Carving Out a Career
From the beginning, electrical engineer has brought spark to Baxter
An interview with early career professional Olivier Toe, senior electrical engineer
Q: Tell me about your current role at Baxter and the path that led you to it.
Olivier: I am currently a senior engineer on the electrical design team for our infusion products. We’re part of the hardware engineering group within the Research & Development team for Infusion Systems and Applications. Prior to this role, I spent time in Renal Care, Specialized Engineering Services, and Core Technologies Engineering. Baxter is my first and only full-time employer since college… it’s been great to grow and experience different roles at the company.
Q: What excites you most about your role?
Olivier: For me, it’s helping my team investigate and solve complex issues, and by doing so, accelerate the launch of new infusion products, which allow patients around the world to receive critical medications and solutions intravenously.
Q: How did you first become involved with Baxter?
Olivier: Shortly after moving to the U.S. from Burkina Faso (West Africa), I enrolled at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota to pursue a dual undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics. During my sophomore year, I was hired as an intern at Baxter’s Brooklyn Park, Minnesota facility, and then became a full-time employee after graduation.
Q: How do you find Baxter as a place to work?
Olivier: I think it’s great. Our values are integrated throughout the company, and our mission to Save and Sustain Lives motivates me to go ‘above and beyond’ in my work. It’s also a great place to learn: I have access to mentors and experienced subject-matter experts who are pivotal to my technical growth and personal development.
Q: As a member of Baxter’s Early Career Professionals business resource group (BRG), what would you like other early career professionals to know about Baxter?
Olivier: I think the engagement and mentoring programs Baxter offers provide great opportunities for employees to grow and achieve their career aspirations. Being involved with the Early Career Professionals BRG also helps young professionals like me feel welcome and supported by their peers. Among our activities this month, I was honored to serve alongside several senior Baxter leaders as a panelist for a career development event. We shared our experiences and perspectives on maintaining balance between one’s personal life and professional life. This is an example of the supportive and inclusive culture we have at Baxter, where leaders really care about fostering professional development of the younger employees.