Industrial and Systems Engineering Co-Op Story: Johnson and Johnson

Peyton Carr

Industrial & Systems Engineering

What company did you intern with and where are they located?

I worked with Depuy Synthes, the orthopedic company of Johnson and Johnson in
Dallas, Texas.

How did you identify and apply for your internship? Are there any specific resources you used to find the opportunity (i.e. Handshake, career fairs, other recruitment events)?

So, I learned about this internship from word of mouth, one of my best friend’s uncles
worked for the company and my friend thought I would be really interested in learning
more about the MedTech Field. She ended up connecting us and he urged me to apply!

What was the application process like?

The process was long, I ended up applying in October, and my last interview was in
February. The interview first consisted of submitting my resume and cover letter along
with transcripts and answering a couple of general questions. I then moved forward to
complete a pre-recorded interview with questions that were given in real time. After that,
I interviewed with three more people, regional and territorial managers within the
company, until I was awarded a spot in Dallas!

Tell us about your internship experience. What types of tasks and projects did you engage in? Was there a particular project or part of the experience you learned the most from?

I got to work at around 7 different hospitals within the DFW area. I would typically
arrive to the hospitals around 6:30 a.m. where I would scan all my credentials and then
head to the ORs. I was assigned to the spine division of the company, so I got to observe
various types of spine procedures throughout the day.
My job in the OR was to assist with anything related to the products the surgeon might be
using. This included assembly, use, measurements regarding product placement, and
detailed questions about materials and specs of implants and instruments. But mostly, the
job was to be someone in the OR that everyone could depend on to go above and beyond,
ensuring a positive atmosphere and being a facilitator.
I was very fortunate to travel to the Depuy Synthes Spine Headquarters in Raynham,
Massachusetts and get hands on learning with the products. This allowed me to
strengthen my knowledge of the products to insure I was able to give correct information.

In what ways did this internship help you prepare for your next destination after Auburn?

I’ve always been drawn towards healthcare, but after doing this internship, I am positive
of the industry and company that I want to work with after graduation.

In what ways did your coursework or other experiences at Auburn prepare you for your internships? Are there specific topics or skills you learned from classes that you put into practice on the job?

The most useful skill that I have taken from Auburn is the ability to learn and adapt. The
rigor of the classes we take sets us apart when working with students from other
universities. Being able to pick up complex task or assignments is an important part of
working in industry and Auburn does an amazing job of preparing students for it.

Do you have any advice for other students looking for internships like yours?

My biggest piece of advice is to be open. Opportunity knocks at almost every door and
you must be brave enough to take a chance. Co-op/interning allows you to get your foot
in the door. It’s up to you what you do with it.