When it comes to hiring engineers, West Hollywood’s famous Comedy Store and CMOs have something in common
Since 1972, The Comedy Store has been known as “The Comedian’s Comedy Club.” From Richard Pryor to Dave Chappelle, this iconic club is known as a rite of passage for serious comics and is revered for both starting and ending multiple careers. World famous comics breezing through L.A. revel in the dark room and notoriously loose crowd. Some performers make a career as house comics at “the store” while many use it as a springboard, cutting their teeth in the most intense of comedic environments.
While CMOs are not typically recognized for killer sets and punchlines, they do attract a subset of world class engineering talent and can often be described as an “Engineer’s Engineering Company.” The ability to work on multiple product lines with various stakeholders and deadlines is a unique and formative experience. Similar to comics who work at “the store,” engineers who work at CMOs, either for a period of time or for the long-haul, tend to have a special edge that often has a lasting impact on their careers.
It is worth noting that CMO jobs are not suitable for all talented engineers and, contrary to popular belief, this is a boon for those looking to hire capable employees and consultants. CMOs widely tout efficiencies in the areas of salary, benefits and in-house subject matter expertise. This begs the question, “with margin pressures and a transient workforce, how do CMOs compete, identify and retain top talent?”
Oxenham Group advises CMOs to “flip the script” and refrain from competing for engineering talent in the same pool as medical device companies. Rather, establish a clear narrative and target candidates that possess qualities that excel in a CMO, are motivated by medtech, and embrace the numerous advantages the industry has to offer.
Here are a few examples why.
It is not always about the money: Various studies show that many engineers place earnings as a secondary or tertiary factor in accepting an engineering role. What may be more important?
Passion: Working on multiple product lines of life altering devices and supporting business development to implement scalable quality management systems while playing a role earning multi-million-dollar contracts…yes please!
Creativity: leveraging existing supply chains and identifying ways to modify and scale to meet product demand in a safe and sustainable way…where do I sign up?
Job Titles: Titles are very important to engineers. Would you rather be an associate at a large company or a valued engineer at a CMO? Often, the latter is appropriate, at least at some stage in one’s career.
A highly self-aware leader that embraces these advantages can sway top talent to a CMO. If the role complements the broader career narrative, the CMO may be a critical landing spot, a potential career home and/or a valuable rite of passage for the most serious of engineers.
Celebrate two years, it is a win. Take time to conduct a serious evaluation at the two-year mark. Does the engineer have a long-term career trajectory at your CMO or would they be better off moving to a Med Device company after a successful engagement? If the latter, write a letter of recommendation, share it widely and embrace the reputation of being an incredibly attractive landing spot and a world class “Engineer’s Engineering Company.”
For more information or to discuss your CMO’s hiring strategy, please reach out to Bill McGuckin bmcguckin@oxenhamgroup.com.