Summary of How to Get a Job in the VLSI Domain ? || My VLSI Career Story || Esakki Info

Summary of "How to Get a Job in the VLSI Domain? || My VLSI Career Story || Esakki Info"

Main Ideas and Concepts

• Introduction to VLSI Domain:
  • VLSI stands for Very Large Scale Integration, which involves designing and verifying integrated circuits (chips) inside electronic devices.
  • The chip inside devices acts like a brain, performing all functions.
  • VLSI design is a complex, multi-step process involving specification, design, verification, fabrication, and testing.
• Roles in VLSI:
  • Design Engineers: Write the initial functional code (usually in Verilog/SystemVerilog) to design the chip’s behavior.
  • Verification Engineers (like the speaker): Test the design by applying multiple inputs and verifying outputs to ensure the chip works as intended.
  • The entire process from design to physical chip can take months or years and involves many departments.
• Speaker’s Personal Journey:
  • Interest in electronics started from childhood by fixing small gadgets.
  • Joined Electronics and Communication Engineering after 12th grade.
  • Initially struggled with VLSI subjects during college, memorized and passed without deep understanding.
  • Campus placements mostly offered IT jobs; only one VLSI company visited.
  • Cleared aptitude and digital electronics tests in interviews.
  • Joined a VLSI company that provided 3 weeks of training on Verilog, UVM, and Matlab.
  • Completed a project during training and got selected as a full-time employee.
  • Experienced challenges such as salary issues, layoffs during recession, and unemployment after resignation.
  • Used YouTube and online resources to self-study and improve skills during unemployment.
  • Currently working as a freelancer and preparing for a better job opportunity.
• Key Lessons and Advice:
  • Study Pathway:
    • Focus on aptitude and logical reasoning.
    • Master digital electronics fundamentals.
    • Learn Verilog/SystemVerilog, UVM (Universal Verification Methodology), and Matlab.
    • Use resources like the Verilog website "Veripay" for clear explanations.
    • Practice coding and verification concepts regularly.
    • Work on small projects (e.g., flip-flop design, verification) to build a portfolio.
  • Job Preparation:
    • Start early in college, even from the first year.
    • Develop strong English communication skills.
    • Use YouTube channels (including Tamil-language ones) for easier understanding.
    • Be active on LinkedIn and company career pages to find job openings.
    • Apply directly through company websites or contact HR via email.
  • Career Management:
    • Do not resign from a job without having another offer.
    • Focus on gaining skills rather than salary initially.
    • Understand that getting and retaining a job in VLSI is challenging.
    • Be prepared for tough times like layoffs and recessions.
    • Use periods of unemployment productively by learning and creating content.
    • Networking and continuous learning are critical.
• Industry Insights:
  • VLSI jobs are fewer compared to IT jobs but offer core engineering experience.
  • Initial salaries in VLSI core companies are generally lower than IT companies.
  • Demand for VLSI professionals is increasing, especially from northern India.
  • The field requires patience and perseverance.

Detailed Methodology / Instructions for Getting a Job in VLSI

1. Academic Preparation:
   • Focus on aptitude tests (logical reasoning, IQ).
   • Thoroughly study Digital Electronics.
   • Learn Verilog/SystemVerilog coding.
   • Understand UVM (Universal Verification Methodology).
   • Gain basic Matlab knowledge related to VLSI.
2. Self-Study Resources:
   • Use the Veripay website for Verilog/SystemVerilog concepts.
   • Watch YouTube tutorials, including Tamil-language channels for easier comprehension.
   • Follow channels like “Explore Electronic Plus” for project ideas and UVM explanations.
3. Skill Development:
   • Practice coding small projects (e.g., flip-flop design, memory verification).
   • Write both design and verification code.
   • Build a mini project portfolio to showcase during interviews.
4. Job Search Strategy:
   • Be active on LinkedIn; update your profile and mark yourself as “open to work.”
   • Search for VLSI companies in tech hubs like Chennai and Bangalore.
   • Visit company websites regularly and apply through their career pages.
   • Reach out to HR via email or phone listed on career pages.
   • Prepare well for interviews focusing on aptitude, digital electronics, and coding.
5. During Job Training and Work:
   • Take training seriously (often 3 weeks or more).
   • Complete assigned projects diligently.
   • Work hard during probation (usually 6 months) to secure permanent employment.
   • Keep learning advanced topics and improve your skills continuously.

Notable Quotes

— 13:41 — « Do not develop such desires by saying that you can go to another company and get a good salary. First, learn the profession and then the offer will come to you. »

— 13:50 — « You work in a company and attend interviews outside and get an offer. You get a job. After confirming that, you resign from the job. If you resign without getting a job, your life will be very difficult. »

— 15:40 — « If you want to watch it in Tamil, then go to that VLSI verification YouTube channel and you can study one video a day. »

— 17:11 — « Go to each company's website and go to the career page and apply there. Otherwise they will have put their HR number below, they will have put their HR email ID on that career website. »

— 17:20 — « If you send me a resume, they will come and respond immediately because I resigned from that job and in a year, there are many posts on LinkedIn, there are openings here, there are openings, if we apply for them, we will not get a single response. »

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Educational

Video