For college & grad students: Break into biomedical engineering & medtech
Thinking about a career in the medical device industry? Whether you're an engineer, scientist, MBA, marketer, or somewhere in between, the medical device industry has a place for you. But breaking in can feel confusing. Which companies should you target? What roles actually exist beyond R&D? What does compensation look like? And how do you stand out when you don't have industry experience yet? I've been on both sides of the hiring table. I spent 15+ years at Medtronic across its spinal surgery and diabetes-related businesses, where I designed medical devices, earned five U.S. patents, and hired and managed engineers. One of the medical devices I worked on was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2015. I landed my first job at Medtronic straight out of college, so I know what it takes to get in the door. I hold dual degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science from Carnegie Mellon and an MBA from UCLA Anderson, and I'm connected with engineers and leaders across the medtech industry. My coaching style is warm, real, and action-oriented. I'll give you an honest insider's view of the industry and practical next steps you can act on right away. > MEDTECH CAREER DISCOVERY SESSION (1 session, 60 minutes) This session is yours to shape. We can focus on whatever will help you most right now, whether that's exploring the industry, figuring out which companies and roles fit your background, understanding compensation, reviewing your resume, or practicing with a mock interview. No matter what, we will make the most of our time, and you'll leave with clear next steps. MEDTECH CAREER LAUNCH PROGRAM (3 sessions, 60 minutes each) >This program is a deeper, structured plan to help you break into the medical device industry. In our first session, we'll map the industry and your place in it: the types of companies (from global medtech leaders to startups), the roles that fit your background, what compensation and career progression look like, and a target list of companies and positions. In our second session, we'll strengthen how you show up on paper and in your network with a detailed resume and LinkedIn review, a networking and outreach strategy, and guidance on reaching hiring managers and recruiters. In our third session, we'll prepare you to win the job with a mock interview tailored to your target roles, detailed feedback, tips on evaluating and negotiating offers, and a contingency plan to keep your search moving. You'll receive written notes and next steps after each session.
What's included
My coaching style is warm, friendly, and very real. I'll give you an honest picture of what biomedical engineering is like, including the parts that don't show up in college brochures. I'm also action-oriented, so every session ends with clear, specific next steps and you leave knowing exactly what to do. Before we meet, you'll complete a short intake questionnaire so I can understand your interests, strengths, grade level, and goals. During our sessions, we'll have an open, two-way conversation where I share real examples from my career, answer your questions directly, and help you think through your options. After each session, you'll receive written notes with personalized next steps and resources so nothing gets lost. Parents are always welcome to join or ask their own questions. What sets me apart is that I've lived this path. I earned dual degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science from Carnegie Mellon and spent 15+ years at Medtronic designing medical devices, earning five U.S. patents along the way. As a hiring manager in the medical device industry, I know what companies look for, and I can help you start building those qualities now. I'm connected with engineers, business folks, and leaders across medtech, so my perspective goes beyond a single company.
- Insider knowledge: Understand how the medical device industry works, which companies and roles fit your background, and what compensation looks like.
- A job-ready toolkit: Get a stronger resume, sharper interview skills, and a targeted list of companies and roles to pursue.
- A clear action plan: Leave with specific next steps and a strategy to land your first role in medtech.
Meet your expert
Belinda L.
Ex-Medtronic Biomedical Engineer | 30+ Devices, 5 Patents | Product Dev
I've been in business since I was two years old — literally. I grew up behind the counter of my parents' gift shop, the child of immigrants who built something out of nothing because it was the only option they had. I didn't learn business from a textbook first; I learned it by watching my parents make it work, day after day, long before I ever set foot in a classroom. That upbringing is where my instinct for business actually comes from, and it's shaped everything I've done since — from earning engineering degrees at Carnegie Mellon, to leading product development on life-changing medical technology at Medtronic, to co-founding ELIMS Oral Care with my husband, which we've bootstrapped and grown together while raising our three kids. I think that mix is what makes me a different kind of coach. I've sat in boardrooms at a Fortune 500 company and I've also stayed up too late packing orders myself. I know what it's like to build something with real resources behind you, and I know what it's like to build something with almost none — and I genuinely love helping other founders and professionals figure out which lessons from each world actually apply to their situation. Outside of work, you'll usually find me traveling, hanging out with my kids (my literal best friends), or thinking about how business and sustainability don't have to be at odds. If any part of my story sounds like yours, I'd love to work together!
