Madhuri Huilgol’s journey in the field of electronics engineering began in her hometown of Dharwad, Karnataka. From an early age, she developed a keen interest in electronics and knew that she wanted to pursue a career in this field. Despite facing challenges and limited opportunities during campus placements, her determination to specialize in Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) remained undeterred. Right from her 11th and 12th grades, Madhuri was introduced to the subject of electronics, which further fueled her fascination. She chose electronics and communication engineering as her path, rejecting other options that did not align with her passion.
Madhuri’s perseverance paid off when she secured a position in the embedded systems field. Although VLSI was her ultimate goal, she patiently waited for the right opportunity to arise. Finally, she was presented with a chance to interview with Intel, a prestigious semiconductor company. Successfully clearing the interview, Madhuri entered the world of VLSI, where she could apply her theoretical knowledge to design cutting-edge hardware. This marked a significant turning point in her career and opened doors to a realm of possibilities.
As a Physical Design Engineer at ON Semiconductor, Madhuri plays a vital role in shaping the future of VLSI. “Initially, I receive software code from the RTL engineers, who form the software team responsible for coding the functionality and clock specifications. Later on, as a physical design engineer, it is my role to determine where specific components, such as capacitors or resistors, should be placed on the chip. I carefully consider factors such as proper connection placement, the flow of current between different regions, and the power consumption of each device. If a device consumes excessive power, it becomes my responsibility to identify the cause and find ways to reduce power consumption. For example, when designing a mobile phone, we always strive to ensure it doesn’t overheat even after prolonged use”, she adds.
Early Struggles and Challenges
Madhuri faced several challenges in her early career, particularly during her pursuit of opportunities in the field of VLSI. During her campus placements, Madhuri faced a lack of job openings specifically in the VLSI domain. Many companies were not actively recruiting for roles in her desired field, which made it challenging for her to secure a position aligned with her interests and aspirations. Also being a specialized field, the competition among aspiring engineers was intense. Madhuri had to compete with other talented individuals who also aimed to secure positions in VLSI companies. This heightened competition made it more challenging for her to stand out and secure the desired job opportunities.
VLSI requires a strong understanding of complex concepts and technical skills. Madhuri had to invest significant time and effort in enhancing her knowledge and developing the necessary skills to excel in this field. She had to continually update herself with the latest advancements and technologies in VLSI to remain competitive in the job market. In the early stages of her career, Madhuri had limited exposure to the VLSI industry. This lack of industry experience made it challenging for her to fully comprehend the practical aspects and real-world applications of VLSI design. Overcoming this challenge required her to seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience and learn from industry experts.
Talking about the women in the electronics industry, Madhuri adds, “Nobody wants to confine themselves to just one thing; they strive to excel and explore various fields. VLSI requires substantial mental effort and intellectual power to design and develop products efficiently. Many women are drawn to the industry because it demands intellectual power, such as the ability to work on complex codes and design products that are technically feasible. In the field of electronics and communication engineering, we can observe a growing presence of women. Even if they are unable to pursue computer science, electronics often becomes their next preferred choice. This is the current scenario in the industry.”
“Adapt and Evolve”: Madhuri’s Message to Women
Madhuri’s message to aspiring women in the field of engineering is one of empowerment, perseverance, and self-belief. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passion and interests. She advises aspiring women to choose a career path that aligns with their passions and strengths. By following their true calling, they can find fulfillment and excel in their chosen field. She also believes that challenges are an integral part of the journey to success. She urges aspiring women not to be afraid of challenges but rather to embrace them as opportunities for growth.
In a rapidly evolving field like engineering, Madhuri stresses the significance of continuous learning. She encourages aspiring women to stay updated with the latest advancements, technologies, and industry trends. By investing in their knowledge and skills, they can stay ahead of the curve and make valuable contributions in their chosen field.She highlights the importance of building a supportive network of mentors, peers, and role models. Madhuri also advises aspiring women to seek guidance from experienced professionals and surround themselves with like-minded individuals who can provide support, encouragement, and valuable insights.
“It’s not just about working and earning a salary from 9:00 to 5:00; it’s about how you grow and keep your knowledge up to date in an industry that is constantly evolving. The industry keeps booming day by day, and it’s crucial to stay on top of these advancements. How you cope and continually develop yourself amidst such rapid industry growth is what truly makes you a stronger individual. Personally, I believe that sometimes, it can be challenging to keep up, but it’s essential to adapt and learn continuously”, shares Madhuri.
Madhuri’s story exemplifies the power of passion, determination, and continuous learning in achieving professional success. From her early fascination with electronics to her current role as a Physical Design Engineer, Madhuri has remained committed to her chosen field of VLSI. Her aspiration to become a resource person and mentor reflects her desire to make a meaningful impact and inspire future engineers. With her expertise in designing advanced sensors for the automotive industry and her advocacy for gender equality, Madhuri stands as a beacon of inspiration in the world of engineering. Her journey is proof of the limitless possibilities that lie within the pursuit of one’s dreams.
