Recently, I worked on a grant proposal for the International Microelectronics and Packaging Society (IMAPS) Academy, as part of the Department of Commerce’s National Semiconductor Technology Center’s (NIST) workforce development initiative. Through this project, I experienced the semiconductor industry on a personal, first-hand level, working closely with IMAPS staff and committee members who are leading professionals in the industry.
IMAPS is a global organization dedicated to advancing microelectronics, packaging, and related technologies. Through a collaborative network of industry professionals, researchers, and educators, IMAPS fosters innovation and drives solutions that meet the demands of modern electronics. The society serves as a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange, training, and professional development, supporting the growth and evolution of the microelectronics field worldwide.
Through my work with IMAPS, I had a unique vantage point to witness and contribute to the semiconductor industry’s critical alignment with government initiatives. This partnership is poised to shape technology on not only the national, but global scale. Seeing the government’s focused interest in the semiconductor industry and its extensive onshoring efforts underscored the sector’s critical importance.
This exposure sparked a strong desire to deepen my own understanding; if the government views this field as essential, it’s worth my investment as well. As I am a newcomer to the industry, working on this proposal continuously sparked a keen interest, and showed me the personal and relatable side to semiconductors and the industry itself.
I witnessed IMAPS’ strong commitment to the future of the workforce, as it makes significant efforts to engage and cultivate the next generation of industry professionals. Writing on their behalf exemplified this commitment, as they entrusted this project to me, someone new to the field yet eager to contribute meaningfully to their vision. Every page I wrote, I found my passion and interest growing in what, to my age group, is a generally misunderstood and underappreciated industry.
As I helped craft the proposal to communicate the critical importance of semiconductor workforce development, I was captivated by the industry’s complexity and impact. There’s often a misconception that extensive STEM expertise is a prerequisite for contributing to the semiconductor field, but my experience writing this proposal challenged that notion. I was met with patience and support from industry professionals who were eager to share their knowledge. This welcoming environment, combined with my own growing curiosity, reinforced that there’s a place in this field for diverse perspectives and skill sets.
The International Symposium Intern Experience
Because of my work on this project, the society invited me to attend its International Symposium on Microelectronics in Boston in September. The Symposium not only showcased the cutting-edge of microelectronics but underscored the collaborative drive behind every breakthrough in the field.
It was amazing to see the international side of the industry, meeting people from places all around the world such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Scotland, Germany, Taiwan, and many more. Not only did this symposium provide a front-row seat to the relentless pace of innovation in the semiconductor field, it opened the door to the truly fun and fantastic professionals of the industry.
Every person I met at the International Symposium was extremely welcoming and a pleasure to talk with; a true embodiment of the microelectronics community. Learning about the intelligent innovations someone could create, and then meeting them on a personal level was a real treat.
While the wonderful people of the industry made the greatest impression on me, the many presentations I attended by inventors and researchers also captured my attention. It was evident that the semiconductor industry doesn’t just follow trends; it sets the pace for future technological landscapes. I heard about groundbreaking innovations that fostered both a deeper understanding and appreciation for the industry.
This passion extended to the exhibit halls, where I got to speak one-on-one with representatives from leading companies of the industry. Their interest and excitement about their company’s products and technologies was contagious. They were all open to newcomers like me, and excited to share their part of the industry.
Contributing to IMAPS’ project and attending the symposium reinforced my understanding of how semiconductor advancements are essential to our technological and economic resilience, and that the industry is crucial to our nation’s future. Both experiences taught me a much deeper, personal level of the industry and both the fun and excitement that can accompany the pursuit of innovation in the industry.
