Interview with Fatine El Hassouni, Physical Design Engineer in Morocco

What initially attracted you to Sondrel when you applied for the internship, and what made you decide to continue your career with us?

While I applied to several companies, Sondrel’s emphasis on cutting-edge technologies and its involvement in advanced projects immediately got my attention. After learning more about the company’s culture and values through LinkedIn and their website, I was impressed by how they prioritize innovation and employee development.

What made Sondrel even more appealing was the internship selection process. It was well-organized and focused on evaluating the skills that matter most for the role, while also highlighting the importance of personal qualities and values. This made me feel that everything was aligned, both in terms of my abilities and who I am as an individual.

After being selected, I didn't hesitate to join, and I’ve had no regrets. The internship experience further solidified my decision to stay. The support from the team, the emphasis on learning, and the opportunity to work on challenging projects, all contributed to my confidence in continuing my career here.

What started as an internship project focused on the physical implementation of a 5nm block and the development of a design audit tool eventually led me to my current role as a Physical Design Engineer -- a role I’m passionate about and thoroughly enjoy.

Can you describe the journey from being an intern to your current position? What were some key milestones or opportunities that contributed to your growth?

My journey from intern to Physical Design Engineer at Sondrel has been both rewarding and filled with continuous growth. The internship program itself was very structured and well-organized, with strong support from mentors who guided us every step of the way. In addition to our mentors, the entire team was incredibly supportive, sharing knowledge and providing the resources needed to help us achieve our goals. This collaborative environment made the transition from intern to full-time engineer at Sondrel feel seamless.

A key milestone in my career has been working on a major project for one of Sondrel’s clients. Taking on such a high-profile project early on has been invaluable in providing hands-on experience and offering opportunities to apply and refine my skills in physical design. This work is continuously contributing to my growth and has further reinforced my confidence in the field, allowing me to take on more complex challenges with each project’s milestone.

What skills or experiences did you acquire during your internship that have been most valuable in your current role?

During my internship, I had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire ASIC design flow. My internship focus was deeply on the physical design process from creating the initial floorplan and selecting the right methodologies to performing synthesis, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), routing, and signoff checks. I learned how each stage contributes to the overall design. Working on the implementation of a 5nm block provided me with hands-on experience that reinforced my technical understanding and deepened my expertise in physical design.

In addition to technical skills, my communication and collaboration abilities greatly improved. We were encouraged to present our work regularly to the entire team, which helped refine my presentation skills. Moreover, interacting with colleagues from different regions, especially those in India and the UK, enriched my experience, providing me with diverse perspectives and enhancing my ability to work effectively in a global team.

How has the company supported your professional development since you started as an intern?

One of the greatest advantages of working at Sondrel is the opportunity for continuous learning. From day one, I’ve felt fully supported by my team, who are always ready to share their valuable expertise and guide me in my professional development. This collaborative environment has been instrumental in helping me grow, both technically and personally.

Even after transitioning to my full-time role as a Physical Design Engineer, the support has only continued to grow. A key part of this is my participation in the ECD (Engineer Career Development) program, which provides a comprehensive two-year training plan for new engineers. This program covers multiple disciplines, offering invaluable mentorship and training in both technical areas and essential soft skills, including leadership and management. This ongoing support has been crucial in accelerating my growth and ensuring I have the skills needed to succeed in my role.

Why would you recommend our company to other prospective interns or employees?

I would highly recommend Sondrel to anyone looking to work at the forefront of technology. The company offers the unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects with major clients, making each day both challenging and exciting.

What stands out most to me about Sondrel is the strong, supportive, and collaborative environment. It’s a place where continuous learning is not just encouraged but integrated into daily experience, helping employees grow and reach their full potential. The company’s commitment to personal and professional development, combined with the support from talented mentors and colleagues, creates a culture that empowers individuals to excel.

Beyond the technical growth, Sondrel also fosters a healthy work-life balance with flexibility that allows employees to manage their personal and professional lives effectively. The company’s values of communication, collaboration, and mutual respect are at the core of its culture, making it an inspiring and motivating place to work.

In short, Sondrel is not only a place to grow and learn but also an environment that pushes you to achieve your best and reach your full potential.

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