Hear from our Summer 2025 Manufacturing Engineer Intern, Alex, on his internship experience and navigating the medical device industry-

As a rising senior double majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Supply Chain, Operations, and Technology at Washington University in St. Louis, I was eager to find an internship that would allow me to combine my experience with medical devices and the business side of operations. When I came across CONMED’s internship opportunities, I was immediately drawn to the company’s commitment to innovation and its emphasis on personal and professional growth. After a highly engaging interview process—where I had the chance to connect with professionals in both talent acquisition and engineering—I was thrilled to accept a position as a Manufacturing Engineering Intern at CONMED’s Largo, FL location.

Over the course of the summer, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of impactful projects, including optimizing manufacturing processes and supporting validation testing for new equipment. One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship has been the trust placed in me to take on meaningful responsibilities that challenged me to think critically and solve problems creatively. Whether analyzing production data, implementing lean manufacturing principles, or collaborating with cross-functional teams, I’ve consistently felt that my contributions were valued.

Each day has brought something new, keeping me engaged and constantly learning. Some days I’ve been on the manufacturing floor running trials and collecting data; other days I've been at my desk diving into analysis and documentation. Regardless of the task, I’ve felt supported by my supervisor and the broader engineering team. The fast-paced yet collaborative environment has been instrumental in helping me develop both technical and interpersonal skills that I know will serve me well in my future career.

One piece of advice I would offer to future interns in my position is to take the initiative to connect with employees across departments such as process engineers, quality assurance specialists, supply chain analysts, and even senior leadership. These conversations have broadened my understanding of the medical device industry and opened my eyes to a variety of potential career paths.

Overall, this summer has been an incredibly enriching experience. The opportunities for hands-on learning, professional development, and meaningful

mentorship at CONMED have exceeded my expectations. I’m leaving this internship with a deeper understanding of manufacturing engineering, a stronger sense of direction for my career, and a genuine appreciation for the people and culture that make CONMED such a great place to grow.