Professional Development

Networking Night

Networking Night is designed to give students, particularly those interested in biomedical engineering and the biosciences, an exclusive opportunity to connect with industry professionals in a focused and engaging setting. Traditionally held the evening before Ohio State’s Engineering Expo, this event allows BMES members to engage in meaningful, one-on-one conversations with representatives from leading biomedical companies before the larger career fair. By scheduling Networking Night in advance of the Expo, students are able to make personal connections, gain valuable insights into innovative projects, and explore potential career paths in a more relaxed and accessible environment. Structured like a traditional career fair, the in-person event features company booths and professionals available to discuss internship, co-op, and full-time opportunities. Networking Night not only helps students strengthen their professional networks, but also boosts their confidence and preparedness heading into the Expo and future career pursuits.

LinkedIn/Resume/Mock Interview Workshops

The BMES is committed to preparing undergraduate students for success in their professional careers. One of the key ways we support this is through a series of LinkedIn, resume, and mock interview workshops hosted throughout the academic year. These events are designed to help students  network with professionals, build competitive application materials, and develop the confidence needed to perform well in interviews. 

Industry Shadowing

Industry Shadowing experiences provide students with firsthand exposure to the biomedical engineering field by visiting company facilities and engaging directly with professionals in the workplace. These opportunities allow students to explore a wide range of career paths within the industry,  research and development, quality control, and product design. By stepping inside real-world engineering environments, students gain a deeper understanding of day-to-day operations, emerging technologies, and the interdisciplinary collaboration required in medical device development and healthcare innovation. In addition to observing technical processes, participants have the unique chance to ask questions, learn from professionals’ career journeys, and develop meaningful connections with potential mentors and future employers.

Research Recruitment

Connect Principal Investigators (PIs) with undergraduate students to initiate the recruitment process. Interested students filled out an interest form by specifying their availability and providing an updated resume. The PIs each presented about their labs and the research they are currently working on. Following the presentations is a career fair-like networking session where students ask questions about expectations as a student researcher and the lab work they will be focusing on as well as share their professional experiences. 

Industry Panel

The BMES Industry Panel gives undergraduate biomedical engineering students insight and professional guidance as they prepare for upcoming summer internships and co-op placements. This panel brings together representatives from a diverse range of biomedical companies that partner with OSU BMES through our Sponsorship Program. Panelists share their unique industry perspectives, offering firsthand advice on how students can stand out during the application and interview process, succeed in a technical role, and make the most of early career experiences. In addition to the moderated discussion, students have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with panelists during a Q&A session. The event provides valuable exposure to various career paths in the biomedical field, allowing students to explore potential areas of interest and better understand how to align their academic experiences with industry needs.

Networking Speaker Series

The Networking Speaker Series offers students the opportunity to connect with professionals across a variety of biomedical engineering career paths. Through this series, students gain exposure to real-world journeys in industry, research, and healthcare—helping them envision what lies ahead after graduation.

Each event features guest speakers from biomedical companies and research institutions who share insights into their educational backgrounds, career decisions, and current roles. Speakers discuss the challenges and successes they’ve encountered along the way, offering honest advice for students navigating their own professional development.

Case Competition

The Case Competition challenges undergraduate students to explore the complex intersection of medicine, engineering, and business. Designed to mirror real-world problem-solving in the biomedical field, the competition encourages participants to think beyond technical skills and consider the broader societal implications of their solutions.

Working in teams, students are presented with a real-world biomedical engineering challenge and tasked with developing creative and feasible solutions. Teams present the solutions to a panel of judges, often composed of professionals from industry, academia, and clinical backgrounds. Participants gain valuable experience in critical thinking, teamwork, and persuasive communication—skills essential for success in any biomedical engineering career.

Graduate/Medical/Dental School Panel Series

This panel series offers the perfect opportunity for students to hear directly from current graduate, medical, and dental students. Whether you're considering applying to a program or simply exploring your options, these events provide valuable insight into how to prepare for advanced education. Panelists discuss their journeys, offering advice on preparing for entrance exams, strengthening your application, navigating the interview process, and making the transition to graduate-level academics. They also share what life is like as a graduate student, including the challenges, rewards, and what they wish they had known beforehand.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can find recordings of past events below:

Med School Panel Series 1 - September 13, 2022 

Med School Panel Series 2 - November 29, 2022 

Interactive Workshops

Interactive Workshops are designed to give students immersive, hands-on exposure to a wide range of career paths within biomedical engineering. These workshops provide skills-based activities, real-world problem solving, and industry-relevant simulations.

Led by industry experts or faculty members, these sessions allow students to explore emerging technologies, different career paths, and learn relevant technical skills. Interactive Workshops empower students to discover their interests, strengthen their technical and professional toolkits, and make more informed decisions about their future career paths.