{"id":621,"date":"2026-02-05T14:05:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T20:05:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/tech-hub\/?p=621"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:05:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T20:05:42","slug":"event-recap-speed-networking-inside-illumina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/tech-hub\/2026\/02\/05\/event-recap-speed-networking-inside-illumina\/","title":{"rendered":"Event Recap: Speed Networking \u2013 Inside Illumina"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Recorded December 5, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Universities of Wisconsin recently hosted a virtual Speed Networking session with Illumina<\/strong>, giving students an inside look at one of the world\u2019s leading genomics companies. The event connected participants with Steve Caldwell<\/strong>, Associate Director of Quality Assurance, and Madeline Yu<\/strong>, Supervisor of Manufacturing Equipment Engineering, for a candid conversation about engineering careers, problem-solving in advanced manufacturing, and what Illumina looks for when hiring early-career talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This session is part of OEEE\u2019s ongoing effort to give students direct access to Wisconsin employers, deepen understanding of sector-specific skills, and highlight pathways into high-growth industries like biohealth and genomics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the full conversation:<\/strong> https:\/\/youtu.be\/psOkSuWxPa4<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What We Heard: Key Themes From Illumina<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Engineering Skills Transfer Across Industries<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Madeline emphasized that engineering fundamentals \u2014 critical thinking, systems understanding, and problem-solving \u2014 transfer seamlessly into biotech roles. Whether troubleshooting large-scale machinery or compact lab equipment, the core thinking remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight: Applying engineering in biotech:<\/strong> https:\/\/youtu.be\/7htUVnre9a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Illumina Prioritizes Flexibility, Attitude, and Communication<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

For early-career candidates, technical degrees open the door \u2014 but the differentiators are soft skills: flexibility, communication, eagerness to learn, and the ability to work across teams in a fast-moving production environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight: What Illumina looks for when hiring:<\/strong> https:\/\/youtu.be\/ezAXH0sBpBg<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Humility and Collaboration Matter More Than Credentials<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Steve noted that success in engineering and quality roles at Illumina has less to do with titles or past experience and more to do with mindset. Employees who collaborate, drop ego, embrace continuous improvement, and stay open to new solutions thrive across the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight: What makes someone successful at Illumina:<\/strong> https:\/\/youtu.be\/-qOS45lbgjE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Genomics Work Is Broader Than Students Expect<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Steve offered an accessible explanation of Illumina\u2019s products \u2014 equipment and reagents used for DNA sequencing in applications ranging from healthcare to agriculture to public health. This helped students understand where engineering and quality roles fit within the broader genomics workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight: What Illumina builds and who they serve<\/strong>: https:\/\/youtu.be\/ct6H24dNvxA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Problem-Solving Is the Core Skill Across All Roles<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Whether repairing returned devices, identifying recurring product issues, or developing solutions for customers, Illumina teams rely heavily on pattern recognition, system thinking, and creative troubleshooting. Students were encouraged to see these abilities as universally valuable, regardless of engineering discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight: Translating academic skills into real-world impact<\/strong>: https:\/\/youtu.be\/dDj44cHon_U<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

—<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why This Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This session gave students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n