On February 6th, the Career Connections Center (C3) hosted a career trek to Exactech in Gainesville, Florida, giving students an opportunity to learn about the company and potential careers in surgical instrument and implant engineering.
Several C3 staff accompanied twenty junior, senior, and graduate students with majors in mechanical and biomedical engineering on the trek. After a brief welcome, Exactech staff gave presentations on the engineering and production of the various kinds of implants and technologies produced at the company. A facility tour of the manufacturing floor followed, and the visit concluded with a stop at the testing lab where students got to see how products are evaluated for wear.
Key Takeaways from the Trek
š¦¾ Engineering Meets Healthcare
- Exactech engineers design, test, and manufacture joint replacement implants and surgical instruments that improve mobility worldwide.
- Interdisciplinary teamwork is essentialāengineers collaborate with surgeons, regulatory specialists, and manufacturers.
š” Cutting-Edge Innovation
- 3D-printed implants enhance bone integration and durability.
- AI & machine learning help optimize surgical precision and patient outcomes.
- Navigation & patient-specific instrumentation reduce surgical errors.
š What Students Learned
- Real-world applications of Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering in medical devices.
- Regulatory & quality standards that ensure patient safety.
- Internship & career pathways in R&D, product development, and clinical research.
Additional Insights
š” Career Paths Are Nonlinear
- Many engineers didnāt start in medical devices but found their way through internships, research, and career shifts.
- Hands-on experience (labs, internships, personal projects) sets candidates apart.
š¦¾Technical & Soft Skills Matter
- Exactech values Mechanical, Biomedical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineersābut problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability are just as crucial.
- Students should build a portfolio of applied work to showcase problem-solving and technical skills.
- Failure analysis & design iteration are critical skills for product development.
š Exposure to Real-World Engineering
- Students saw product development in action, from design to testing to manufacturing.
- Hands-on demonstration of 3D printing, surgical instruments, and navigation systems expanded technical knowledge.
- AI, machine learning, and data-driven surgical planning are growing trendsāstudents should stay informed on emerging technologies in their field.
Career treks to a variety of employers in different career pathways happen each semester. Check the Career Hub often to see what’s coming up!
Got an idea for a career trek? Contact your career coach to let them know!
