From Student Internship to a Career at onsemi

“If someone had told me when I was younger that I’d work at onsemi, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Helena recalls. Initially, she hadn’t even considered working for this prestigious tech company, despite it being located in her hometown, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. In her second year of studying Chemistry and Technology of Materials, she seized an opportunity for a professional internship, and after a friendly interview, found herself immersed in the heart of the company’s activities. What was meant to be a brief internship eventually extended through her fifth year of study.

Today, Helena knows that success isn’t based solely on technical knowledge. “One must constantly learn and grow. Besides technical expertise, communication and teamwork are also crucial,” she says, adding that these skills helped her integrate smoothly into her team and develop professionally as well as personally.

 

Onsemi is a technological leader specializing in the development and manufacturing of semiconductors and chips. During her internship, Helena studied defects in monocrystals – a crucial area for producing high-quality semiconductor components. Her work involved examining these defects – their appearance, formation, and their impact on the functionality of components. “The size of these defects ranges from the atomic level up to several hundred micrometers. If we build a component on a critical defect, it simply won’t function or its reliability will be compromised. Our goal is therefore to produce substrates with the lowest possible defect density. Investigating material defects is part of my daily work,” Helena explains.

Silicon? It’s no longer the undisputed king of semiconductors. Enter 4H-SiC – a material revolutionizing electronics thanks to superior physical and electrical properties. “It’s an incredible material, but it comes with its own set of challenges,” says Helena. Her research focuses on reducing defects in this material and optimizing manufacturing processes—in other words, ensuring that future chips become even more reliable.

Alongside theoretical and practical skills, Helena acquired presentation abilities during her studies – skills vital in any workplace. At the Researchers’ Night event, she had the chance to popularize semiconductors and chips to the general public. “After showcasing our manufacturing process, participants were surprised to see how the entire production evolves—from a single grain of material to monocrystal growth, substrate creation, and finally, the chip itself. What pleased me most was their genuine curiosity, evident from the many questions they asked afterward. Many people didn’t even realize this type of production existed locally,” Helena shares.

Balancing Studies and Work Successfully

Helena decided to pursue doctoral studies while writing her master’s thesis. “During this period, I realized scientific work could be incredibly rewarding and engaging. My greatest fear is monotony. Fortunately, working on intriguing projects within my Ph.D. programme ensures I won’t face that anytime soon,” she describes.

The greatest support in combining her studies with work comes from her supervisor and colleagues. Her work responsibilities are structured to align closely with her doctoral research topic. Personal motivation is also essential.

Companies like onsemi understand the importance of cooperating with academia to attract talented students. Helena considers gaining industry experience during her studies as her best career decision. Such experiences help students not only enhance their resumes but also clarify their future career paths, easing their transition from university to the professional world. “Chemistry Day is an excellent event where students can gather information, establish contacts with various companies, and potentially initiate collaborations during their studies,” Helena recommends.

Helena believes science offers countless fascinating fields in which anyone can find their passion. She advises all students not to be afraid of trying new things and to fully utilize the opportunities provided by their faculty. “If something interests you, go for it. The worst feeling is regretting later that you didn’t dare,” Helena says to future scientists and engineers. Her own journey demonstrates that with a clear goal and a thirst for knowledge, even doors to the most prestigious companies will open.

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