Biomedical Engineering Majors: What Kind of First Jobs Do They Secure?

Graduating from a biomedical engineering (BME) program can open up a myriad of career paths for students. Choosing the right first job can greatly impact a student's future career trajectory. This article explores the types of jobs that biomedical engineering majors typically secure after graduation, drawing insights from various sources and the experiences of professionals in the field.

Industry Trends and Career Pathways

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2012, a significant portion of biomedical engineers were employed in specialized industries. Specifically:

25% worked in medical device and supplies manufacturing 18% in research and development (RD) 15% in pharmaceutical manufacturing 9% in higher education (including graduate students, faculty, non-faculty staff) 7% in state, local, and private hospitals

Additionally, a more detailed description from Marquette's BME program suggests that 50% of its graduating BMEs enter post-graduate schools such as dental, law, or medical. The remaining 50% pursue various industry roles. Given these figures, the common first jobs for biomedical engineering majors are often either:

Research Assistant or Fellow in Graduate Studies Entry-Level Engineering Position at Medical Device or Pharmaceutical Companies Engineer roles in Government Labs or Non-Profit Organizations Support Staff in Hospitals or Clinics

However, it's revealing to note that many graduates find themselves in diverse roles, reflecting the versatility of a BME degree.

Specific Examples and Insights

Several BME programs provide valuable insights into the career paths of their graduates:

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): Their first-page alumni section highlights diverse career paths, from academia to industry and beyond. UT (University of Texas): The careers in biomedical engineering page offers a comprehensive guide on potential job opportunities. FIU (Florida International University): Their FAQ section addresses common questions about careers and placements. Boston University College of Engineering and UW-Madison College of Engineering: Both institutions provide career services and information on careers in BME.

Personal Experience

My own journey post-graduation from USC with a BS in BME with an emphasis in Electrical Engineering (EE) reflects the diverse career options available. Prior to entering the BME program, I focused more on electrical engineering courses and spent considerable time learning C and C . Consequently, my first job after college was as an EE at Intel, where I worked on motherboard design. Since then, I have remained in the EE/circuits/firmware/software field and have never regretted choosing a different route from the biomedical field.

Conclusion

Bioengineering majors have a wide array of job options, whether in medical device and pharmaceutical companies, academia, or industry. The field's multidisciplinary nature ensures that graduates can find jobs that align with their specific skills and interests. Whether you aim to become a research assistant, an engineer in medical devices, or a software developer, the opportunities are vast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What kind of first jobs do biomedical engineering majors typically get?
A: Graduates often find roles as research assistants, entry-level engineers in medical device or pharmaceutical companies, or support staff in hospitals and clinics. Q: Is post-graduate school a common next step for BME majors?
A: Yes, many graduates pursue further education in areas such as dental, law, or medical fields. Q: How can I prepare for a first job in biomedical engineering?
A: Gain relevant experience through internships, join research groups, and develop skills in engineering, biology, and technology.