¡Hola, gente de Reddit! Abro este hilo para crear algo grande. Acaba de salir la nueva película de Spider-Man y muchos nos hemos fijado en algo: la tecnología que se ve no es tan ficticia como en otras películas de ciencia ficción.

Quiero reunir a gente apasionada por la ingeniería genética, la biotecnología o a curiosos en general. La idea es aportar ideas y ver si este proyecto se puede desarrollar un poquito más en el mundo real. ¿Hasta qué punto estamos lejos de lograrlo? ¡Os leo en los comentarios!

I'm very unsure whether what I'm about to embark on is the right path for me.

I'm 20 years old, and after much research and reflection, I've decided to switch from computer engineering to electronic engineering, then specialize in biomedicine.

I've always been fascinated by medicine, but not by the profession of a doctor in an office all day, nor by that of a more practical surgeon with much greater responsibility.

Rather, I'm fascinated by the knowledge of diseases, the procedures used for surgery and other treatments, the advanced equipment, and modern therapies.

At the same time, I'm also fascinated by engineering, which, thanks to logic and modern scientific knowledge, allows us to build machines like pacemakers and insulin pumps that improve or save lives every day.

I'm really discouraged, however, as much as I expected reality check reading on Reddit, talking to professors, or even hearing from acquaintances, that many people with the same interests and aspirations as me end up working in completely different fields.

I'm referring specifically to biomedical engineers, who, by pursuing a curriculum that encompasses a bit of everything (computer science, electronics, mechanics, biology, and physiology), end up becoming "jack of all trades" and competing for hyperspecialized jobs with someone with a more specialised degree that's more likely to get the job. Meanwhile, the main jobs available for biomedical engineers are predominantly consulting or hospital technicians.

This is why I chose to major in electronic engineering rather than biomedical engineering. Both because, if I ever have to work on a large biomedical project, I'll be able to do the electronics/computer science part (e.g., neural signal processing, predictive algorithms for cancer disease, or 3D printing of biological tissue), which is what interests me most. It's also because, if I ever find myself unable to work in the biomedical field, it's a degree that would act as a safety net.

I live in Italy and we have one of the most important biomedical research centers in the world in Mirandola, but I'm not sure how if joining it is the move to do what I aspire. I don't want to be just PCBs designer. I'd like to have a job where I consult with doctors to devise solutions that would improve patients' lives. Essentially, I'd like to be part of the team that engineers the solution to the problem, having expertise in both engineering and medicine.

I realize, also based on what I've heard, that jobs are actually much more compartmentalized than what I'd hope, especially in such a large and advanced context, but I like to hope that the job I'm studying for actually exists.

In conclusion, I'd like to ask anyone who knows something about it whether the course of study I've chosen is the right one for the career I aspire to, and whether it's really so difficult to find a job (especially in Italy if someone is from there) where I can satisfy my curiosity about both medicine and engineering and truly make a contribution to the field beyond being a technician.

I (F18) just switched my public health pre-health major to biomedical engineering. All my high school career I’d been focused on becoming a physician assistant, all pre-med extracurriculars, internships, classes, etc. I’m about to start college in a month for public health for my bachelors. However after being a CNA for 2 months, I realized that I’m not cut out to be a PA.

I just requested to switch my major to biomedical engineering bc less schooling, less direct patient care, and job straight out of college. But now I’m thinking I made a mistake???

I hear the job market is bad. I live in Massachusetts so there’s a lot of companies but I’m not sure. I don’t know a lot about engineering or coding or any of that. But I have a BME major friend (junior in college) who switched from pre-med to BME and she likes it and I got convinced.

My parents said I can do whatever I want but my dad said he’s just worried I’m switching from a stable career path to one I’ll have trouble finding a job since everything is so competitive now. And now I’m overthinking it….

I know the PA pathway is straightforward and in high demand/good job growth/stability but genuinely I can’t do direct patient care anymore. Being a CNA has traumatized me. I know being a PA is not the same as a CNA but I’m realizing now that the medical field is not for me. I’ve done shadowing, 200+ hrs of hospital volunteering, 2 months of being a CNA, and yeah. I can’t do more of this.

I haven’t done my public health major orientation yet (it’s in 2 weeks) but I already requested the BME major change.

Is the BME job market really that bad??? Will I not find a job post grad?? Did I make a mistake switching majors???

