Valentin Rodriguez, left, stands with his DePuy supervisor, Sean Smith. Rodriguez is this month’s WACC Work-Based Learning Spotlight.

News Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Area Career Center student, Valentin Rodriguez, is a VELYS hip marketing co-op at DePuy Synthes and April’s WACC Work-Based Learning Spotlight. He is the son of Valentin and Juana Rodriguez. His supervisor is Senior Marketing Manager, VELYS Hip Sean Smith.

Student Input

What are your job responsibilities? I create Promotional materials for VELYS hip navigation. I prepare for industry meetings, such as AAOS. I prepare VHN units for the sales teams for Professional Education, labeling and getting them registered.

How has this position been helpful to you? This position has allowed me to use my skills with communicating with people. This position has been helpful by teaching me to network with other people. It’s been helpful by getting exposure to how an orthopedic business works.

What have you learned? While working at DePuy Synthes, they have taught me the different types of marketing. I was able to learn how to build a VHN unit and register it. I learned to communicate with people across the country.

How is this job preparing you for the future? This job has allowed me to get experience in marketing. I’ve been able to utilize my Marketing skills while picking up skills like time management. Overall, working at DePuy Synthes gave me clarity on where I want to work in the future.

What do you like about this job? I like this job because it is preparing me for the future. It also gives me a sense of what I want to do in the future.

What Career Center classes have you taken in your pathway? Principles of Healthcare, Principles of Business Management, Management Fundamentals, Marketing Fundamentals and Accounting Fundamentals.

Your Career and College Plans: I plan to study Marketing and Sales at Indiana University.

Supervisor Input

What duties does this student perform? Assist with marketing activities for VELYS Hip.

How is this job preparing this student for the future? Valentin is building skills in marketing, networking with cross-functional partners, engaging in activities to support sales teams.

What do you think of the WACC Work-Based Learning program? This has been a valuable initiative to prepare Valentin for university and career.

Why were you willing to partner with the WACC in this program? I want to support all students having a vision for university and a successful career.