Completing an Internship

During Your Internship in Microelectronics

• Experiential Learning
• Self discovery
• Journal
• Feedback

An internship in microelectronics is so much more than just a part-time job. 

You have secured an internship and may wonder what to expect as you take on this new opportunity. While classroom learning provides theoretical knowledge, an internship offers practical experience, industry insight, and valuable networking opportunities that can significantly enhance your education, career prospects, and professional growth. By doing an internship in microelectronics, you are taking the first steps toward launching your career in this field.

Take advantage of opportunities to engage with industry-standard tools and technologies. Learn about workflows that support microelectronics professionals outside of the classroom and in the workplace. As you explore the different tools, technologies, and workflows, think about what aspects you enjoy most. Your direct experience in these areas can help you consider various roles and specializations within the field that you might want to focus on for the remainder of your time in school and help you be well-positioned to search for and land your first full-time position in that area of microelectronics.

What to expect and good practices for success during internship in microelectronics

There are many fields within the microelectronics ecosystem, so the tasks performed and projects worked on during internship will vary greatly.

Internships in microelectronics may include:

Assisting in research and development - Help with ongoing research projects, contributing to the design and testing of new microelectronic devices or systems. This could involve working with semiconductor materials, integrated circuits, or advanced manufacturing processes.

Testing and debugging - Participate in testing prototypes and debugging issues with microelectronic devices. This includes using specialized equipment to measure performance and identify potential problems.

Design and simulation - Assist in designing electronic circuits and systems using computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Run simulations to predict how a design will perform under various conditions.

Data analysis - Analyze experimental data sets to help interpret results and generate reports.

Documenting processes - Proper documentation is essential in microelectronics. You might be responsible for documenting experimental procedures, results, and design changes.

Learning and Development - Interns are often involved in learning about the latest technologies and techniques in microelectronics. This might include attending workshops, seminars, or training sessions offered by the company.

Collaborating with teams - Work closely with engineers, scientists, and other professionals to understand how different roles contribute to the overall project.

Hands-on lab work - Spend time in laboratories, working with equipment used in the fabrication and testing of microelectronic components.

Supporting daily operations - Depending on the company, you might assist with routine tasks that keep the lab or production area running smoothly.

No matter what your internship exposes you to, learn as much as you can from the experience.

For a successful outcome and to make the most out of your internship employ these strategies:

Set clear goals - identify what you want to achieve for the internships, i.e. learning specific skills, industry practices, building a professional network.

Be proactive - Take initiative. Easier said than done when starting something new. However, as you progress in your internship, you should be able to identify areas of needed work and step-up to the opportunity and offer to help. Likewise, asking questions for clarification shows proactive thinking and responsibility for your learning.

Build relationships - Connect with mentors, colleagues, and fellow interns to develop professional relationships that will help you with future opportunities. Feedback is essential in building relationships. Ask about your performance, areas that need improvement and provide feedback on how you feel the internship is progressing. 

Be reliable and professional - Be on-time, perform to the best of your abilities, and meet deadlines. Dress appropriately, communicate clearly, and maintain a positive attitude.

Leverage learning opportunities - Participate in opportunities afforded to you. Attend meetings, workshops, and training sessions to gain insights and stay informed on industry trends and developments.

Stay organized - Prioritize tasks and manage  your time. Review your progress towards your goals and make adjustments in your strategy as needed on a regular basis.

Document your work - Maintain detailed records of your tasks, projects, and accomplishments. Reflect on what you have learned and how you have grown both academically and professionally. Evaluate how well you met your goals and what you learned.

Overall, internships in microelectronics provide valuable experience in both the technical and practical aspects of the field, helping interns build a foundation for their future careers.

After Completing Internship

Congratulations on a job well-done

• Update resume and portfolio
• Reflect
• Prepare for the next opportunity
• Give back to others

What did you discover about yourself and the field of microelectronics?

Now that you have completed your microelectronics internship and have a clearer idea of your career goals, take the time to update your documents to position yourself effectively for the next opportunity.

Update your documents

Add your new skills, projects, and accomplishments to your resume and/or portfolio highlighting specific technologies and methodologies you used while the information is still fresh. Maintaining your career documents in real-time will ensure your preparedness for future internship and job opportunities.

Update any documentation you created to keep a record of the projects you worked on, any contributions you made, and skills you developed. This proves as a more detailed document, like a journal, to go into greater detail than a resume which may be useful for future job applications and interviews.

Reflect on your experience

Your internship in microelectronics allowed you discover if your curriculum aligns with your career goals. Assess what you learned, what you enjoyed, and what areas you might want to explore further. This will help you in deciding your next steps and aligning your career goals.

• If you find that you are on the right path, continue to advance in your studies and maintain relationships with your mentor, academic advisor, instructors, and the professional network you’ve built during your internship.
• If your internship has indicated a desire to pursue a different direction within microelectronics, adjust your curriculum or field of study as needed to better align your education with your evolving career goals and aspirations.

Evaluate your position in microelectronics to ensure your most successful and fulfilling outcome.

Stay connected

Seek feedback from your internship supervisor, mentor, and colleagues on your performance for valuable insights on where you excelled and where you need improvement.

Express your gratitude for the internship opportunity by sending a thank you correspondence to your supervisor, mentor, and anyone that helped you during your internship to maintain positives relationships.

Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, mentors, and supervisors to build a strong network. Networking can lead to future research and/or job opportunities and collaborations.

Keep moving forward

Plan your next steps. Whether it’s applying for a full-time position, pursuing further studies, or seeking another internship, create a plan based on your career goals and interests. 

If your internship highlighted areas where you need more knowledge or skills, look into relevant courses or certifications that could enhance your qualifications.

Use this portal to keep seeking out opportunities.

Give back to fellow and future students

This portal is designed to connect students in the microelectronics ecosystem. Other students would love to hear about your experiences during your internship!

Are you ready to share your experiences with other students? Let us know and we'll reach out to hear more about your experience. You could be featured on the portal to:

• Share your insights. Reflect on how your internship in microelectronics has influenced or reshaped your perceptions of the field. Your story can offer valuable insights and guidance to others who are considering a similar path.
• Provide a testimonial. Offer a brief account about how the internship experience impacted your career outlook and professional growth.
• Give an interview. Engage in an interview to discuss your journey, the skills you acquired, and how the internship has helped you in your career. Your perspective can be a source of inspiration and practical advice for future students.