Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) student Charlotte Wong discovered her passion for semiconductor design during an eight-month Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) with global chipmaker AMD. The immersive industry placement allowed her to apply classroom knowledge to real-world semiconductor projects while earning academic credit.
As an integration layout engineer, Charlotte was responsible for designing the physical layouts of microchip circuits and ensuring they met strict performance and manufacturing standards. She quickly learned that semiconductor layout design requires precision, patience and continuous problem-solving, as initial designs often needed multiple refinements before achieving the desired results.
Although the technical learning curve was challenging, Charlotte gradually built confidence by working closely with experienced engineers and applying the semiconductor knowledge gained through SIT’s Electronics and Data Engineering programme. Courses in semiconductor physics, fabrication and device reliability, together with hands-on laboratory work and industry projects, provided a strong foundation for her role.
Beyond technical expertise, the internship strengthened Charlotte’s communication, teamwork and professional confidence. Her supervisors recognised her growth, noting her adaptability, willingness to learn and increasing independence throughout the programme.
Reflecting on the experience, Charlotte said the placement changed her career aspirations. While she had initially considered machine learning and data-focused roles, her time at AMD revealed a genuine passion for semiconductor layout design, where every detail contributes to the success of technologies used around the world.
