As our current 2025 interns begin to wrap up their summer, we wanted to give you some special words of wisdom from those who’ve walked in their shoes. Meet Maggie, Sarah, Luke, and Nick—four standout interns from Summer 2024 who returned this year as full-time CONMED employees!

They’ve successfully turned their internships into full-time careers, and now they’re sharing their top tips to help you do the same. Whether you're looking to make a lasting impression or land that offer, their advice is here to guide you.

Maggie C. -

From Learning & Development Intern to Associate Recruiter

“The best interns are the ones who take initiative and network with other departments.”

Maggie began her journey at CONMED in the Learning and Development department, where she built a strong foundation within the HR team. Her proactive approach to networking helped her connect with the Talent Acquisition team, ultimately leading to her current role as an Associate Recruiter.

She encourages interns to explore the organization beyond their immediate team.

“CONMED is a dynamic organization with many different departments and specialties, so taking steps to engage with other teams early on can open the door to valuable connections or even a full-time role.”

Maggie recommends using the Workday organizational chart to identify individuals in roles that interest you. Reach out, schedule a brief meeting, and come prepared with thoughtful questions about their career paths, education, and interests.

“These conversations can lead to invaluable insights—and opportunities.”

Sarah G. -

From Manufacturing Packaging Engineer Intern to Engineer I, R&D Packaging

“Be open to new opportunities, even if they don’t match the initial vision you started with.”

Sarah’s path wasn’t linear, but it was full of growth. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility and embracing the unexpected.

“Sometimes the most meaningful work comes from the paths you never expected to go down. Stay flexible to be able to discover possibilities that will challenge, inspire, or push you to grow.”

She also highlights the value of failure as a learning tool:

“Embrace failure; it is not a setback but a growth opportunity. Fail often and fail fast—it means you are growing in your work.”

Her advice? Ask questions, collaborate, and create space for learning. That’s how you grow.

Luke R. -

From Strategic Sourcing Supply Chain Intern to Supplier Quality Engineer

“Don’t treat your internship like just a job—treat it as a three-month, in-person interview. Every moment counts.”

Luke’s mindset helped him stand out. He approached each day with intention and professionalism, which paid off in the long run.

“Arrive early. Stay curious by consistently asking thoughtful questions. Keep track of your achievements and make sure you share your wins, big or small. This is your chance to show how you'd shine as a full-time team member.”

His story is a reminder that your internship is a unique opportunity to demonstrate your potential—and build a future at CONMED.

Nick B. -

From Supply Chain Intern to Service Planner

“One of the great things about CONMED, which I learned very quickly, is that everyone is willing to help you.”

Nick’s experience was shaped by the openness and support of the CONMED team. He found that no matter someone’s title, they were always willing to answer questions and share insights.

“This willingness of others to help was how I advanced my knowledge of the business and gained insight into processes I could optimize. When you put yourself out there while looking for an answer, you make great connections and demonstrate genuine interest in what you do. Never be afraid to ask.”

He also encourages interns to build relationships beyond their peer group:

“Just because you're younger than your new co-workers doesn't mean you won't become great friends... If you aren’t having casual conversations or watercooler banter with your superiors, you’re really missing out.”

Nick’s internship gave him the freedom to explore complex problems independently.

“I got a great understanding of our planning, purchasing, and inventory pipeline. I learned a ton of processes and worked with industry-standard software while exploring and defining the problem myself.”

His advice? Embracing independence fosters creativity, builds confidence, and helps you grow.