From Student to Recruiting: The Full-Circle Journey of Justin Baris (SSE ’17 and ’18)
Matt Deinhardt mdeinhardt@tulane.edu

 

For many students, something like the new SSE Career Fair is a high-stakes arena where they hope to land their first professional role. But for Justin Baris, a Tulane University biomedical engineering alumnus, returning to the Uptown campus offered a different perspective: the view from behind the recruiting table.

Now representing Boston Scientific, Baris returned to his alma mater to scout talent and serve as a bridge between the classroom and the medical technology industry.

Baris, originally from St. Louis, has lived in New Orleans for over a decade. He completed Tulane’s 4+1 program, earning his undergraduate degree in 2017 and his master’s in 2018. While a student, he was deeply immersed in the Tulane experience by serving as a teaching assistant, working in the admissions office, and participating in Greek life and club sports

"I was looking for more of an experience," Baris recalls of his decision to attend Tulane. "I knew I was going to get a good education, but New Orleans and the things Tulane afforded me made me more well-rounded".

Now a veteran of several career events, Baris highlights the unique value of working for a global leader like Boston Scientific. He cites the large-scale resources available and the access to the expertise and technologies of a global organization. Justin also mentions the small team feel of working within a local team that allows for direct impact on patient lives. Further, he discusses the importance of innovation with a focus on emerging technologies that solve real-world medical challenges.

When scouting potential candidates, Baris looks for the qualities he believes the School of Science and Engineering fosters uniquely well.

  • Communication is Key: Baris notes that 95% of his professional role is communication. He values students who can go beyond technical details to hold an engaging conversation.
  • The Why: He admires candidates who can clearly articulate their motivations and passions.
  • Versatility: Thanks to a flexible curriculum, students often understand the business and social impacts of their work.

For students nervous about their first career fair, Baris offers a simple pep talk to focus on the connection, not just the sale. "It’s really you interviewing them more so than they’re interviewing you. Find out as much information as you can and try and make a connection". He also stresses the importance of the follow up. Whether it is a LinkedIn connection or a physical business card, staying on a recruiter's radar is essential.

Beyond recruiting, Baris remains involved with the school by serving on the Alumni Advisory Board for the biomedical engineering department. He views his involvement as a way to give back the mentorship he received from faculty members. "I can't donate a building yet," Baris says, "but I can donate my time to give students exposure to what’s out there. I want to expose students to opportunities I didn't even know existed when I was in their shoes".

Baris’ favorite Tulane memory is serving as a TA and building connections with professors, which directly led to job opportunities. We are thrilled to have alums like Baris still active in the Tulane community and returning full circle to pay it forward to the next generation of innovators coming out of SSE.