Started in Medtronic two years ago. Not really happy. Expected that I would learn more and have a great opportunity to advance in my field. It hasn’t happened yet. My overall impression is that the company has a great potential, many people are very competent and professional, but mgmt on almost every level up to the top is horrible. With this leadership I don’t see Medtronic ever becoming an exciting workplace. Am I wrong in my assessment? What would you recommend? Should I stay here for a bit more and see how it will work out, or should I start looking for other opportunities? Any advice or insight from more experienced and knowledgeable colleagues will be much appreciated.
11 replies (most recent on top)
It was a career dream to be at Medtronic, but has since become disappointing. Time to move on
Medtronic is not an innovative company. It is a go along to get along culture. Don't waste your time being creative. Just salute vigorously.
Medtronic will eat your soul. Get out now before it’s too late. This company doesn’t know how or even care to cultivate innovation and the toxicity will drain you of any creativity you have left.
it was my 3yr last month. In the past years, I tried so hard to get funding for side projects, innovations, new patents, new ideas, making public presentation at internal conference, making connections within the business and outside business. I lead the effort in obtaining one of the Quest Project this year.
still, I am still a Sr. with a phd+4 year total working experience.
hahaha.. I think this is what business looks like, you don't get rewarded for how innovative you are. You will just need help the team meet goals, and make sure leadership know your name well. I can't complain about. However, what I don't like over here is that "you always have to please the old people who stayed here for 15/20/25 years, instead of asking them to follow science and physics".
that is the key pushing me away.
It is not a company of growth but a company of atrophy. I would start the search before roots, life, comfort or other things make it a harder choice.
I recommend to all that listen to shop your resume every 3-6 months, you will be surprised the great opportunities that come your way.
try to get 3 yrs under your belt before you start lookig, it will look better on your resume.
Are you disappointed you haven’t made Sr Manager or Director in two years? Can’t imagine why….
Honestly, very little research is being done in corporate America as a whole. If you want to do pure research, look to academia or smaller startups, but you’ll have to trade the high salary (compared to university researcher position) or stability/benefits (compared to a startup.
But, if you’re 2 years into your career and not happy go explore other companies or even other fields of work. Developing a breadth of knowledge will be valuable for your career instead of indoctrinated in the Medtronic way. Leave on good terms, stay in contact with coworkers because you never know what the future will bring.
Hard to give good advice. There are areas of Medtronic doing great research.
But most of Medtronic is spending time trying scope a project, get funding and then the funding gets cut and no progress.
and repeat next fiscal year.
Medtronic lacks the prestige it once held. There was a time when working there meant something but those days are gone. Upper management is going to squeeze you for whatever they can get out of you. You're just a number on a spreadsheet.
I'd recommend you keep your resume up to date and look around and see what's out there. It never hurts to gain experience in job interviews even if nothing pans out right now. It sounds like you know more about what you want too so you can ask prospective employers those sorts of good questions. There might be someone out there looking to hire an ambitious younger person and you might just find a new job that matches up with your interests.
Also, a good way to advance your career is to jump around a little and get experience doing different things in your field. Loyalty is no longer a thing, and certainly not at MDT. Maybe management will improve in a few years and you can go back after you've established yourself some more.
It is not the same company that it was 20 years ago. I would tell my younger self to move on.