Sumukha S Athreya, one of the 77 students who recently completed the six-month K-VLSI PG Diploma Programme at IIIT-Bangalore, credits the collective support of faculty and peers for helping him gain hands-on experience and land a job at Truechip Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Recognized for his dedication and hard work, Sumukha received the Outstanding Student Achievement Award at the programme’s Valedictory Function. His journey reflects not just his passion for VLSI, but also his perseverance through challenges. Here’s what he has to say about his experience.
Sumukha’s passion for Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) traces back to his undergraduate studies in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, where he discovered a deep interest in both digital and analog electronics. Recognizing the immense potential of VLSI to revolutionize technology, Sumukha sought to enhance his skills through IIIT-Bangalore’s PG Diploma in K-VLSI. He chose this programme for its blend of theoretical depth, hands-on training, and its strong ties with the semiconductor industry, convinced it would be a pivotal next step for his career.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Despite his enthusiasm, Sumukha encountered significant challenges during the early months of the programme. The rigorous curriculum required him to juggle multiple subjects, assignments and demanding projects. To cope, he developed a disciplined approach to time management, setting weekly goals and staying organized. Collaborating with his peers played a crucial role in gaining new perspectives and finding creative solutions to complex problems. This adaptability allowed him to thrive in the intensive learning environment.
Key Learnings and Practical Experience
The hands-on learning approach of the K-VLSI programme stood out as one of the most valuable aspects for Sumukha. Lab sessions, industry-oriented projects, and courses in Verilog, SystemVerilog, Digital CMOS Design, and FPGA design provided him with the practical expertise to complement his theoretical knowledge. This balance between design and verification gave him a well-rounded understanding of the VLSI field, preparing him to tackle real-world industry challenges.
Growth Beyond the Technical
Professionally, the programme equipped Sumukha with a solid foundation in VLSI design and verification. But it also contributed significantly to his personal growth. The intense workload taught him resilience and adaptability, while interactions with a diverse group of peers and faculty improved his communication and broadened his problem-solving perspective. This combination of technical and personal growth helped shape him into a more confident and capable engineer.
Recognition for Excellence: The Outstanding Student Award
Receiving the Outstanding Student Award was a defining moment in Sumukha’s journey, serving as recognition for his hard work, commitment, and perseverance. He credits his success to not only his personal efforts but also the support of his peers and faculty, whose encouragement and collaboration were key to his accomplishments. The award motivates him to continue striving for excellence and to maintain the passion that fueled his success throughout the programme.
Support from Faculty and Peers
Sumukha attributes much of his success to the strong support system at IIIT-Bangalore. The faculty, with their deep expertise and commitment to mentoring, played a critical role in pushing him to explore beyond the curriculum. Peers, on the other hand, contributed to a collaborative and enriching learning environment. The exchange of ideas and knowledge among his cohort helped elevate the entire group’s performance.
Advice for Future K-VLSI Students
For future students considering the K-VLSI programme, Sumukha offers valuable advice: embrace the programme’s rigorous nature with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Active engagement in both theoretical concepts and hands-on projects is key to success. He stresses the importance of building strong relationships with faculty and peers for guidance and support. Furthermore, approaching challenges with resilience and determination, especially in the early stages, is crucial for developing logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
A Career in Design Verification
As Sumukha looks towards the future, his career aspirations are focused on Design Verification within the semiconductor industry. The skills he has acquired through the K-VLSI programme, particularly in both design and verification, have prepared him to take on challenging roles in this domain. Eager to contribute to the advancement of innovative technologies, he remains committed to continuous learning and professional growth.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
Sumukha is quick to express gratitude to those who supported him throughout the programme. He acknowledges the faculty at IIIT-Bangalore for their guidance and mentorship, his peers for their collaboration and shared learning experiences and his family for their unwavering support and belief in him. This collective support system, he believes, played an integral role in his successful journey through the K-VLSI programme.
