OrthoWorx Hosts Event to Connect Orthopedic Interns/Co-ops

WARSAW, Ind., June 16, 2015—

Over 60 summer interns and co-ops from OrthoWorx member companies recently attended an after-work social program to connect with other interns/co-ops from local medical device companies. Attendees included individuals from Biomet, DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction, Medtronic, OrthoWorx, Paragon Medical and Zimmer. The purpose of the event was to provide millennials an opportunity to be introduced to their peers at local orthopedic companies, while featuring local, social and recreational assets.

This program is part of the OrthoWorx Talent Development Initiative, announced in February this year. The OrthoWorx Board of Directors announced a commitment of up to $475,000 to fund a series of major initiatives designed to improve workforce development in northern Indiana for the region’s orthopedic industry by improving the attraction and retention of students from key Indiana colleges and universities. The multi-pronged program was developed in conjunction with and approved by the OrthoWorx University | Industry Advisory Board (UIAB).

“Many of the interns and co-ops that come to our member companies for summer positions don’t have the opportunity to socialize with other students outside of their employers,” states Sheryl Conley, OrthoWorx President and CEO. “There isn’t currently a program in place to introduce them to each other, or to introduce them to what our community has to offer.  To encourage them to consider our region for continued opportunities, including potential future full-time positions, we want them to understand the recreational assets we have. We understand the millennial generation places great value on the quality of life aspect of an employment opportunity.”

The interns and co-ops in attendance were provided food and beverages while they casually networked, enjoyed watching beach volleyball and played a few rounds of corn hole. “I’m now in my second rotation at Zimmer,” comments Jessica Kwong, a Biomedical Engineering co-op from University of Toledo. “The first time I came to Warsaw, I had no idea where anything was or what there was to do here. Now that I’m back, I’m more familiar with what this area has to offer – which is a lot more than I had thought. I wish there would have been an event like this during my first rotation. It would have made that experience much better for me. This is such a great way to meet people and check out a local restaurant that has good food and fun activities.”

OrthoWorx will conduct another similar social event later this summer and will evaluate the lessons learned in order to further build out its future plans. The area of social programming for millennials in the orthopedic industry is part of the OrthoWorx University | Industry Advisory Board Talent Development Initiative, which strives to raise awareness about the experiential learning and employment opportunities available at orthopedic companies to our state’s higher learning institutions. With over 300 students engaged in the local orthopedic industry annually, programs like this are important to attract and retain interns and co-ops to ensure the hiring of talented, young professionals for the continued success of the significant, orthopedic economic cluster in Warsaw, Indiana.

About OrthoWorx

Formed in 2009 with initial funding from the Lilly Endowment, OrthoWorx (www.orthoworxindiana.com) is a community-based initiative that works strategically and collaboratively with the orthopedic industry and other stakeholders to ensure that the Warsaw region continues to reap the social and economic benefits that derive from its position as The Orthopedic Capital of the World.®