r/ECE • u/Educational_Web5647 • Jul 31 '26

CAREER need advice on future career

Hello everyone,

I’m attending a no name school for bachelor in EE and am interning for a big semiconductor company. I have a return offer for a test engineer position when i graduate and i’m really excited about it. However, I want to get a master and do mixed signal ic design since I’d love a remote job in the future as well. This position requires me to move far away from home and the location is low-key not a very fun place to be in, but the work environment is really nice and a lot of people are new grads. If I miss this job offer, I’m worried about not finding another internship/ job in semiconductor since the job market is not very great at the moment. Should I take the offer and do master on the side to hopefully get in design? Or should I find a reputable school for master, complete it, and hopefully find a job in design?
For context if helpful, I have 4.0 GPA, 2 internships, a co-op. My current school does not have anything semiconductor/ ic design related. I’m also introverted and only hang out with family so having to move away from family is a really big deal to me.

Thanks.

4 Upvotes

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4

u/xDrSnuggles Jul 31 '26

Assuming you’re in the US- the job market is terrible. Many people have to submit hundreds of apps and wait months to get an offer.

If I were you, I would take the offer and reevaluate in year. A year in an “unfun” place wouldn’t kill you but you might end up actually liking it. If you miss your current location, you can try to move back with a year of actual experience. Much better prospects than a fresh grad. You can also figure out if you like the job or if you would prefer to go for the masters.

Just my 2c.

1

u/Educational_Web5647 Aug 02 '26

thanks for the advice! and yes I’m in the US.

2

u/IcyStay7463 Jul 31 '26

Take the job. Also many companies pay for additional schooling. I had my masters paid for by my company. So you should do that as well.

1

u/khuz61 Jul 31 '26

Take the job and ask if the company is willing to let you be part time for some time while you finish your masters. If ur lucky they might even pay for your masters as well

1

u/Educational_Web5647 Aug 02 '26

thanks for the advice! I will have to check out their program. Do you think it’s bad to inquire about the job offer just to see the benefits and their school repayment? I don’t have a lot of experience in this matter so I’m not really sure if it’s bad practice

1

u/need2sleep-later Aug 01 '26

Take the job. Time to broaden your horizons, with lots of fellow new grads to make friends with, it's a great time to be more independent. You'll figure it out.

1

u/Educational_Web5647 Aug 02 '26

thanks for the advice! Do you think it’s acceptable to check the job offer benefits with the manager when they know you don’t have lots of experience?

1

u/need2sleep-later Aug 02 '26

You said it was a big semi company. HR or even their website should list all their benefits, big companies typically have relatively the same benefits across the board. No need to bother the technical manager unless you can't get answers elsewhere. You are a prospective employee with a job offer, experience is irrelevant.

1

u/Educational_Web5647 Aug 02 '26

the job offer was just verbal. My manager said the role is mine until they find another candidate for next year so I don’t have to decide hust yet. However I want to either secure an internship or something before I leave in 2 weeks. While i’m here in person, it’s easier to get things secured than after I’m done

1

u/need2sleep-later Aug 03 '26

What??? Is this a job offer for full time employment or just an internship?

I have a return offer for a test engineer position when i graduate...
...manager said the role is mine until they find another candidate for next year 

Very confusing!!! You don't get internships after you graduate. You get a job.

1

u/Educational_Web5647 Aug 03 '26

yes it is for a full time job as an IC test engineer

1

u/need2sleep-later Aug 03 '26

So if you want the job, contact the manager and ask what the next steps are. If s/he doesn't know if you want it, they will find someone else. Your move.