Disclaimer: The views expressed by our interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of GradSimple. We only edit these responses for clarity. All opinions remain those of the interviewee.
- Name: Julia M.
- Year Of Graduation: 2024
- College/University: University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Major: Biomedical Engineering (biomechanics)
What job are you starting?
I am starting in technical sales support in the ultrasonic manufacturing industry. My responsibilities will include maintaining communication and relationships with current and potential customers, staying up to date on technical knowledge regarding the products that my company sells, and preparing reports and presentations for sales meetings.
Can you tell me about your job search experience after graduation?
My job search experience began in January 2024, during the winter break of my senior year, and ended in April 2024 when I got my offer. I would describe the experience as intense, demoralizing, and eventually, reinvigorating.
When I was just starting out, I was not familiar with the job market. I felt overwhelmed with sifting through all of the different qualifications, and honestly had no idea where to begin. It was just weeks of applying and receiving mostly denials or being entirely ghosted. Looking back, I was a bit naive to how challenging this would be. After a few weeks of trying and not getting anywhere, I began networking. I reached out to various alumni who were in companies I was interested in, I set up calls with successful family/friends to ask for advice, and spent time going over my resume at my school’s career center. Through these conversations, I realized that applying for traditional engineering roles wasn’t working out for me. After some self-reflection and an eye-opening conversation with a family friend, I began to expand my search to sales and consulting. I soon began scheduling several interviews each week and started to feel more confident that I was on the right path.
In terms of relation to my degree, my job is more closely tied to the business side of engineering. I was part of a design team every semester of school where my group was tasked to design or improve a medical device or process for a real client. During my senior year, I was heavily involved in medical sales, intellectual property, consulting with clients, and the startup world. I highlighted these skills for my interviews and received positive feedback.
Why did you choose your undergrad major?
I am a first-generation college student of Polish descent. My parents did not go to school, so I did not grow up with that background as many of my friends did. I took Project Lead the Way (PLTW) in my senior year of high school, which was a STEM course. I also took human anatomy, brain studies, and art classes. I felt that PLTW encompassed a lot of my interests, and my family and I began to research engineering. My dad sent me a YouTube video explaining what biomedical engineering was and I instantly fell in love with it. I ended up applying to universities under this major.
If I went back in time, I definitely see myself leaning towards BME again. It fits a bit of all my passions and strengths. Growing up, I enjoyed most subjects in school. I was an avid reader, excelled at writing papers, enjoyed science classes, and did well in math. I also was part of many sports teams and really enjoyed art.
If I asked you 3 years ago, what would you think you’d be doing right now (in life/career)?
I always knew I would go to a four-year university and find a job afterward. I did think that I would be working in a different part of the country rather than coming back home, but it all worked out in the end. I was super interested in working solely on prosthetics and orthotics, since that was my focus in college, but had to expand my job search to be a bit more realistic.
What’s your biggest struggle right now?
I am someone who cannot be sedentary. I am constantly thinking about what my next move is. I have a full-time job, but am looking for volunteer opportunities on the weekends and looking into exploring my hobbies during my free time. As I start on my professional journey, I want to make sure I am in the moment and not loading too much onto my plate, but also making sure I feel fulfilled and content.
If money was not a factor, what would you be working on or spending more time on?
I have always seen myself traveling the world. I enjoyed watching Animal Planet documentaries as a kid and was fascinated by the vast diversity on our planet. A wild dream would be to work on marine conservation or work on engineering projects around the world. On the other hand, and more simply, I would volunteer my time at art galleries, hospitals, book banks, etc. I have always wanted to write a book, but I am not sure what it would be about. Oh, and I would love to set up a scholarship fund for first-generation students in STEM to support them in higher education endeavors.
If we traveled 3 years into the future of your life, what would you hope we’d see?
I would love to be a leader of a diverse and enthusiastic team. I want to be an inspiration to women in STEM and the business world, especially to those who are first-generation and still figuring out their way. I also hope I am traveling, either for work or for myself! Most importantly, I hope that I am healthy and doing the things that make me happy.
What advice and/or learnings would you give to current students or recent grads?
A really big theme in my life recently has been “you miss out on the chances that you don’t take.” Not doing well in a class? Reach out to an advisor or a study group. Does an entry-level position require a minimum of five years of experience? Apply for it anyway. Not sure if you will get into your dream school? Send in your application regardless. Reach out to that person, learn that new skill, and go to that event. You NEVER know what will come out of the experience that you are unsure of or overthinking about. Life is full of so many opportunities and usually, you’ll find them when you least expect it. It’s a pleasant feeling.
Along the same line, don’t let someone else’s perception of your capabilities limit you. I was told I wouldn’t get into UW-Madison or that I wouldn’t succeed in BME. Focus on yourself and what you can control!
Connect With Julia:
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julia-mastej
