BME Education and Career Options

[collegebum1989]

Hi Guys,

I recently completed my B.E. in Biomedical Engineering and will be entering into a M.Eng program for Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. Seeing that the field of BME is inter-disciplinary, and so large, I wanted some help with career outlook for BMEs and the education which these positions require.

Since BME is largely a research-oriented field, it is recommended that one receives a graduate degree before entering the workforce. While I understand this, I am confused as to what "my next step" should be to begin my career.

My Career Interests

I've always been interested in healthcare and technology. Specifically, bioinstrumentation and imaging. I am interested in industry jobs. Although I do not mind research, I can rather see myself more involved in the industry. I have more of a business-oriented mind and can see myself in the workforce (being involved in design, testing and collaborations between companies) rather than an academic-oriented mind, pursuing research projects and writing grants.

At some point in my life, I want to create small start-up biotech companies and then develop them. I have an entrepreneurial spirit, but unsure of how to proceed with the next step of my education.

PhD or Work Experience

If my end goal is to be involved in industry, and eventually create a startup company, would it be valuable to pursue a PhD, with the intent of entering industry after? Should I take some time off and get some work experience after my masters? Are there industry opportunities for PhDs with a business-oriented mind?

Thank you!