193 - Bioengineering Grads: Here’s What Recruiters Actually Want to See in 2025

In this episode of Let’s Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh is joined by Kirk Petyo, Managing Partner at Talent Factory Medical and founder of Talent Factory Recruiting. If you're a bioengineering student, recent grad, or early-career professional trying to break into medical devices, biotech, or pharma—this one's for you.With extensive experience recruiting for regulated industries like aerospace, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, Kirk offers grounded, actionable insights for early-career professionals and hiring managers alike.This episode covers how to craft a strong resume, the importance of knowing your career “why,” how to stand out to recruiters, and why onshoring and shifting regulatory trends matter for the next generation of talent in life sciences.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and Guest Introduction 00:35 – Kirk's Career Journey and Advice 02:18 – Navigating Early Career Challenges 03:12 – Building a Strong Resume and Networking 04:38 – The Importance of Specificity in Job Applications 08:56 – Recruitment Insights and Industry Trends 12:05 – Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned 18:49 – Advice for Upcoming Graduates 23:18 – The Importance of Passion in Job Interviews 24:00 – Evaluating Candidates Beyond Experience 24:58 – Personal Stories and Career Choices 30:55 – Bioengineering vs. Mechanical Engineering 41:34 – Industry Trends and Onshoring 44:18 – Entry-Level Opportunities and Recruitment About Kirk PetyoKirk Petyo is the Managing Partner at Talent Factory Medical and founder of Talent Factory Recruiting. He has spent his career recruiting top talent in highly regulated industries like aerospace, medical devices, biotech, and pharma. Known for his ability to bridge business needs with real human connections, Kirk helps companies grow stronger teams—and helps candidates navigate complex career decisions with clarity and purpose.About the Host Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let’s ComBinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations, and R&D, he has worked in large Medical Device and Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of hardware devices, disposable devices, and combination products for vaccines, generics, and biologics.Subhi currently serves as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition (CPC), is a member of ASTM Committee E55, and has served on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.