Interview with Salma Elfakir, Physical Design Engineer in Morocco

What initially attracted you to Sondrel when you applied for the internship, and what made you decide to continue your career with us?

When I initially applied for the internship at Sondrel, I was drawn by the company’s strong reputation and its commitment to utilizing the latest technology nodes. I also had the chance to speak with a colleague who was already at Sondrel, and their insights about the company’s collaborative culture and positive work environment made a big impression. With this understanding, choosing Sondrel felt like a natural and exciting decision.

Can you describe the journey from being an intern to your current position? What were some key milestones or opportunities that contributed to your growth?

The internship was structured in two main phases. The first phase focused on building foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in the physical design department where we worked intensively on a lab project to understand the fundamentals. In the second phase, the focus shifted to contributing directly to the team by developing an automation tool. This tool assists physical design engineers with timing analysis by gathering all timing reports and displaying them in a clear, user-friendly way, reducing repetitive tasks and making the analysis process much more efficient.

What skills or experiences did you acquire during your internship that have been most valuable in your current role?

Gaining in-depth knowledge in the physical design department during the internship, along with becoming familiar with the team and work environment, greatly facilitated my integration. This foundation proved invaluable, especially when collaborating on projects, as it allowed me to contribute more effectively and feel connected within the team.

How has the company supported your professional development since you started as an intern?

Since starting as an intern, the company has been incredibly supportive of my professional growth. Mentorship from experienced colleagues has been invaluable, giving me insights and guidance that I could apply directly to my work. Regular feedback sessions also played a key role in my development, allowing me to improve and set clear goals for my career path. This continuous support has made a significant difference in my journey from intern to my current role.

Why would you recommend our company to other prospective interns or employees?

I would highly recommend Sondrel to prospective interns or employees because of the incredible learning environment and supportive culture here. Sondrel is dedicated to innovation and invests in the latest technology, providing an exciting, cutting-edge environment to work in. The company places a strong emphasis on mentorship and development with experienced colleagues who are genuinely invested in helping you grow.