It's April, What jobs am I looking at?

To tell the truth, I'm still a little fuzzy on this. I'm a bit limited because I want to stay in the Atlanta area. So, for me, it's not only a function of what I'm qualified for, but what is available (Atlanta is rated 7th in the US for medtech jobs). I had a pretty significant shock the first semester when I went to job fair interviews and even after a full description of what my program was about, I was flatly told that without experience, I wouldn't be considered for a product management job. I, just like everyone else, would start in a product design/engineering job. That's how the industry works. They like managers who have proven themselves in engineering roles first. So this kind of goes back to why I'm looking to get familiar with the lab: I'll likely be in one to start.

I think that's pretty critical to realize when you're going into this. You definitely need to develop your understanding of the overall process and look for what makes a good manager, but know that you'll likely be seeking an entry level position doing JUST QA, R&D, clinical testing, regulatory affairs, or whatever. So use your electives to hone your skills for whichever direction you want to go in. You won't be given a management job right out of college and if you tell a recruiter that's what you expect, they'll think you're an idiot and not even offer you an entry level position.

Before I end, I'll take a moment to come around and address what you might be thinking, "If I can't get a management job right out of college, why the hell am I wasting a year and $70,000+ on this program?" First, if you were thinking that, be assuaged. You're not. A master's degree is still something that will help you break into upper management later. A lot of companies insist that you have one to get there, and will pass a better BS educated candidate up for one that has an MBA (which any idiot can get). And getting a master's in one year as opposed to two (or more if you're taking night classes while dong a full-time job) is great. Second, the program gives you perspective to do your job in that singular position a lot better, increasing your opportunity to be a candidate for a management or upper management position. Some of these guys have some incredible insights to share, and it could take you a decade or more in industry to realize them yourself.