Getting to know Stryker: Student and graduate programs in North America

Whether you’re currently in college and looking for an internship, or a recent graduate trying to figure out your next career move, Stryker offers programs designed with you in mind.  

For current students, we offer paid summer internships. Already graduated? Not a problem! Not only do we have full-time roles available, but we also have several rotational programs designed for recent graduates looking to enter the workforce full-time.  

Summer internships at a glance:  

Our paid internship programs are perfect for talented students looking to gain valuable hands-on experience. The 12-week summer internship helps build more than just your resume — it will challenge your knowledge, build your network, and drive your career path.  

Important things to note about our summer internships: 

• Recruitment for summer internships begins in September for the following year.  

• We offer internships at various Stryker locations across the United States and provide housing opportunities or living stipends to help with the cost of living. We encourage you to apply even if you do not live near a Stryker location. 

• Requirements for an internship: 

  • Currently working on a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field of study and have at least one full semester of classes upon completion of the internship.  Students graduating earlier may still be considered for select internship opportunities.

  • A minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or above at the time of application and start date. 

  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now and in the future. 

View open roles on our career site.

Rotational Programs at a glance: 

Important things to note about our rotational programs: 

• Recruitment for rotational programs begins in September for the following year. 

• Requirements for rotational programs:  

  • Undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field of study. 

  • A minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or above. 

  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now and in the future. 

Finance and Accounting Rotational (FAR) program at a glance: 

The FAR program is an entry-level, accelerated development program for recent graduates within the finance and accounting field. The program includes structured development through job shadows, plant visits, product showcases, formal training and volunteer opportunities. You’ll also receive certification support to obtain a CPA or CMA designation. 

Things to know: 

• Focus area: Finance and Accounting  

• Duration: 3 years with one-year rotations 

• Additional requirement: open to geographic relocation  

Salt Lake Operations Acceleration Rotational (SOAR) Leadership Program at a glance:  

The SOAR program is designed specifically for individuals who are looking for an accelerated career progression in manufacturing operations and leadership. This program develops accomplished engineers in our neurovascular product lines through challenging rotational assignments across the manufacturing site, providing high visibility, team projects, training and development, plus formal coaching and mentoring programs. 

Things to know: 

• Focus area: Engineering 

• Duration: 2 years, with 3, eight-month rotations  

• Location: Salt Lake City, Utah 

Stryker Cary Onboarding Rotational Experience (SCORE) Program at a glance:  

The SCORE Program is designed specifically for self starters looking to expand their skillset through full immersion within various teams of Sage’s R&D department. Individuals rotate through 3 of the following teams: New Product Development, Advanced Quality Engineering, Engineering Services, Product Engineering, and/or Advanced Operations. 

Things to know: 

• Focus area: Engineering 

• Duration: 18 months, with 3, six-month rotations 

• Location: Cary, Illinois  

Advanced Operations Global Engineering Development Program (AOGEDP) at a glance:  

The Advanced Operations Global Engineering Development Program is designed specifically for individuals who are looking for an accelerated career progression in Advanced Operations. This program develops world-class engineers through challenging assignments, high visibility, multi-divisional team projects, integrated training and development, and formal coaching and mentoring programs. 

Things to know: 

• Focus area: Engineering 

• Duration: 20 months 

• Additional requirement: Ability to travel internationally  

RISE Engineering Program at a glance:  

The Rotational Intensive Specialized Experience (RISE) Program is designed specifically for highly talented engineers who are looking for exposure to and experience in different disciplines of engineering. 

Things to know: 

• Focus area: Engineering 

• Duration: 2 years, with 4, six-month rotations 

• Location: Kalamazoo, MI 

United States internships and rotational programs FAQs:

When does Stryker recruit for interns? 

For U.S. internships, we begin recruiting for the following summer openings in September. Recruiting is done on a rolling basis and generally lasts from September to early March depending on what roles have been filled. 

I see that your GPA requirement is a 3.0. Do you mean your major GPA or your cumulative GPA? 

To be minimally qualified, your cumulative GPA must be a 3.0 or above at the time of application and of hire. 

How long do the internships last? 

Most internships last approximately 12 weeks. 

Do you hire Freshmen or Sophomores?

Yes, we will consider all students who apply and meet our minimum qualifications. 

Why doesn’t Stryker come to my school? 

If we aren’t actively recruiting on your campus at this time, it may be because your campus is not included in our current campus portfolio. Every two years our University Relations team evaluates schools across the country on various factors such as the program offerings, historical hiring rates for interns and full-time roles, and their diversity and overall ranking as provided by the U.S. News. Although we may not be active on campus at your school, we still want to connect with you! 

What are the requirements for an internship? 

Candidates must be currently working on a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and have at least one full semester of classes upon completion of the internship, have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or above at the time of application and start date, and must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now and in the future. Students graduating earlier may still be considered for select internship opportunities.

Is the only way to get hired by meeting someone on campus? 

No! Since we are unable to have presence on every campus, we connect virtually with many of our candidates. We encourage you to attend any virtual events hosted by the University Relations team to learn more about Stryker and why it is such a great place to work. Depending on the format of the event, you may have the opportunity to connect directly with our employees to learn more about their role and why they love working at Stryker. If you’re not able to meet with us on campus or at a virtual event, be sure to connect with us by completing a talent form! 

Ready to start your career at Stryker?

View open roles on our career site.  

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