Abbott Laboratories Offers Students Practical Healthcare Industry Experience

Abbott Laboratories offers college students the chance to gain practical work experience through its six-to-eight-month paid cooperative education programs. The initiative is aimed at undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Participants work within Abbott's medical device or nutrition business segments, applying academic skills in a professional setting. This hands-on experience is designed to be valuable before graduation and can serve as a pathway to future employment with the company.

Brett Villavicencio, a mechanical engineering manager at Abbott and a former co-op participant, highlights the practical benefits. "You'll train, complete the life cycle of products and see your productivity come to life," Villavicencio stated. The program allows students to develop in-demand skills such as communication and project management while interacting with various teams and leadership. They also gain access to advanced software and equipment not typically available in academic environments.

The Abbott program includes dedicated mentorship, where experienced professionals guide students through projects and provide feedback. This helps students understand technical applications and build professional networks. Participants also witness the direct impact of their products on patient health, such as observing the implantation of medical devices. This experience enhances their employability upon graduation.