TI Launches Project To Encourage Women To Pursue Careers In Semiconductors And Hardware

Bengaluru, June 28, 2024: Semiconductor company Texas Instruments (TI) has launched a month-long mentoring program for second-year female engineering students to encourage more women in India to pursue core engineering careers by giving them exposure to and mentoring in the semiconductor, embedded software, and hardware industry early on in their professional journey.

TI received more than 1,600 registrations for the Women in Semiconductors and Hardware (WiSH) program this year out of which 115 participants were selected.

“Only 27% of women who pursue STEM education in India for higher studies end up pursuing careers in these fields1 and we want to help change that,” said Santhosh Kumar, president and managing director, Texas Instruments India. “By providing first-hand experience of a hardware and embedded software career and mentorship, the WiSH program encourages more women to seek careers in the semiconductor industry and transform the status quo,” he said.

The month-long program provides these students access to simulation projects, lab visits, technical discussions, and networking sessions with TI leaders. Students also receive mentoring through virtual sessions for three weeks and in person at TI's Bangalore campus during the final week. While there, they interact with successful women leaders at TI and many other experts in the semiconductor domain to learn from their experiences, helping them make informed career decisions.

“During the WiSH program, participants are encouraged to learn advanced engineering concepts with the help of simulations, assignments, and brainstorming sessions,” said Poornima Kulkarni, a past WiSH participant and future TI employee. “Every week of the initiative is meticulously planned, to provide invaluable mentorship and exposure to semiconductor industry concepts. The program helped me decide to join the semiconductor industry, and has made a significant difference in my career trajectory,” she said.

TI encourages second-year women engineering students to apply to the WiSH program, enabling them to make informed career choices early in their lives.