Ana Montes

We are the makers of possible: Career Influenced by Love of STEM and Heavy Metal Music

Ana Montes remembers vividly the moment she understood the enormity of career path options she might have as someone in the STEM space.  

It was seventh grade and Miss Irma, her chemistry teacher, shared her perspective on the wide array of jobs someone could have with a STEM background. That and the fact that teacher and student bonded a bit over their love of heavy metal music. It helped Ana feel like a role in science or math was attainable.  

“Miss Irma was the first person to help me see what a career in the STEM field could look like. It also helped that we had a shared taste in music and she had a really inspiring teaching style -- so she left a strong impression on me overall, but certainly taught me that I could do a lot with a STEM degree. Before her, I had no idea and now, I feel like my STEM background can lead to so many career options,” said Ana.

Ana actually started her career at BD through an early talent pathway as a Quality Intern in the Tijuana, Mexico site. After her internship she went on to become a Quality Systems Engineer for nearly three years. Today, she serves as a Customer Quality Relations Executive working out of the company’s Mississauga Office in Canada. She holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana.

Supporting Customers Daily

In her role, Ana connects with strategic customers nearly daily as they work through any quality matters that may crop up. She enjoys being able to work with others in San Antonio and other cross-functional teams to ensure customers are receiving assistance with BD products and solutions across various care settings.

“I know I’m still early in my career with BD, but hands down, the best thing about the company is the people,” expressed Ana. “We really do ‘help each other be great’ and do all we can to support and assist one another – even though we all work on different teams – teamwork is critical here and everyone embraces it. We are One BD working to serve our customers.”

Is there an average day?

For Ana, there is no average day. Some are filled with customer phone calls and connections; others are busy with internal meetings and training to help associates keep leveling up their skills and knowledge.  Keeping an open mind and a continuous learning approach are two things that an individual needs to succeed at BD, according to Ana.

“You really have to bring a curious and open mind to BD. There is so much to learn. It is amazing how many products and MedTech solutions we have. I also think we have this reciprocation of knowledge with each other when we work in teams, which is awesome because then you double your learning,” explained Ana.

When she thinks what one word describes BD, she instantly offers “belonging.” “I know this is my first employer coming out of university, but I feel a strong sense of belonging at BD. And when I think of a collective sense of belonging across our organization, I think many of us share the goal of advancing the world of health^TM and doing all we can to support our customers – day-in and day-out. I don’t have a reason to leave BD for another role or company because I feel this organization has everything I need and more.”