VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
(OP)
Hi,
I just graduated recently in Nov. 2006 in Elec. Eng. and I was wondering what are the pros/cons of starting in VLSI (microelectronics) vs. Electrical Power/Distribution?
What are the industry trends for each discipline, doing a simple search on VLSI shows a lot of results originating from India, would this easily get outsourced in the future?
It seems like Electrial Power/Distribution is more stable and almost un-outsourcable.
Also regarding electrical power/distribution, can anyone tell me the type of work with regards to building services, and infrastruture as I am really interested in that kind of area.
Also how is working in VLSI like?
Because I have recently been offered a position with a company in Japan called Fullcast Technology which they will bascially train people with a B.Sc. to become VLSI engineers to work for the electronics companies in Japan (Sony, Panasonic, etc.)
Here are some links:
htt p://www.fc -tec.co.jp /english/s pecialist/ index.html
http://www.careerbuilder-japan.com/eng/
During the training there would not be any salary but it can be viewed as free (extended) education in VLSI and Japanese.
The concerns that I have is that since I do not have any industry work experience so far, I am not sure if I would like this type of work or not because during my EE education, digital design was not one of the areas that I was particularly strong in, or interested in as it was too closely related to programming and abstraction. (I understand equations and Math things much easier)
But despite these concerns, it seems like a really good opportunity but the only problem is that if I don't like the area of work, I would be committing to this thing for at least more than 1 year as the training period is 9 months.
Also Is it very important to get North American working experience for that first job?
Any opinions?
Thanks.
I just graduated recently in Nov. 2006 in Elec. Eng. and I was wondering what are the pros/cons of starting in VLSI (microelectronics) vs. Electrical Power/Distribution?
What are the industry trends for each discipline, doing a simple search on VLSI shows a lot of results originating from India, would this easily get outsourced in the future?
It seems like Electrial Power/Distribution is more stable and almost un-outsourcable.
Also regarding electrical power/distribution, can anyone tell me the type of work with regards to building services, and infrastruture as I am really interested in that kind of area.
Also how is working in VLSI like?
Because I have recently been offered a position with a company in Japan called Fullcast Technology which they will bascially train people with a B.Sc. to become VLSI engineers to work for the electronics companies in Japan (Sony, Panasonic, etc.)
Here are some links:
htt
http://www.careerbuilder-japan.com/eng/
During the training there would not be any salary but it can be viewed as free (extended) education in VLSI and Japanese.
The concerns that I have is that since I do not have any industry work experience so far, I am not sure if I would like this type of work or not because during my EE education, digital design was not one of the areas that I was particularly strong in, or interested in as it was too closely related to programming and abstraction. (I understand equations and Math things much easier)
But despite these concerns, it seems like a really good opportunity but the only problem is that if I don't like the area of work, I would be committing to this thing for at least more than 1 year as the training period is 9 months.
Also Is it very important to get North American working experience for that first job?
Any opinions?
Thanks.





RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
Given that a typical engineer will change jobs at least 5 time over his career, whatever you do at the start will have great personal impact, but minimal career perturbation overall.
TTFN
Eng-Tips Policies FAQ731-376
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
You get to live in a company dorm, but you pay the rent, out of a salary that you might get someday.
You pay the air fare both ways.
You pay moving expenses but get reimbursed, someday, for all of 2 cubic meters, which is about right if you're used to living in a car, or half a dorm room.
It's not clear what you eat, or who pays for that. Do you like fish?
Fullcast Technology is not itself a fab owner, but contracts to provide educated fab workers who hope to become VLSI designers, and maybe also provides a few VLSI designers.
The company and its mission are mentioned here:
http://w
Call me a blackhearted pessimist if you like, but it sounds like indentured servitude to me. They told you that more politely on GaijinPot.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
"So what happens at theend of this and you don't like it? Do you get your return ticket from the company or do you pay out of pocket?"
Yes I have to pay for it myself, thats why I am kind of cautious about this.
I guess this would be a good opportunity for those that really like VLSI or want to get in there as most of the positions in North America for this area requires lots of experience which almost all new grads don't have.
Regarding electrical power/distribution, can anyone tell me the type of work with regards to building services, and infrastruture as I am really interested in that kind of area.
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
Most of the time, does the starting job define which areas of your disipline you will be working in the future?
For example, if you got an entry level position in power and worked at that for a few years, is it possible to later switch to another area like for example controls later, or is it harder to switch because you have no relavent experience in that other area?
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
You don't sound very keen on the whole thing.
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
Additionally, I understand that Wocester Polytechnical Institute is starting up their power engineering program again after being dormant for several years due to the interest in electronics.
IMHO, I think power will give you lots of opportunities in the future, not only secure job but the opportunity to move around and live/work/play where you want.
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
There is a power grid almost everywhere. You limit your geographical choices as a VSLI designer.
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
It has been my own personal experience that where you start does influence the type of work you do to a certain extent. I know some engineers who are doing nearly the same thing they did since the day that they graduated and are perfectly happy doing just that. In contrast to that, I am doing something completely different than what I started with, though in a related sense. I started working with software in consumer electronics and then moved into the power industry and then into the industrial controls arena. While I started with a focus on software, I now focus mostly on hardware design and project management. Each of these positions has been in what I would classify as (non PC based) embedded systems.
Where you wind up ultimately depends on what you decide to do and how motivated you are.
I would also say that given the trend of increasing need in power distribution and power requirements that the line of distinction between micro controls / VLSI and power systems is blurring rapidly and will continue to do so. As the worlds demand for power grows, especially for what I call quality power, micro and control electronics will continue to play an even larger role in meeting the needs. For example, a large UPS (uninterruptible power supply) will require both skill sets as it will likely deliver three phase 480Vac (or higher) at hundreds of amps but could be controlled by a DSP based embedded system.
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
I run across your thread on search engine.
I am an insider of Fullcast technology and I have a real experience (mostly unpleasant) to share if you would need it.
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
Please share your experiences. Your comments may also be helpful to other people who may be considering this opportunity and could possibily help them as this opportunity requires a really big commitment from the candidate.
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
I agree. Part of the reason why I'm not in a blazing hurry to join the massed ranks of indifferent managers who are becoming a commodity item these days. Good managers are like good engineers - increasingly rare!
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Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...
RE: VLSI Microelectronics Career vs. Electrical Power/Distribution Career
If you spend a few years in a particular area, it's hard to get out of the field.
I would vote for whichever option you thought you'd like more- but not necessarily that specific program.