Engineering a Career (Biohealth Tech Hub: Nick Daws) 

After high school, Nick didn’t know which career path to follow, until the Biomedical Electronic Technology program at his technical college caught his attention. Once enrolled, Nick immersed himself in hands-on learning with support from Employ Milwaukee, who as a member of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub funded his training and eased his financial stress. A pivotal moment came when Nick shadowed a biomedical engineer and saw a diverse team solving complex problems, which solidified his passion for the field.   

Encouraged by his career advisor, he reached out to Xiogenix, a member of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. This connection demonstrates the importance of coordinated education and workforce systems to maximize resources to participants. At the time, Nick was 19 years old, working as a Senior Manager at a fast-food restaurant. He felt his resume might not stand out, but Employ Milwaukee follows industry-driven strategies, where employers identify needed skills and collaborate in designing training, so he was confident in his abilities if he earned an interview.  

After reaching out to Xiogenix, he was connected to two lead engineers, who invited him in for an interview. Shortly after, he received an offer and began his career as an Engineering and Assembly Technician, building and testing equipment designed by the company. As the company developed a new product, he contributed to testing, then increasingly to design and software development. 

“We’ve seen how much early-career talent can bring to a team,” Xiogenix said. “They come in curious, eager to learn, and excited to contribute. We also really value being a place where people can grow, build confidence, and turn an early opportunity into something meaningful. Nick’s story means a lot to us because he reflects the kind of person we really value. He is thoughtful, steady, and genuine, and he brings a grounded, dependable presence to the team.”  

Manager at Xiogenix, Josh Jendusa shared his positive experience working with Nick: 

“I love working with Nick because he brings a rare combination of intelligence, work ethic, and genuine commitment to the team,” Josh said. “Despite being only 20, he consistently steps up to take on whatever the company needs, showing initiative and a willingness to learn. He’s driven to prove himself, eager to grow with the company, and willing to hustle to get things done. He also has strong communication skills with customers and isn’t afraid to step outside his comfort zone to improve and take on new challenges. Strong-willed in pursuing his goals and deeply invested in supporting those around him, he’s both a reliable colleague and a valuable contributor.” 

Today, Nick is just two months away from graduating, and he serves as one of the primary engineers on a new product that is now on the market. He has also secured a full-time position after graduation. 

“I absolutely recommend this program to others interested in engineering,” Nick said. “This program gave me a great foundation in electronics and programming and allowed me to have freedom in my schedule where I could work full time or close to full time while being in school.”  

Employ Milwaukee’s Biohealth Career Pathways advances careers that increase an individual’s skills, earnings, and stability. Learn more about the opportunities available here: BioHealth Tech Hub