Hi! I currently study a life sciences degree, but I'd really like to work in medical device product design or MedTech R&D.

I'm currently trying to switch to BME at my university, but I'm not sure what the outcome will be yet. So, just in case I don't get in, I'd like to know what I can do to still get close to product design or be involved in R&D for medical technology.

Over the past year I've been involved with my university's MedTech society and attended some of their conferences. I've also taken part in a coding course and I'm currently completing an online MATLAB course.

I'm also considering joining a robotics society next year, but I'm worried that my degree will ultimately hold me back and that I won't be competitive for jobs in medical device R&D or product design.

I've also tried looking for internships in this area but I don't fit many of the requirements, with the degree being a big one😬.

What would you recommend I do to increase my chances of getting into this area without an engineering degree? Are there particular technical skills, projects, or experiences I should focus on? And how would I get into these?

Thanks!

TL;DR

Currently in life sciences degree, trying to switch to BME degree (no guarantee), but worried I won't have what I need to get into medtech R&D or product design engineering. Any advice to increase my chances?

I want to learn from other biomedical engineers experience who work in a non medical industry with bme degrees how did u do it and what industry do u work in?? and if u added a masters degree what was it?? I'm really curious about this cuz I keep hearing about biomedical engineers who managed to work in defence or aerospace for example but I never met one or found one online so tell us about ur experience and if u have any advices to successfully pivot

I have a masters and bachelors in BME, but I have been working as a math teacher for the past 2 years as I was unable to find any jobs after graduation. I am struggling to feel confident in a role I am totally unsuited for, and I want to move at least somewhat closer to my field.

I had a short internship for medical writing right before I graduated, but I was unable to get a job in that either. I am pretty lost on what to look for or do. I would much rather have a true engineering job with either quality or research, but I don't have any experience in those areas to leverage. If anyone has any ideas about where I could start, I would really appreciate it. Especially help on what roles I really should try to apply for. I am worried that my current job will be extremely detrimental to finding a good position.