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Biomedical engineering is a recent interest of mine, so I don't know much about how I can take the steps needed to pursue that career. Should I be focusing on finding opportunities to get a taste of the biomedical engineering field, or just focus on my current activities for the last two years of high school?
#biomedical-engineering #computer-science #highschool
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Anuj’s Answer
You should absolutely find opportunities to get a taste of biomedical engineering (BME) rather than just sticking to general activities. Because BME sits at the complex intersection of medicine, engineering, and biology, top universities want to see that you actually understand what the field entails before admitting you.
Here is how you can strategically explore BME during your last two years of high school without overwhelming your schedule:
* **Secure a Visual/Hands-on Preview:** Shadows or interview a local biomedical engineer or university researcher to see their daily workflow, whether they are designing prosthetic limbs, programming medical imaging software, or working with tissue cultures.
* **Target Specialized Summer Programs:** Apply for competitive, high-school research programs like the *Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)* high school tracks, or summer camps hosted by local universities that offer specific tracks in bioengineering or biomaterials.
* **Pivot Your Existing Projects:** If you are already doing coding, robotics, or biology clubs, shift your focus toward medical applications—such as building an app that tracks health metrics, or designing a robotic arm for a competition.
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Here is how you can strategically explore BME during your last two years of high school without overwhelming your schedule:
* **Secure a Visual/Hands-on Preview:** Shadows or interview a local biomedical engineer or university researcher to see their daily workflow, whether they are designing prosthetic limbs, programming medical imaging software, or working with tissue cultures.
* **Target Specialized Summer Programs:** Apply for competitive, high-school research programs like the *Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)* high school tracks, or summer camps hosted by local universities that offer specific tracks in bioengineering or biomaterials.
* **Pivot Your Existing Projects:** If you are already doing coding, robotics, or biology clubs, shift your focus toward medical applications—such as building an app that tracks health metrics, or designing a robotic arm for a competition.
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Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Biomedical engineering is an amazing and rewarding career choice! I am not aware of many opportunities to work as a biomedical engineer if you are still a minor. However, you could investigate if there are clubs or organizations in your area, such as SWEnext, that could help you connect with engineers and learn more about the field. Of course, it is also important to focus on your school, especially taking advanced math and science classes when possible.
Don't be discouraged if you aren't able to get a lot of engineering opportunities now. I didn't truly explore engineering until I'd declared it as my major in college! Many universities now have Introduction to Engineering courses that can help you confirm your choice.
Best of luck!
Don't be discouraged if you aren't able to get a lot of engineering opportunities now. I didn't truly explore engineering until I'd declared it as my major in college! Many universities now have Introduction to Engineering courses that can help you confirm your choice.
Best of luck!
Hi, thank you so much for your encouraging advice!
Jessie
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Max’s Answer
Biomedical Engineering is a great career path to take, and it's a largely growing field of study in the United States, and around the world! As someone who is still in high school, definitely don't get too stressed if you don't find opportunities right away, most of those you will get if you go to College or University. These institutions provide a lot of resources if you end up going for a BME Major. For sure get a head start in high school with any courses that would put you ahead in college, whether it be AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment, those are all good options for advancing in STEM related courses.
There are also a bunch of sub-fields in Biomedical Engineering itself! So don't be afraid to do some of our own research on your own time to learn a bit more about the different fields such as cell/tissue engineering, biomechanics, and biomaterials.
There are also a bunch of sub-fields in Biomedical Engineering itself! So don't be afraid to do some of our own research on your own time to learn a bit more about the different fields such as cell/tissue engineering, biomechanics, and biomaterials.