Turning Internships into Offer Letters at Synopsys

The journey from being an intern to a full-time employee is a significant milestone for young professionals. Synopsys has been providing exceptional opportunities for interns to grow and thrive in the electronic design industry. In this blog post, we share the inspiring success stories of Nana Antwi and Lupe Carlos, two former interns at Synopsys who have now become valuable full-time employees.

Nana Antwi's Journey to Success

Originally hailing from Kumasi, Ghana, Nana Antwi's passion for technology led him to pursue a degree in chemistry and chemical biology at Cornell University. During his time at Cornell, he discovered a keen interest in machine learning and data science, which drove him to obtain a master's degree in computer science from Columbia University. Antwi's educational background provided him with a unique blend of skills that set him apart as a data scientist for the Internal Audit team at Synopsys.

As a two-time intern at Synopsys, Antwi worked on two impactful projects. During his first internship, he employed machine learning algorithms to predict sales opportunities for the Synopsys Solutions Group, impressing teams with his dedication and problem-solving abilities. He notes, "I particularly like how my first project evolved from uncertainty towards a remarkable solution that I ended up sharing with the business. I had to try multiple techniques, iterate over my solution, and push myself to do even better. I ended up presenting my work to multiple teams and received great feedback."

During his second internship, Antwi designed analytical procedures and algorithms for the Internal Audit team, displaying exceptional attention to detail in identifying risky transactions. Now as a full-time employee, Antwi’s expertise in machine learning and statistical methods allows him to identify potential risks in the company's workflows, solidifying his position as a valuable asset within the organization.

Lupe Carlos' Journey to Excellence

Lupe Carlos, a 2022 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering, joined Synopsys as an intern in the summer of 2021. His background at Intel and Netspeed equipped him with industry knowledge that proved beneficial during his internships. During his first internship, Carlos worked on verification for PCI Express® (PCIe®), and in his second internship, he delved into verification and design for the Synopsys ARC® HS cache coherence module. His dedication and proficiency led him to a full-time role as a design engineer for the ARC processor family.

Carlos’ internships exposed him to crucial aspects of processor architecture and RTL coding, making him an invaluable asset to the design team. His work during the internships was highly appreciated by his mentor. "[My mentor’s decision to forgo] a formal presentation in favor of me spending that time further verifying the product made me feel like my work was valuable, and he wanted me to keep going as long as possible," he said.

Guidance and Mentorship

Both Antwi and Carlos had the privilege of receiving guidance from senior employees who played a significant role in shaping their career paths. "The leadership on my team comes from diverse backgrounds ranging from the humanities to engineering. It was great to learn from them and about their career paths. They were all readily available to answer any questions that I had," Antwi says. Carlos benefited from the mentorship of Kwam Ewusie, group director, applications engineering, "Kwam was my Graduate Education for Minorities (GEM) fellowship manager and helped guide my placement for my internships. He listened to my interests and reiterated that at the end of the day, he’ll be happy if I’m working at Synopsys, not in any specific role." 

Impact of Company Culture

The positive company culture at Synopsys played a pivotal role in both Antwi’s  and Carlos’ decisions to accept full-time positions. Antwi says, "There are so many support groups who are passionate about creating an inclusive atmosphere for employees. It’s a place you can thrive personally and professionally." Carlos adds, "Synopsys puts out exciting, market-leading products and understands that you are a person first."

Advice for Future Interns

Antwi and Carlos emphasize the significance of exploring and testing career interests during internships, leveraging the opportunity to learn and grow. Antwi says, "An internship is an exciting time to explore and test your interest in a career path. Ask questions and network with people in your industry. Remember to unwind after work, enjoy your hobbies, and have fun with your fellow interns!" Carlos highlights the importance of enthusiasm, good communication, and a curious mindset in maximizing the internship experience, advising: "Understand that your time at Synopsys is very short in the scope of a project in industry. Do your best, be enthusiastic, learn a ton, enjoy your evenings and weekends! You will learn more, provide more meaningful output, and make more connections in your internship by asking tons of good questions – people here want to help!"

Antwi’s and Carlos' stories exemplify the transformative impact of internships at Synopsys. Through their dedication, passion, and skill development during their internships, they have secured full-time positions and become valuable contributors to the company. As they continue to inspire others, their experiences highlight the immense potential of internships as a stepping stone to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Synopsys' commitment to nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and promoting work-life balance continues to make it an exceptional destination for young professionals seeking growth and success in the world of technology.