Medical Innovations Pathways – Industry Makes Student Connections

January 10, 2019

This week, Utah’s life sciences companies participating in the Medical Innovations Pathways (MIP) program, have been visiting local high schools to help students understand what working in the life sciences industry is all about. Representatives from Biomerics and Nelson Laboratories briefed students from Tooele school district at an evening event on January 7, while representatives from BD, Merit and Stryker, briefed students from Canyons school district the evening of January 8.

“Being able to speak personally with students about what we do and show them our products makes all the difference,” said Craig McCaffrey, President of Biomerics, who presented at Tooele. “They come away with a better understanding of what we do for patients and why we’re so passionate about our work.”

“It’s fun to see students get excited about innovation,” said Jake Willis, Project Portfolio Manager, at Nelson Laboratories, who joined McCaffrey in talking to the students.

“The MIP program provides our students with the opportunity to directly engage with leaders of Utah’s life sciences industry, said Kristy McLachlan, CTE Director, at Tooele School District. “It’s a game changer for education. Students graduate with a Medical Innovations Certificate which allows them to get a job right after high school, with the support of industry for college tuition.”

At the Canyons event, students heard from BD, Merit and Stryker.

“As an industry, we want to help students learn about the MIP program and career opportunities in the life sciences,” said Will Powley, Senior HR Leader, at Stryker. “The MIP program connects students with prominent life sciences employers that provide good jobs and career advancement.”

David Gardner, Human Resources Manager for BD, and Jake Reyes, Senior Corporate Recruiter, with Merit Medical, echoed this sentiment in their presentations to the students. They talked about how MIP can jump-start a career in the fast-growing life sciences industry.

The MIP program, now in its third year, is offered to high school seniors in Alpine, Canyons, Davis, Granite, Jordan, and Tooele school districts. In addition to completing required MIP coursework, students enrolled in the program will do company job shadows.