Engineering to Medical

Question

Has anyone made the move from engineering to something in healthcare? How did that transition work for you? I'm considering anything from biomedical engineering to nursing. I just know my current position is not my calling. How do you make big career decisions like changing jobs, going back to school, changing focuses? Are there any tools or resources you recommend?

Helen Hanison · Answer

Love the clarity that is your motivation for career change here by the way.  I went all the back to Uni for a 2nd degree in psychology as a very mature, mature student having left a board level position in global PR firms. I never looked back.  Today I help seasoned professionals make a plan realigning work they love with the life they wish they were living. Then act on it.

I can think of 2 or 3 careerists I've worked with who made change happen in the orbit of engineering like yourself. One went from engineer to doctor and ultimately to clinical geneticist.  Another from engineering to a creative career pathway.  Clearly, as others have referenced and you already know, this kind of professional pivot isn't a fast fix.

When you ask for resources I am hearing an expression of wanting clarity and certainty that you are about to embark on an aligned, confident transformation. Then with your due diligence done, you have faith in yourself to make it happen.

This clarity phase is utterly central to my coaching. I'll happily attach an article here for you. It published on Forbes originally but here if you scross down you'll see you can request a (free) resource.

I'd also like to mention I'm hosting a webinar on FGB this Tuesday if you'd like a sense of getting to know me a bit more ... hope to see you there but do be in touch direct if you'd like more guidance working through the framework wont you?

Warmly, Helen

Anonymous · Answer

I don't have an engineering background, but when I worked in a health system, I worked with several people who did. Many health systems have found the benefit of using engineers in 'Performance Excellence', or similar, departments - especially where your skills in project management, Lean / Six Sigma, process mapping, etc. can come into play. Based on your background (electrical and computer engineering) you might also want to consider jobs in IT departments (at least from a health system perspective).

If you feel strongly that working as a nurse rather than an engineer is you calling, that will require additional education.
If you choose the health engineer route, once you get your feet wet in healthcare, depending on the area, you could also always pursue a healthcare geared masters degree, such as an MHA (Master in Health Administration), MBA with a healthcare emphasis, or MSHI (Master of Science in Health Informatics). I recognize the costs and time commitment associated with a degree, but depending upon your level of interest, just wanted to list these as options for you.

What will be important when switching fields is being able to sell your skillsets to the company you are wanting to work for. Does your skill sets match the job description? Is that called out in your resume/cover letter? Can you answer the question of why healthcare instead of engineering? Don't forget to network and make sure your social profiles (such as on FGB and LinkedIn) are up to date.

Best of luck in your career pursuits!

AshleyConnell · Answer

Hi there -  we built this free mini-course to help women sort out what they want in their next career.  It may be of some help https://www.prowessprojecttraining.com/p/finding-joy-in-your-transition-back-to-work

Paula Striefel · Answer

What type of engineer are you currently?

Anonymous · Answer

I've moved around different industries. Med Device, others and back again. Most skills are transferable. State what they are and why you want to switch.

IzzyUX · Answer

The immediate suggestion that I have is to look for a job in the medical device industry. You wouldn't need to go back to school. You could try marketing roles or even engineering roles like systems engineering and project management.

Engineering to Medical

You're invited.

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