How Biomedical Engineering gave me the skills to help deliver life-saving healthcare technology

Studying Biomedical Engineering at Sheffield showed me how engineering can directly improve healthcare. By combining core engineering principles with biology, medical devices and patient safety, the course gave my learning real purpose. Those foundations are exactly what I now use in my role as a Professional Development Program (PDP) Graduate at Abbott Diabetes Care, working on medical technology used by people around the world.

I am currently part of Abbott’s Operations PDP, a three-year rotational graduate programme designed to give early-career engineers real-world experience while supporting both personal and professional development. The programme includes three rotations, with two UK-based rotations followed by a global rotation in the final year. Each assignment is fast-paced and challenging, which has helped me build confidence and develop quickly as an engineer.

My first rotation is as a Production Engineer, where I work within a highly regulated medical device manufacturing environment. I support production processes, solve engineering problems on the factory floor, and work closely with quality, operations and engineering teams to ensure products are manufactured safely and efficiently. Patient safety and quality are central to everything we do, which strongly reflects what I learned during my Biomedical Engineering degree.

I applied for the PDP programme in my final year at university and started my graduate role after graduation. Moving straight into a role within the healthcare industry felt like a natural next step, as it allowed me to apply my degree knowledge in a real-world setting from day one.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is knowing that the work I do contributes to medical devices that genuinely improve people’s lives. Being part of a global healthcare company also means there are countless opportunities to learn and grow. I am especially excited about the final-year international rotation, which will allow me to experience engineering in another country and see how healthcare manufacturing operates on a global scale.

My Biomedical Engineering degree gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving, teamwork and applying engineering principles to biological systems. Modules focused on medical devices, safety and regulation helped me understand the importance of precision and quality, skills that are essential in the medical device industry. My placement year was particularly valuable, as it gave me real industry experience and the confidence to transition smoothly into full-time employment.

Alongside my studies, being involved in the Engineering Society helped me develop skills beyond academics. I built confidence in communication, leadership, teamwork and networking, all of which have been incredibly useful in my professional career.

If I could give advice to students thinking about studying Biomedical Engineering at Sheffield, it would be to make the most of the opportunities available. Take advantage of careers support, CV workshops and interview preparation, as these can make a real difference when applying for graduate roles. I would also strongly recommend completing a placement year, as it gives you invaluable real-world experience and helps you stand out to employers.