MAR 18th– We were proud to interview MedTechVet Program Mentor, Matt Penn. Matt is currently the North America Account Manager for Vernay.
Simply put, the more one transitions the more one grows & having a valuable mentor & support system can at times make all the difference in succeeding.
What led you to obtain a role within the MedTech space?
After my initial ~12+ years of my early career working in the track vehicle (military tanks) and later the powertrain & driveline (automotive) industry, I knew I wanted to be in the medical device space. Thankfully, I was able to make the change some time ago & have not looked back since. Knowing that the projects I manage & the products that are being developed have a direct positive impact on the patients’ lives & improving the medical industry devices is the most rewarding career field. Hence, what motivated me in wanting to be in the MedTech space.
What led you to become a mentor for MedTechVets?
As my career advanced in both the civilian world & serving in the U.S. Army National Guard, I recognize that we continuously transition throughout our lives. From my early days, previously as an Engineer Officer mentoring troops to starting college co-op/ internship programs to the natural growth that comes along with life, the transition is a good thing. Simply put, the more one transitions the more one grows. And having a valuable mentor & support system can at times make all the difference in succeeding. As I look back on “all the transitions” throughout my career, I recognize the value of mentorship & coaching that I’ve received & just how difficult it can be at times. Being able to give back as a mentor is also a great reward & thankful for the MedTechVet platform.
What has your mentorship journey with MedTechVets been like?
It’s been a great experience! Walking in as a newbie, not knowing what to expect & keeping an open mind I quickly realized, MedTechVet is a network of truly wanting to support our service members transitioning out of the military. Everyone that I have met throughout the mentoring space has been very well received & willing to pass any knowledge to one another. We all can benefit from guiding & mentoring our service members. The MedTechVet program is an outstanding opportunity for any vet that’s interested in the medical space & gets a glimpse of some of the most talented & professional people in the medical market.
As a veteran, we embrace uncertainty from day one by “signing the dotted line” (enlisting), & working through all the ups & downs throughout one’s military career & deployments. Working through all these uncertainties & challenges throughout the years is not an “experience gap,” that I hear most often. Instead, this is what empowers & separates you from the competition & as a MedTechVet mentor, we’re here to help you understand how & to find your new path during your transition.
Any advice for veterans?
The medical space offers both solving problems and also, helps people which I feel aligns with the military values. There is no substitution for a winning attitude, as attitude is everything in every aspect of any industry, the workforce needs more leadership with a servant’s heart, this is why veterans are valuable & lead by example with their selfless service. As a veteran, we embrace uncertainty from day one by “signing the dotted line” (enlisting), & working through all the ups & downs throughout one’s military career & deployments. Working through all these uncertainties & challenges throughout the years is not an “experience gap,” that I hear most often. Instead, this is what empowers & separates you from the competition & as a MedTechVet mentor, we’re here to help you understand how & to find your new path during your transition.
What are your key takeaways from being a mentor?
We all come from different walks of life no matter the branch of the military or occupation. As we all once again, find ourselves, jointly with a passion of wanting to serve & helping our service members, aligning with MedTechVet. The bond & values that once brought us all together in enlisting in the military, now once again bring us together finding a new way to serve by mentoring the new wave of veterans coming into the medical market. It’s always rewarding to serve & help others but just the same in return, it’s rewarding by learning from our service members & fellow mentors.
What does the future look like for you? Do you have any exciting trips planned?
For the moment in North Georgia, playing in the dirt is what I find myself doing most with my wife from gardening to landscaping. My wife & I both love being in the sun & pushing the DIY envelope & spending as much time as we can with family & friends. Since my wife & I live in the foothills of the mountains, we look forward to getting to the beach this time of the year as much as we can.
Anything else you’d like to share?
To all my transitioning veterans, three things, one, always have a plan, if you do not have one, start working on one. As with anything in life, hard work pays off & one gets out what one puts in. Secondly, have your definition & version of what success is for you. For me, it is being the best version of me each day, by doing so, I know success will follow naturally aligning myself with God’s plan & in his footsteps. Lastly, be persistent, humble, & never quit, you will succeed.
Interested in connecting with Matt?
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Here
About MedTechVets
MedTechVets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Veterans during career transition and beyond. Our Vision is to build a bridge to help Veterans find meaningful employment in the Medical Technology Industry.
We bridge the gap for Veterans by providing personalized career transition services, mentorship, and career development guidance. We serve Veterans who plan to enter the MedTech, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, or Medical Device industries.
MedTechVets is proud to have the endorsement of Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed).
When a Veteran’s military skills and experiences are translated to civilian language, recruiting managers see the benefits of hiring a qualified Veteran. Veterans are able to see the roles within the MedTech, Medical Device, Life Sciences, and Pharmaceutical industries that would best suit their skill set and career aspirations.
MedTechVets Foundational Program is a specialized program that provides more than generic advice about transitioning into medical-related career fields.
If you would like to learn more information about MedTechVets, please go to our page https://mvpvets2014dev.wpengine.com/contact-us/.
