MedTechVets Launches the Academy, a Free Training and Mentorship Program
In some ways, this is the perfect time for veterans to consider careers in the medical device and life science industry. The industry has not been immune to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Still, it’s rising to the challenge. The industry is rapidly adapting products, services, facilities, and distribution channels to aid in the pandemic response at breakneck speed. The ability to meet a challenge head-on and swiftly change course is the essence of military training. Veterans excel at working in ambiguity and within an evolving goal structure. Success in the military depends on being able to adapt quickly.
The medical device and life science industry is a viable career option for many of the approximate 200,000 service members transitioning annually from military to civilian life (Department of Defense). It’s an industry that may offer a match to their military-honed skill set and provide a good salary. You don’t have to be a scientist or a doctor to be successful in the industry. While the foundation is rooted in science, there are countless opportunities in finance, manufacturing, logistics, sales, financial services, and information technology services.
There are many reasons military training and shared values make veterans excellent candidates for careers in the medical device and life science industry:
- Mission-driven
- Discipline
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Loyalty to the organization
- Collaborative environment
A newly launched formal mentorship program, the MedTechVets Academy, offers a six-week, virtual one-on-one mentoring session to prepare you for a successful career in the medical device and life science industry. The program begins August 20 and continues through September 24, 2020. Participants will be expected to commit to five to ten hours per week and all sessions will take place after regular working hours between 5:00 and 7:00 pm Pacific time.
Industry mentors, many who are veterans themselves, are uniquely suited to work with transitioning veterans to help them focus on their needs and interests, help them avoid obstacles, and offer their full-fledged support. They will help identify transferable skills, provide coaching to translate military achievements and jargon to the private sector’s language and help pave the way for a smoother transition.
The MedTechVets (formerly MVPvets) Academy concludes with the virtual attendance of participants at the MedTech Conference, powered by the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) on October 5 through 7, 2020. MedTechVets is endorsed by AdvaMed, whose conference will offer an abundance of live and on-demand content, with 100 sessions covering topics from cybersecurity to precision medicine. Various networking opportunities will also be available, connecting participants with key executives from almost every major medical device company in the US, as well as opportunities to schedule one-on-one meetings with key players.
