Mario has an internship at Intel S03-E11 Talking Technicians

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Mario is an intern at Intel, gaining hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing while pursuing his education. In this episode, Mario discusses how his internship is helping him build skills, network with industry professionals, and prepare for a full-time career in one of the world’s leading tech companies.

Show Notes

Mario secured an internship at Intel. Mario worked on submarines in the Navy. When he left the Navy, he needed a new career. Hear how Mario made the decision to work as an engineering technician intern and how his company is helping with his degree and coursework at community college. Mario’s story is inspirational and shows one of the different backgrounds that can lead you to work in the semiconductor industry.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

Careers at Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/jobs/jobs-at-intel.html

Portland Community College: https://www.pcc.edu/

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/12199178-s03-e11-mario-has-an-internship-at-intel

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

Semiconductor Jobs – Knowledge Skills and Abilities

What Are KSAs and Why Are They Important for Your Future Career?

As you start exploring different career paths and preparing for your future, you may come across the term “KSAs.” But what exactly are KSAs, and why are they important?

MNT-EC, working with Industry Partners, including the SEMI Foundation and NIIT, created a document to help you navigate the Microsystems Process Technician career pathway.

In this blog post, we’ll break it down for you in simple terms.

What Are KSAs? 

KSA stands for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, but are also known as competencies. Companies and schools often create KSAs to help clarify what specific job requirements are, what you will need for a specific role, and ways you can pick the courses to help you develop skills for that career path. Some companies will ask the job candidate to create or answer questions around their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

In a nutshell, these are the attributes and qualities you need for successfully performing a job. They are typically demonstrated through relevant experience, education, or training. Let’s take a closer look at each one, pulling in the definitions from the PDF directly:

  • Knowledge is a body of information applied directly to the performance of a function: How well does a student understand a concept theoretically?

  • Skills are observable competencies needed to perform learned psychomotor acts: How well can a student execute a specific activity?

  • Abilities are competencies to perform an observable behavior or behaviors that results in an observable product: Does the student meet expectations outside of strictly technical expertise?

By combining knowledge, skills, and abilities, you can showcase a well-rounded profile to employers. Building knowledge through learning, acquiring skills through practice, and leveraging your innate abilities create a strong foundation for career growth and success. Assessing and developing your KSAs can help you align with the requirements of your desired field and enhance your potential for professional advancement.

You can review the new MNT-EC KSA document below in the PDF reader, or click the download button to save it to your computer (below the embedded PDF, keep scrolling…).

MNT-EC-KSAs-FINAL-1Download

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Jason is a technician at Intel S03-E10 Talking Technicians

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Jason is a technician at Intel, where he works in semiconductor manufacturing, tackling the complex challenges of creating advanced chips. He shares insights into the precision required in his role, the global impact of his work, and how his technical training prepared him to succeed in a highly specialized field.

Show Notes

Jason works as a technician at Intel. Jason worked as a freelance videographer, but wanted a more stable profession. He graduated from a 2-year community college program and secured a job in the semiconductor industry at Intel. Hear how Jason’s career as a technician has grown and how Intel supports his professional growth.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

Careers at Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/jobs/jobs-at-intel.html

Portland Community College CIS Program: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/computer-info/

Work Systems Scholarships: https://www.worksystems.org/

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/12125258-s03-e10-jason-is-a-technician-at-intel

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

Jose works at Genentech S03-E09 Talking Technicians

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Jose is another valued technician at Genentech, contributing to the company’s cutting-edge work in biotechnology. Jose reflects on his journey into the field, the technical skills he has honed, and how his work impacts healthcare. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and continuous learning in staying at the forefront of innovation.

Show Notes

Jose works at Genentech. Jose grew up in the Bay Area and went from working in restaurants to a career in biotechnology. Hear about how Jose enrolled in a community college program, completed an internship and now has a career at one of the biggest biotech companies. Jose talks about what he is most passionate about at work and how you can work towards your dream career too.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

City College of San Francisco Biotechnology Program: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/biotechnology

Genentech: https://careers.gene.com/us/en/home

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/11861030-s03-e09-jose-works-at-genentech

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

Sofia works at Genetech S03-E08 Talking Technicians

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Sofia works at Genentech, where she plays a key role in advancing biotechnological innovations. In this episode, Sofia shares how her technical expertise supports groundbreaking healthcare solutions and the collaborative processes involved in her work. She discusses the challenges of working in a fast-paced industry and the satisfaction of contributing to life-changing treatments.

