how I solved them" (or whatever).

Also ... what about charity work? There was a guy on here recently asking for help in dismantling an x-ray system (for instance).

Well unfortunately my skills with tools are slightly limited. I have covered in uni both analogue and digital electronics and in both cases I have built novel circuits on breadboards and veroboards, while also having done some soldering as well as fault finding on circuits.

That said I would be very happy to work both on a technical role, as well as anything not as practical, as long as either role involves medical equipment from ECGs, or Doppler ultrasound scanners up to MRI scanners.

What is troubling me the most is trying to find a way of standing out. Some skill that I could earn, so that I can be selected amongst others. I'll be honest I have considered charity work and planning on doing some as of September, but is there any charity work in hospitals that involves equipment maintenance, or repair? Will definitely be looking into that.
Thanks

Hi Fotios,

I totally agree with Geoff, employer out there need experienced guys. If I was you (And I was like you once) I would do voluntary work.

After getting same degree like yours I used to get practical hands on experience 3/4 days a week in NHS hospital and after spending 2 months I finally got a permanent paid (Band 5) job there.

And it has worked for my friends as well. So I would suggest you either you go to NHS hospitals or try contacting private 3rd parties companies. They always look to save some money. you can easily get some hands on experience.

Hi Dianuj,

I did not know to be honest until now that it was possible to do voluntary practical work on medical equipment. I thought that the only kind of voluntary work out there was helping in raising money in some sort of way.

Cause I can't find anything on-line for voluntary work on medical equipment, would you recommend I went to local hospitals asking in person?
Cheers.

Why not? What have you got to lose?

Reach out. Try a more proactive approach. You might be surprised what you find.

Will do then! I just thought that walking into a business "in this case being the hospital" for a job, was more of a thing you would do for instance in the hospitality industry.

Not the advice I initially expected yo get, but will put it to good use.

Thank you both!

Personally I'd advise on brushing up on the practical skills (soldering, desoldering, wiring). Here they've taken on people from other industries so a lack of servicing medical equipment wouldn't be a problem. (unless you end up short listed with people with medical equipment experience) Anybody that comes to our trust gets a practical and it's usually the area that most people fall down on.

Next electronics knowledge, if you get to the interview stage the most common test is the describe the circuit diagram and identify components. Another one that people fall down on. If anything look at the articles section on this forum.

Did you do a practical project on your degree that might make a better addendum on the CV than buying junk and describing how you fixed it? Haven't heard it work in this sector but any relevant hobbies?

You won't be just wandering in and asking for a job ... but rather demonstrating your general enthusiasm, and willingness to work, by volunteering.

@Chris: would it be OK if the "relevant hobby" is buying junk equipment and fixing it?

Yes Geoff it would if your hobby is buying junk equipment and fixing it. Although so would a ham radio operator who made their own rigs. Not sure what else would work, but I do remember once being contacted as an employer saw I was into Astronomy and thought I might know about optics. Not sure what else would work applying for a medical electronics role.