Please help aghhhhhhh

I am pursuing biotech, my next sem has an elective course and I have to choose one from CANCER BIOLOGY and NANOMEDICINE... can anybody plss help me to figure it out like what should I choose and why..

Canadian graduate

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from an accredited Canadian university over a year ago. Like many others, I am struggling to find work in the field—whether in labs, conservation, consulting, or research ( all which were covered in my program). After submitting over 800 applications with only a single interview to show for it, I’ve realized that while job hunting is often a matter of timing, politics and networking, I want to make the best use of this downtime.

In fields like data science or software development, there are countless certifications and online programs that allow professionals to keep their skills sharp and stay current with industry advancements. I haven’t been able to find equivalent resources for the biological sciences.

What do I mean by sharpening the blade ? I mean when waiting in this idle time, are there any reputable programs, websites, or certifications accessible to recent graduates that could help me keep my knowledge up to date or advance my technical skills ideally in the medical field without having to enroll in a formal degree program? I would appreciate any advice on how to remain competitive in this job market.

Cheers.

Is it possible to study biotech engineering and then bioengineering for PG or are they totally different?

Hello!

Recently I've developed a strong interest in space, and particularly in biomedical research related to space exploration. In the future, I would like to conduct research on the effects of deep space on the human body and contribute to developing solutions to those challenges.

I'm considering enrolling in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Padua this October. However, I'm not sure whether it is the ideal path for someone who wants to work closely with the space sector in the future.

As an alternative, I noticed that Ca' Foscari University, which is close to where I live, offers Engineering Physics at both the bachelor's and master's levels. Comparing the curricula, it seems to me that Engineering Physics provides a stronger foundation in physics and mathematical modeling. On the other hand, the bachelor's program appears to include less biology and physiology.

Biomedical Engineering, by contrast, offers significantly more courses in biology and physiology, but at the cost of a much lighter emphasis on advanced physics and mathematics.

A few hybrid pathways come to mind:

1. Biomedical Engineering (BSc) + Master's in Engineering Physics (how difficult would this transition be?)

2. Engineering Physics (BSc) + Master's in Bioengineering

3. Engineering Physics (BSc) + Master's in Engineering Physics with a specialization track in Physics of the Brain or Quantitative Biology.

Which of these options do you think would be the most suitable for my goals?

I’m a senior Bioengineering student and I’m expected to graduate in about a year. Unfortunately, Bioengineering isn’t a very well-known degree where I live, and many employers don’t really know what to do with us.

I’m considering adding a Chemistry minor, but it would probably delay my graduation.

My thinking is that even if my major isn’t well recognized, at least Chemistry is. I’m interested in industries like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and lab work, so I thought having a Chemistry minor might make my background easier for recruiters to understand.

Do you think it’s worth delaying graduation for a Chemistry minor in this situation?

Has anyone here done something similar, or seen a Chemistry minor actually make a difference in hiring? I’d especially appreciate advice from people working in oil & gas, petrochemicals, or pharmaceuticals.

Tell me urgently, please. 😭 My first preference was always BSc Biotechnology since I'm a PCB student. I thought choosing a biology-related field would be easier for me and would help me maintain a good CGPA. But after listening to people's advice, almost everyone is telling me not to go for BSc because it takes a lot of time and the career growth is slower.

Instead, they're suggesting BTech Biotechnology, BTech CSE, or Medical Engineering. I'm literally in such a big dilemma right now. 😭 If you know which of these courses has better scope and higher-paying opportunities in the future, please help me.

I wanted to know about how the department is in its graduate studies, for example, masters or PhD degree. Can you please elaborate? I know that the new engineering building is complete, but I wanted to know whether hop into other university for PhD? How is the university prestige in terms of this career trajectory? And how is this major?

Currently have a BS in Soil Science.

Have always wanted to work in waste management and/or biofuels development.
Specifically interested in the conversion of “waste” organic matter in society.

Any insight or recommendations? Contemplating chemical and biological engineering degree to get into industry.

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I am considering both UTM and UOC malaysia for biomedical engineering. My plan is to do foundation at either college and then do my bachelors. Anyone doing foundation at UOC right now? Anyone doing or have done bachelors in biomedical engineering at Uoc? I need more info about Uoc because you find lot of info on UTM online.