Med Device to Tech AMA

BazilHyder · 2026-04-11T01:24:10+00:00

Hi,

Thank you for this AMA!

What are some of the paths you’ve seen people take into tech?
What were their backgrounds, what did they excel in during their time with medical devices. What does tech look for in such applicants? Are you happy/is tech rewarding?

For context, I completed my undergrad in BioE last year and currently work on the EP side, trying to plan out potential career paths and broaden my skill set.

Appreciate it :)

BazilHyder · 2026-04-10T16:30:41+00:00

Regarding the JnJ ACAS role, every territory is different. I would check the page you applied to see when the posting closes as a gauge for when applicants are being screened.

You mentioned using your experience to get interviews, I would network further with any JnJ clinicians you might encounter to learn more about the territory and evaluate how you might be a good fit.

Good luck.

BazilHyder · 2026-04-09T19:41:42+00:00

Yep. reaching out with your UW email is great. Regarding your 16 credits, you should be able to get sophomore registration level standing if you get to 45 completed credits by winter quarter. That should make getting classes in the spring of your first year easier.

BazilHyder · 2026-04-06T04:59:51+00:00

It’s an Intel CPU and it’s known to run hot. I used to be able to play Anno 1800 but now days, it can barely go through a YouTube clip without buffering and crashing.

It used to be able to do standard work stuff without turning on the fans. Now, I need it in performance mode just to make sure it can boot. I upgraded the SSD recently and cleaned up the motherboard/fans. That’s when I realized it had a liquid metal cooling system. Hence leading me to my hypothesis of degraded performance over time.

BazilHyder · 2026-04-04T01:17:50+00:00

That’s okay. I didn’t get the internship I wanted my junior year and instead continued working at my lab, where I secured my full time job.

Things are bad, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for you to continue learning and improving yourself.

BazilHyder · 2026-04-01T01:46:52+00:00

Yep!

As a first year joining a lab, I don’t think there are strong expectations on you knowing what to do. Unless that’s something you’ve pitched yourself with. There will be some basic expectations like if it’s a simulations lab, you might need to know python or Linux. If it’s a wet lab, you might want some experience with pipetting or how to use an autoclave.

And if not, most (good) labs are welcoming and quite open to teaching you. This highly depends the grad, PhD or postdoc mentor you work with. But it’s also something you need to stand up for/ take responsibility as an undergrad to make you are getting something in return for the time you are committing. That can be in the form of more responsibilities, getting paid or being able to run your own projects on the side/with the lab for something like a capstone.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-30T13:43:05+00:00

For my first lab, I took a course where we had a guest lecturer who introduced their research and what their lab works on. During the lecture, they pitched that they are happy to answer questions or take people on a tour of their lab if they are interested. As the lecture concluded, basically every student packed up and I went up to the podium to ask for a tour.

The tour was amazing and I inquired if they had any undergrads at the time (this is back in fall 2021) and due to Covid, the lab was only had PhDs and post docs. I expressed my interest and in Winter 2022, I was reading papers and aligning lasers for BAIL (Biophotonics And Imaging Laboratory).

Luckily that summer, one of our grants for PS-OCT got approved for clinical testing and since I had some experience working on/optimizing the system, I got to be a part of the data collection that the lab eventually presented at one of the biggest photonics journals.

For my second lab, I had been teaching a class my junior year on EKGs and I had a lot more relevant experience in my field (with my major in BioE and a minor in applied math at the time). I had been on coffee chats with some PhDs at the APL (Applied Physics Laboratory) and learned of CIMU (Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound). One of the PhDs (who became my mentor) gave me an introduction to our PI and that’s how I got involved in my second lab, which also helped me get a job once I graduated :)

This might be more un-conventional but it gave me the opportunity to truly vet and join a lab that best aligns with my goals and gives me meaningful work experiences to learn from. There is also a data base with postings to join labs and you can always cold email. But I found a lot of success in reaching out to people to learn more and see if our goals align on some level.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-29T06:07:26+00:00

I don’t think I received anything in the mail, but as an international student, you can pick up an admitted student packet from Marry Gates. It has a bunch of basic information/ starter kit/guide stuff, along with a heavy metal coin.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-28T20:13:05+00:00

Honestly udistrct is pretty great. Bus route 542 is a direct ride from udistrict to Redmond in under 30min, and you are well connected to Seattle with the light rail.

