On January 7th, 19 University of Florida students, from freshmen to seniors and representing a variety of majors, traveled to Fort Myers and Naples for an immersive Career Trek to NeoGenomics and Arthrex, two leading organizations in health and life sciences innovation.
Inside NeoGenomics: Advancing Cancer Care
The day began at NeoGenomics, a company specializing in oncology diagnostics and precision medicine. Students toured the state-of-the-art facility and explored labs dedicated to Cytogenetics, FISH (Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization), Flow Cytometry, Molecular, and Histology, areas critical to cancer diagnostics.
NeoGenomics professionals emphasized the growing need for skilled workers in histology, sharing that the company offers paid training programs for histology and FISH roles. Beyond lab work, students learned about diverse career paths in quality and compliance, IT and informatics, Laboratory Information Systems, biomedical equipment support, and logistics.
One key takeaway? Soft skills matter most. While technical skills can be taught, NeoGenomics values candidates who excel in communication, teamwork, professionalism, and conflict resolution.
After the tour, students enjoyed lunch while hearing from employees from various departments, gaining insights into career journeys and opportunities. Hands-on activities followed, including a pipetting exercise and a collaborative challenge to disassemble and reassemble a microscope, giving students a taste of lab life.
Arthrex Career Showcase: Innovation in Action
Next stop: Arthrex, a global leader in orthopedic innovation. Students explored the Arthrex Career Showcase, where they learned about roles in engineering, manufacturing, research, and more. They also saw live demonstrations of cutting-edge implants and surgical equipment, reinforcing Arthrex’s mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better.
Why This Trek Matters
This Career Trek gave students a behind-the-scenes look at two dynamic companies shaping the future of healthcare. From learning about critical workforce needs to experiencing hands-on lab activities and networking with industry professionals, participants left with a deeper understanding of career possibilities in health and life sciences.
