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Student profile: Design verification engineer looks to expand career path

Ritika Ramchandani

Tell us a little about your professional and/or educational background.

I did my bachelors’ degree in electrical and electronics in India. After graduating, I worked at Intel for a year as a design verification engineer. That was my first industry experience. I then moved to the United States and worked at Accenture for two years in the same role. My industry experience taught me a lot about working with design specifications, debugging and developing test plans. 

What made you decide to pursue a professional master’s in embedded systems engineering at CU Boulder?

During my previous work experience, I had the opportunity to interact with multiple teams and gain insights into their work. While I did not have extensive exposure, I became interested in firmware development and considered it as a potential career path. This led me to research embedded systems and relevant academic programs offered by various schools. Among them, I found that CU had the most comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum, covering everything from hardware to embedded software. That’s why I decided to come to CU.

What is the most interesting thing you learned or explored during your time in the program?

One of the most valuable courses during my academic journey was ESD (embedded software development), where we were tasked with building our own boards from scratch. This was a comprehensive project where we were responsible for designing and assembling the hardware, including soldering, wiring, and attaching components to the board. In addition to this, we also had to write software to program the board. As we were responsible for the entire board, there were many potential pitfalls and setbacks that we had to troubleshoot and debug. Despite the challenges, this hands-on experience was an excellent opportunity to develop and apply a range of technical skills, including problem-solving, attention to detail, and working with electronic components. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of hardware-software integration and the importance of comprehensive testing and debugging. Overall, I think it was one of the more challenging and rewarding courses in the program.

What do you hope to do after you finish your degree?

I am excited to share that I have an upcoming internship with Qualcomm for summer 2023! Looking ahead, my long-term career aspiration is to work in the automotive industry, with a focus on electric vehicles. I am particularly interested in exploring the intersection of embedded systems and software development in this industry, and I believe that this field offers many exciting and challenging opportunities for innovation and growth. By pursuing this career path, I hope to contribute to the development of sustainable transportation solutions that can make a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing a professional master’s in embedded systems engineering?

The program is undoubtedly demanding, requiring a significant investment of time and effort, as a full-time student. However, I have found that the rewards are well worth the commitment. The first semester can be particularly challenging, as you are exposed to many new concepts and tools. By dedicating time to carefully review and understand the material, and approaching assignments with a high level of commitment and sincerity, I have been able to gain a much deeper understanding of the subject matter. I strongly believe that hard work and honesty are essential traits for success in this program, as they enable you to fully engage with the material and develop a deep mastery of the concepts. 

When you’re not working, what do you like to do?

Since I arrived in Boulder, I have discovered many fantastic hiking trails that I enjoy exploring during my free time. The natural beauty and breathtaking scenery of the local mountains have been a wonderful source of inspiration and relaxation for me. While I also enjoy reading and watching movies, I have found that my busy schedule leaves me with limited free time to pursue these hobbies. Nonetheless, I try to make time for them whenever possible, as I believe that they are essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and promoting personal growth and development.