Show Notes

Sofia is a Lab Services and Media Prep Technician at Genetech. Hear how Sophia went from a degree in world languages to a community college biotech program. Sophia shares her story and journey in this episode and has advice for folks who want to transition careers and start work as a technician.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

City College of San Francisco Biotechnology Program: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/biotechnology

Genetech: https://careers.gene.com/us/en

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/11818426-s03-e08-sofia-works-at-genetech

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

Olga works at Tenaya Therapeutics S03-E07 Talking Technicians

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Olga supports innovative healthcare solutions as a technician at Tenaya Therapeutics, specializing in gene therapy development. She describes the collaboration involved in her work, the technical skills that allow her to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and the fulfillment of contributing to life-changing medical advancements.

Show Notes

Olga works at Tenaya Therapeutics. Hear how Olga earned an associates degree from a community college biotechnology program to secure a well-paying job that impacts health and helps people. Olga talks about her work, the hardest part of community college, and has advice for folks just starting their careers.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

City College of San Francisco Biotechnology Program: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/biotechnology

Tenaya Therapeutics: https://www.tenayatherapeutics.com/

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/11724322-s03-e07-olga-works-at-tenaya-therapeutics

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

David works at NanoScience Instruments S03-E06 Talking Technicians

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David is a technician at NanoScience Instruments, where he works with advanced tools used in cutting-edge research. He explains the precision required in his role, the technical challenges of working with specialized equipment, and how his contributions drive progress in nanotechnology and other scientific fields.

Show Notes

David works at NanoScience Instruments. Hear how David went from working with computers to working with advanced nanotechnology characterization and fabrication instruments. David talks about how important completing a 1-year certificate from Rio Salado Community College was to his professional journey.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

Nanoscience Instruments: https://www.nanoscience.com/

Rio Salado College Certificate of Completion in Nanotechnology: https://www.riosalado.edu/degrees-certificates/applied-technology/nanotechnology-and-manufacturing-5276-ccl

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/11619598-s03-e06-david-works-at-nanoscience-instruments

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

Ginny works for Serviceminder S03-E05 Talking Technicians

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Ginny works at Serviceminder, blending technical expertise with client-focused problem-solving to deliver exceptional service. She discusses her journey into the role, the importance of understanding client needs, and how technicians can thrive in positions that bridge technology and customer service.

Show Notes

Ginny works remotely for a company called Serviceminder. Ginny explains her journey from community college to working in the tech industry. Hear how both technical skills and interpersonal skills are important in Ginny’s work. Ginny also talks about her experience at community college and how it shaped her career.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

A-B Tech: https://abtech.edu/

Serviceminder: https://serviceminder.io/

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/11617584-s03-e05-ginny-works-for-serviceminder

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

Heather started her own company S03-E04 Talking Technicians

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Heather combined her technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to start her own company. She shares the challenges and rewards of building a business, how technical skills gave her a foundation for innovation, and her advice for technicians interested in creating opportunities for themselves.

Show Notes

Heather worked in IT after community college then decided to start her own business using no-code / low-code tools. Hear what it’s like to run your own business after earning a community college degree. Heather talks about the technical and soft skills she uses to run her business and bring value to her clients. Heather’s journey is inspiring and shows how far you can go with a 2-year degree.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

A-B Tech: https://abtech.edu/

Hybrid Strategies Inc: https://hybridstrategies-inc.com/

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/11613953-s03-e04-heather-started-her-own-company

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

Tiffany changed careers to work in technology S03-E03 Talking Technicians

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Tiffany transitioned into technology after seeking a career with growth potential and impact. In this episode, she reflects on how retraining at a community college opened doors to a fulfilling role in tech. Tiffany shares her experiences solving complex problems and why she values her work in creating practical solutions.

Show Notes

Tiffany changed careers by enrolling in a community college technology program. Now Tiffany works at Nomadic, which specializes in digital marketing and software development. Tiffany highlights how “soft skills” are important in the technology industry and advises students to explore their career opportunities. Hear Tiffany’s story in this episode of Talking Technicians.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/

A-B Tech: https://abtech.edu/

Nomatic: https://nomadicsoftware.com/

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/11610341-s03-e03-tiffany-changed-careers-to-work-in-technology

If you prefer to listen via YouTube: