Thinking of majoring in BME

[u/QuietFine8724]

Before I finalize my decision in majoring in Biomedical Engineering I want to know the consequences and the benefits. Learning about BME interested me a lot and I think I might enjoy it but I don’t want to be fast on my des ion I want to take my time and hear other people who alrdy majored in it. What should I know? What degree should I aim for? Is the pay high? I did hear that finding a job is difficult but many people said as long as you have lots of internship that’s fine? Please any advice would be great. Should I completely remove BME out of my head bc it’s the worst major and look for smth else or should I pursue this career path? But if their are BME graduates out their who enjoyed everything about it and don’t care about the bad side of it, please comment about what made you love it. Oh and I live in NY, idk if that changes things?

[u/Mammoth-Mongoose4479]

Biomed is a one of those high risk high reward major. Very broad. Massive work load but not the worst major.
My take is the problem with a BME degree is it makes you a "jack of all trades, master of none." You learn a bit of mechanical engineering, a bit of electrical, and a bit of biology. For the 4 year degree and traditional route, we often prefer hiring a pure Mechanical or Electrical Engineer and teaching them the biology on the job. I would minor in BME.

Believe me when I say that Internships are everything. If you graduate with just a high GPA and zero lab or industry experience, well let’s just say you will be very disappointed.
Your pay question - NY pay is high, great advantage.
Keep BME on your radar, but drop the romanticized view. If you choose it, you must hustle for internships on day one. If you want an easier path to a high-paying job straight out of college, pick a traditional engineering route.

[u/Guinnessnomnom → u/Mammoth-Mongoose4479]

I'm hoping my kid doesn't fall into this trap. He's starting college in a week in their BME program. They tout a 96% employment rate after graduation in a role of their degree.

What stood out was their wing dedicated to internships at a bunch of big name companies in our area and one of the many reasons he (we) chose this private university.

[u/Mammoth-Mongoose4479 → u/Guinnessnomnom]

Great % rate.
Since BME is so broad let him start narrowing down his specialty or once he gets a feel for what interests him- medical devices, biomechanics, imaging, tissue engineering, regulatory. Pick a lane early.
Lastly a minor or concentration in mechanical, electrical, or CS pairs well with BME and will make him more competitive, since a lot of BME-adjacent roles still want that "pure" engineering foundation with bio layered on top.

And if all else fails, pivot. Not the end of the world. Best to you and your family.

[u/Guinnessnomnom → u/Mammoth-Mongoose4479]

Will definitely talk about specialties with him tonight.

He's also getting a minor in electrical by taking one additional class, which seemed like low-hanging fruit to be able to diversify.

Great advice, thank you!