1 answer
Emma
Student
Galloway, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
284 views
Hello! I am a sophomore in high school currently gathering information on a biomedical engineer. Is anyone willing to let me interview them??
These are the questions needed to be responded to:
Interviewee’s specific degree:
Interviewee’s place of employment:
Please describe your engineering field.
What is your current job title?
Please describe your particular job and duties.
What is your average work schedule?
Starting with high school, describe your educational background chronologically.
If you had it to do over, related to your career or education, would you do anything differently?
What advice would you give to me as someone interested in pursuing a career path similar to yours?
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1 answer
Sheila Schultz
Engineering Leader
30
Answers
Brighton, Michigan
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Emma,
Thanks for your great engineering-related questions!
In my most recent role, I was the Senior Manager for Advanced System Integration. I worked at a large Automotive/Defense Manufacturer for many years until I recently retired from the company. I am a mechanical engineer by training. I enjoyed many years as an engineer and then evolved my career to be an engineering leader. In my latest role, I lead the advanced team which included CAD designers, engineers and build team technicians. Our team scope was future, advanced military and government vehicles and projects. I had many roles prior to this including thermal engineer, design/release engineer, vehicle systems engineer, system safety engineer, and a variety of engineering leader roles.
The workday did vary depending on the project, activity and role, I typically worked 5 days a week, 8-10+ hours a day. When my children were younger, I worked “flex service” (part time - 3 days a week). This enabled the right work-life balance for myself and family.
I started my education as a biomedical engineering student, and decided I liked mechanical engineering so pivoted and focused there.
One thing to note, there are various concentration areas for a biomedical engineer – electrical, mechanical, controls/software, etc. So, you could direct your studies to your area(s) of interest.
Another thing to mention; when I was a System Safety leader, we had team members with biomedical engineering background. It may not be a traditional space to think of for a biomedical engineer - people often think of medical companies for biomedical engineering. I mention this as there may be a broad spectrum of companies who could benefit from a biomedical engineer.
I had a wonderful career and would not change a thing. I enjoyed being an engineer and a engineering leader.
I appreciate your interest in this area and wish you the very best as you explore your future career.
Thanks for your great engineering-related questions!
In my most recent role, I was the Senior Manager for Advanced System Integration. I worked at a large Automotive/Defense Manufacturer for many years until I recently retired from the company. I am a mechanical engineer by training. I enjoyed many years as an engineer and then evolved my career to be an engineering leader. In my latest role, I lead the advanced team which included CAD designers, engineers and build team technicians. Our team scope was future, advanced military and government vehicles and projects. I had many roles prior to this including thermal engineer, design/release engineer, vehicle systems engineer, system safety engineer, and a variety of engineering leader roles.
The workday did vary depending on the project, activity and role, I typically worked 5 days a week, 8-10+ hours a day. When my children were younger, I worked “flex service” (part time - 3 days a week). This enabled the right work-life balance for myself and family.
I started my education as a biomedical engineering student, and decided I liked mechanical engineering so pivoted and focused there.
One thing to note, there are various concentration areas for a biomedical engineer – electrical, mechanical, controls/software, etc. So, you could direct your studies to your area(s) of interest.
Another thing to mention; when I was a System Safety leader, we had team members with biomedical engineering background. It may not be a traditional space to think of for a biomedical engineer - people often think of medical companies for biomedical engineering. I mention this as there may be a broad spectrum of companies who could benefit from a biomedical engineer.
I had a wonderful career and would not change a thing. I enjoyed being an engineer and a engineering leader.
I appreciate your interest in this area and wish you the very best as you explore your future career.