At Stryker, we’re dedicated to growing talent and supporting our employees in exploring new roles within the company. Need proof? Meet Troy, who started as an Engineering Intern and is now a Senior Global Training and Product Launch Manager. His #StrykerStory shows how collaboration, global experiences and a commitment to growth can shape your career.
Over the last 10+ years, Troy has been in seven roles, worked for three of Stryker’s Divisions and lived in two different countries – and there is no telling where he will go next.
Here are 5 things he’s learned on how to make the most of internal career opportunities.
Explore multiple opportunities that give you a holistic view of the company
Troy's career at Stryker began in Kalamazoo, MI, where he started as an Engineering Intern with the Instruments Division before accepting a full-time Engineering role with our Medical Division. “My experience across these divisions taught me the interconnectedness of our operations,” Troy shared. “Understanding how different parts of the company work together enabled me to become a more effective leader and problem solver.”
This early cross-divisional experience gave Troy a broad perspective on Stryker’s vision for growth. He noted, “Moving between divisions provided me with a unique perspective on the company's strategic goals. This holistic view was invaluable when it came to making informed decisions and proposing solutions that benefited the entire organization.” Embracing these early opportunities allowed him to build a robust internal network and showcase his adaptability, which was crucial for his professional development.
Leverage transferable skills in new roles for growth
Troy’s ability to apply his existing skills to new roles has been a significant factor in his career growth. His transition from engineering to a customer-facing role with Mako Robotics exemplified this. “I got to use my engineering problem-solving skills as a Mako Product Specialist (MPS). This, along with my prior technical expertise, helped me to quickly adapt to meet my customer’s needs,” Troy explained.
“Collaboration is another key transferable skill,” he said. “Working effectively with diverse teams across different divisions taught me the importance of leveraging different perspectives and expertise to achieve common goals.” This ability to integrate efforts across divisions and regions played a pivotal role in his success and recognition as an MPS of the Year.
Step outside of your comfort zone to gain new perspectives
One of the most transformative experiences in Troy’s career was his international assignment in Amsterdam. “Stepping outside of my comfort zone helped me to gain new perspectives and build resilience,” Troy reflected. “The diversity of thinking I was exposed to overseas challenged the way I approach problems and helped me come up with more innovative solutions.”
“Working abroad allowed me to build essential cross-cultural communication skills,” he noted. “I learned how to effectively collaborate with teams from diverse backgrounds, which has been crucial in my subsequent roles and projects.” Gaining global exposure was invaluable for his career development and personal growth.
Find what excites you and pursue it
Throughout his career, Troy discovered a passion for training and mentoring others. "The turning point for me was when I mentored a new hire and saw them quickly excel. It was incredibly rewarding to know that my guidance helped them reach their potential." Troy said. “This exposure to training and mentorship helped me realize where my true professional aspirations lay.”
The fulfillment he found in training others led him to his current role, where he shapes the next generation of Stryker employees through leadership and development. “The moment I truly fell in love with training was during a workshop where I saw the lightbulb moments in people's eyes as they grasped new concepts,” Troy shared. “It was energizing to be a part of their learning journey.”
Take advantage of company resources to enhance your career
“Stryker's commitment to internal mobility was a significant factor in my career growth,” Troy shared. “My leaders and the company encouraged me to explore opportunities across different divisions, and this support was crucial in helping me navigate my career path and take on new roles.”
“Stryker offers various resources for career development,” he noted. “I took full advantage of these opportunities, which helped me advance within the company.”
Troy’s story is just one example of how collaboration, cross-divisional experiences and embracing internal mobility can shape a successful career.
What will your #StrykerStory be?
View open roles and start shaping your future today.