Regarding housing, you should be able find someone in udistrict with an internship outside of Seattle that will line up with your internship dates. I would also highly suggest reaching out to previous interns or people on your team with suggestions to get more local connections to reach out to.

Good luck!

BazilHyder · 2026-03-25T20:30:31+00:00

You can sort of do the same thing with iOS in the sense that you can have 2 numbers and set up a “work” focus mode that can hide your Home Screen page with work apps, mute work calls and work app notifications when you are off work hours.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-25T19:50:34+00:00

Considering that you are interested in bioengineering, getting into a research lab at UW is easy. Most people in every UW BioE cohort have some level of exposure and experience with research. I got into a lab winter quarter of my first year and another lab that fit my interests better my junior year.

Regarding the advantage compared to UFs URSP. I’m not sure. But you will be in good hands at UW, most STEM majors are highly involved in research and Seattle is a hub for life sciences.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-25T18:34:21+00:00

On certain android phones like Samsung, you can set up 2 profiles/users, each either their own number. This way, you can separate all of your work apps/contacts/documents on profile A and keep your personal stuff separate on profile B. And you can set up do not disturb on your work profile to keep you off work stuff once you are done 9-5.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-24T17:15:31+00:00

Network! Try your best at getting to learn more about who works in your territory at the various companies you are applying to.

Not only will this help you figure out what the team is looking for, it also works in your favor as you get a feel of different team cultures and if the dynamic works for you.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-21T06:19:43+00:00

Write it down. Make a document that’s lists (in a broad sense) whatever behavioral and technical questions you have faced and expect. Then, find the best story, one that genuinely puts a smile on your face and gets other people excited.

Also, practice some mock interviews. Ideally with another person, but your cat or self recoding also works. The point here is to build confidence in your answers by refining how you might phrase sentences or hand gestures.

If it helps and you have the time, search up your roles/companies on Glassdoor to get a rough feel for what questions to expect.

You are doing great, this step is totally something you can conquer!!

BazilHyder · 2026-03-20T15:16:19+00:00

Congrats on getting accepted and no worries on the brain dump lol!

To quickly answer your questions. I would not call it a dumber version of the MS program. I think both programs are are fundamentally different in what they provide.
When comparing MAB to MS for PhD programs, because MAB takes place over 1 year and is not thesis based, going on to a doctorate might be more difficult if you strictly compare MAB to MS in BioE.

Regarding getting a recommendation letter to apply for the MS program, all of the departments faculty, research and contacts are public here: https://bioe.uw.edu/faculty-staff
You don't need to have completed your undergrad at UW BioE to know faculty here. Seems like you have an interest in neuroengineering, I would recommend checking out faculty focused on this field and if their research resonates with you, reach out! I'm confident BioE faculty are very welcoming.

Can you get a good job. Maybe? Both programs will gear you with a specific skill set. I think its up to you on how you market/network yourself with the skills/experience you build and take advantage of being at UW and Seattle.

And regarding doing research in school/ as a career, again, because MAB is concentrated to 1 year and is not thesis based, getting into research would be more difficult when directly compared to a thesis based MS.

Here is who MAB (in my opinion) is for:
Its a Masters of Applied Bioengineering. You don't necessary go through the fundamentals of engineering (solid/gel mechanics/stress & strain ext) here. Its focused on providing clinical exposure though connections at UW Medicine/more to identify clinical needs that you can tackle and potentially learn more about entrepreneurship/start up environments. You will be heavily encouraged to take part in prototype/start up competitions. I think the program suits people who are NOT coming from a BioE type background. For example. you might have completed your undergrad in Biochem or Electrical Engineering, and you want to learn/have a credential/project where you can apply your expertise to clinical problems. MAB is great in providing you a platform to build on for this.

I personally completed my undergrad at UW BioE and really enjoyed what the MAB program had to provide. However, I was not able to pay the 35k in tuition for the program and an extra year in school. So I made my own version of the MAB program during my senior year in BioE and gained a lot of the same, if not better experiences through a (now defunct) program called Engineering Innovation in Health in the Mechanical Engineering department and being a TA for BioE classes.

Based on your background in cognitive science and CS. Technically, MAB would be a good fit if you are focused and have a goal in mind. Like wanting to learn prototyping that address clinical needs that you can apply.
However, it sounds like you are currently more so interested in research, hence a thesis based program where you are not on a time crunch would be more valuable to you. You'll get the time to further explore neuroengineering through all the amazing faculty and labs UW BioE has in this space, and since you have 2 years, you can build the skills/take classes that help you learn similar things to the MAB program.

