Advice on getting a high-tech internship

[bobsmith1492]

I'd say go for the research. That's what I'd choose, but I have no idea what would happen there - maybe you'll be the lab monkey who has to plug the thing in while everyone hides behind a bulletproof glass wall?

 

[misa1125]

Hey pm, thanks for the great advice on getting a high tech internship. I will definitely keep it in mind when I apply within the next few weeks.

Also, I had a couple of quick questions. I am currently a third year student at an engineering university studying Electrical engineering with a concentration on Digital circuit design/architecture. I have taken/am taking the usual electronics courses, along with digital logic and computer architecuture. But I am facing a decision to make for this coming semester(spring) that relates to these high tech internships for the summer. I have the option of taking EITHER Introduction to VLSI w/ a lab that teaches Cadence, or a class called Advanced Computer Hardware Design, which is basically a lab class that teaches VHDL. My question is, which of these two classes would be more beneficial to me when applying for internships in processor/architecture design field?

Also, when you look at internship resumes, how much weight do you put on the school that the candidate is attending? I attend a very good engineering school(second oldest private engineering school in the country), however, its not very high in the USNEWS rankings...only in the top 100 engineering schools in the country.

Thanks again for the advice and happy holidays 🙂

 

[imported_Seer]

I'm also very interested in how much weight is put into the candidate's school.

 

[MrDudeMan]

the school isnt as important as how much you know and how well you can apply it. if you get a chance to talk to a human on the other end of the phone, you can prove to them you know what you are doing and that you can apply what you have learned.

some personal experience for you as an FYI...

i have never been denied a job/internship because my school isnt in the top 100. school is like a bank; you only get out what you put in. if you get into a top tier college and dont apply yourself or try to make practical use out of what you have learned, then it really isnt doing you any good. my school may not be in the top 100, but i soak it up like a sponge because i love learning about EE, and when i go home i build robots and random stuff to put it to use. that comes up in every interview and a) gives us something to talk about and b) shows them that i use it outside of the classroom. it definitely helps to know what the company seeks in an intern skill-wise so you can tailor your resume to fit the description. i would very much discourage telling even a small lie or stretching the truth at all because everything i put on my resume has been talked about in heavy detail multiple times at several firms/companies. again, this is just my experience, but ive had 9-10 interviews now for intern/tech positions and they all were similar to what i just described.

 

[Eskimo]

But I am facing a decision to make for this coming semester(spring) that relates to these high tech internships for the summer. I have the option of taking EITHER Introduction to VLSI w/ a lab that teaches Cadence, or a class called Advanced Computer Hardware Design, which is basically a lab class that teaches VHDL. My question is, which of these two classes would be more beneficial to me when applying for internships in processor/architecture design field?

I don't work for Intel but both those classes you described are covering important aspects of design. I don't know how things are structured at Intel but at AMD there is a circuit team dealing with logic synthesis tools such as VHDL and a CAD team involved in translating the circuit teams output into VLSI layout with tools such as those made by Cadence and other vendors. So in my opinion you would be well served to take either course and gain exposure to that area of the design process. I think as an intern the expectations of prior experience would be low enough to allow you to obtain a position in either area regardless of which class you tak during your spring semester. I'm not sure what your course schedule is like but you could take the other course the following semester you return to school.

 

[CTho9305]

I think Verilog is more useful than VHDL if you have the choice.

 

[lotharamious]

I was also looking for a internship/co-op. I'm a second year junior Computer Engineering Major. Like many, I have little in terms of job experience in a tech field. Our Air Force recruiter sent a mass email about the Air Force Research Labs in December. I reponded, easily qualified (only need a 2.5 GPA and be a second year, among a few other easy requirements), registered, and am hoping for a positive response within the next month or so. I was told that not many people apply for this program, maybe because there could be a military commitment. I was assured, however, that there is no military commitment. What's more is the fact that every year they NEVER FILL all of the available slots, and whether or not that is just for my university (Michigan Tech), I'm not sure. My recruiter has only had 2 applicants in the last 5 years, and both of them were accepted. So I'm feeling good about my chances there. All I know is that it is a fairly painless application, the money is fair ($4500 and all-paid room/board stipend), and most importantly, it's something that I can finally boast on a resume.

CycloWizard was talking about his AF Research experience. Could you tell me how that went with a PM perhaps? Thanks

 

[Rogodin2]

I pay my on-site technician $20 per hour, he is ITT trained and the only one that came in with a decent resume. I have three or four people a week that ask for jobs but don't come with a resume.

Rogo

 

[yashmodi]

I am a masters student in ECE, looking for an internship in computer architecture/hardware design. I wanted to know how much importance is given to the courses, when a GPA is evaluated.

This is my 1st semester, and I took courses, in which its very tough to get A's, especially when taken together. Like compiler design , advanced computer architecture and VLSI CAD - logic to layout. Since for me, the GPA only reflects the first semester grades, its stuck at 3.0 which is not that bad, considering the courses I selected and am sure to improve on that the following semesters (Though for the internships, this is what's going to be seen). In such a case, should I include my GPA in the resume?

 

[misa1125]

Im sorry that im bringing this topic back, but I had a question about internships that I thought someone could help me out with here.

I was wondering how long it takes for a recruiter to reply about an interview? Its been about 10 days since I've applied to most positions, and I know some companies say 3-4 weeks, but for those who have gotten internships before, how long did it take you?

Its driving me crazy waiting lol.

Anyone else here applying for summer internships this year and have stories to share?

 

[wantedSpidy]

It usually takes longer than 10 days. Most companies set internal deadlines, after which they stop accepting applications and start evaluating the applications they have.

At most you should here from them 2-3 weeks after their 'deadline'.

At least that's been my experience so far. However, bigger companies like intel and hp are usually slower IMO.

 

[misa1125]

hey wantedSpidy, thanks for the response. This whole process is nerve-racking...waiting for a response from a company,...any company. lol.

I read your thread about your job search(the UNIX environment thread)...Howd it turn out? anything good?