In the medical device industry, there is a lot of industry jargon and lingo and many acronyms to learn to understand the business. What are some strategies you've used to acclimate quickly when you've started a new job in the past?

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Ryan Brunner · Accepted Answer

"I appreciate this question as I've put some thought into this even before applying at Stryker because I know I will be coming into a new world here. In my time in the manufacturing sector, learning new terms and acronyms has become almost second nature to me. First and foremost, if I hear someone mention something that I am unsure of, I don't hesitate to ask questions about what they're talking about so I can fully understand. If I'm reading things in emails or in manuals, I don't hesitate to look something up online or ask a colleague. I have a great ability to catch on and retain new things quickly and look forward to getting the opportunity to do this here at Stryker."

Ryan Brunner · Answer

As you are preparing to interview with Stryker, are you familiar with terms like AIM, SEM, and STEMI? While the Stryker team won't expect you to know what advanced imaging modalities, smart equipment management, and ST elevation myocardial infractions are, they will be hopeful that you will be able to learn the new language you will be speaking there with ease. As you answer this question, use real-life examples of times you had to learn new terms and phrases during your work in the past and focus on how you learned and retained information. Make sure to show excitement for the new world you will be entering at Stryker.

Anonymous User · Answer

"I am a list person. I will write down any term or acronym that I hear that I am unaware of and review it at the end of the day. I am also a big fan of Google and will look it up as soon as possible. If it is something complex, I will write it down and address it with my team, and if that answer is specific enough, I will reach out to leadership for a better explanation."

Anonymous User · Answer

"This is exactly where Google comes in. My background is in science, and although my education has made the learning curve less steep, there are always opportunities for me to learn. I find that between Google and YouTube, you can learn anything, and within a very short time, I'm already impressing my trainers as well as contributing to the team."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I'm a quick learner; I take extra time to study if need be, but if I need to do word associations to remember things, I will also do that."

Anonymous User · Answer

"A strategy I often use to acclimate quickly is spending time job shadowing the business groups I am supporting. I find an insurmountable amount of value in getting the first-hand experience and "becoming one" with the different support groups. I believe this allows me to get acclimated authentically and accurately. I also will spend after-hours reading through any materials that I will often be referencing. That way, I can start to familiarize myself and ask questions early."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I set a goal for myself to read something every night. Whether that be a surgical technique guide, an article from Spine, or a clinical study on a product, I feel it keeps me well informed and ready to use those tidbits of knowledge when I need to. I also love listening to podcasts or pieces of training I have recorded when I drive to pass the time. One of my favorites is "The Back Doctor" by Dr. Robert Watkins Jr. He talks through a variety of Spinal Fusion procedures."

Anonymous User · Answer

"It would seem that many industries seem to make use of lingo and acronyms. I find myself reading up on the industry, relating the word to an item so I can get visualization, which helps with the memory. Initially, I will ask people - what does that mean."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I would use a spreadsheet to keep track of the jargon or acronyms that I was not familiar with so that I could keep track of them and refer back to it if needed. I would also search the internet to help me figure them out as well."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I am a great fan of writing down any acronyms I do not know and going over them with my colleagues and manager every time there is an occasion. Researching in Google is highly useful for me, so before asking my managers I can have an idea of the meaning and go deeper through the information to fix new knowledge."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I take lots of notes and I will ask someone to repeat themselves or explain further if I don't understand the first time they mention something."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Take notes, make lists and keep a journal handy just in case I need to write something down that I can quiz myself at a later time. I have also used a giant chart letting my manager know what I am working on and how much progress was made at any time."

In the medical device industry, there is a lot of industry jargon and lingo and many acronyms to learn to understand the business. What are some strategies you've used to acclimate quickly when you've started a new job in the past?

How to Answer: In the medical device industry, there is a lot of industry jargon and lingo and many acronyms to learn to understand the business. What are some strategies you've used to acclimate quickly when you've started a new job in the past?

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5. In the medical device industry, there is a lot of industry jargon and lingo and many acronyms to learn to understand the business. What are some strategies you've used to acclimate quickly when you've started a new job in the past?

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