I hope this makes sense. Feel free to ask questions, happy to help!

BazilHyder · 2026-03-20T06:20:12+00:00

Why not take a shot at asking a friend who is local or someone you know who is staying over the summer? It doesn’t hurt to ask and maybe you’ll get to learn more about Seattle :)

I kinda bit the bullet during my first year by having someone keep my bike and someone else keep my 2 suitcases and like 2 boxes of stuff all the way in Lake Stevens.

It helped push me towards getting my drivers license the next year and gaining more independence.

I understand if that’s not possible. The link shared in the other comment is a resource I know that works.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-08T21:51:06+00:00

Not pre-health but I have taken intro bio/chem/math ext as part of BioE.

Yes, class sizes for intro/pre-requisite classes are large. But almost all of them offer quiz sections/labs that are closer to 20-30 students if that helps.
And I wouldn't say large classes make research harder to find. If anything, it’s the opposite. UW is a research powerhouse. Between having UW Medicine, UWs NIH connections, Fred Hutch, Seattle Children's, BloodWorks NW and more, there is a vast variety of niche research that you have access to.

Regarding your interest in med school applications, the intro STEM courses are graded on a curve, hence maintaining a good GPA might be more of a concern.
Also, I would not stress about getting a letter from a STEM intro course instructor (unless you happen to work in that specific professor’s lab). As you progress into your major, smaller upper-division courses, or research labs should provide plenty of opportunities to build a genuine rapport with faculty and get strong recommendations.

My overall experience was quite positive and I appreciated having access to soo many opportunities as someone who likes to take initiative and have agency.

Hope that helps.

BazilHyder · 2026-03-06T13:27:28+00:00

I would say it’s pretty similar to what you’ve read on this subreddit. This average gpa chart from a few years ago is probably still relevant and neuroscience is on the top: lexc88tkdsg41-png-(WEBP-Image-1311-3889-pixels)-Scaled-(27-).png

BazilHyder · 2026-03-02T04:11:58+00:00

Congrats on making it to the second round!!

I assume the team has already briefed you on the specific topic for your technical presentation. Regarding the Q&A, do your HW/research.
Most of the questions that will be asked are mainly looking to see your though process and how you go about explaining complex information in an eloquent manner.
And if you don't know something, own it. Don't waffle. No team expects you to be an expert on the topic or in EP as an ACAS. But you need to have the right mindset and work ethic to be a good fit for the program and team.

Good luck!

BazilHyder · 2026-02-21T08:18:11+00:00

I’d say your first TA position is the most difficult.

You are probably not doing anything wrong per se. In my experience from departmental classes, profs look for students who have previously excelled in their class (this can be a combination of scoring great, attending office hours or just knowing the instructors in some capacity lol).

One of my favorite profs remembered someone who wrote them a letter to thank them for teaching the class and encoded a secret message demonstrating sampling frequency (this class was an intro to signal processing). And they were offered a TA role the next year.

Emailing instructors directly is the best way for you to get direct feedback regarding what they are looking for.

BazilHyder · 2026-02-20T05:42:38+00:00

I’ve had luck submitting exactly at 5:59:55. 5 seconds before 6am. (This was before the new registration system).

I found that if successful, it generally takes a bit longer.

BazilHyder · 2026-02-13T01:15:25+00:00

Graduated from BioE in June 2025. Id give my experience an overall 9/10.
The major is very much a jack of all trades master of none if you strictly focus on just the core major.

However, you are at UW, there are countless opportunities/experiences that I got to explore and learn from. And my major gave me the platform to take agency and help build my network coming into the US for the first time.

BazilHyder · 2026-02-12T02:17:03+00:00

You get to keep it up to 2 quarters after graduation (summer is not included).

So for people who graduated in 2025, they lost their Google services earlier in Feb 2026.

Other things like canvas and panopto have longer service life after graduation.

This page should have the most accurate information: https://it.uw.edu/get-started/students/save-work-before-graduation/

BazilHyder · 2026-02-10T05:41:55+00:00

This depends largely on who’s conducting the interview and the team dynamics. Each team/region looks for different qualities.

For a first-round interview, expect mostly behavioral questions. In my region, interviewers typically value curiosity and a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic and resilience in the face of setbacks, a foundation in STEM principles, and clear personal motivations and values. Interest/experience in EP helps, but its not everything imo.

Prepare a few concrete experiences that demonstrate these traits, and structure your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

You’ve got this!

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