From Development to Product Ownership

Florida Dervishi, graduate of the Integrated Systems & Circuit Design program

I had just completed my bachelor’s degree and wanted a master’s program with a strong practical component in the daily classes–and that’s exactly what CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences offers.

Florida knew she wanted to become an engineer. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, she therefore decided to pursue a master’s degree in Integrated Systems & Circuit Design (ISCD) at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.

Since her previous program had been more theory-oriented, getting started with lab work was initially a challenge. However, she received tremendous support from her fellow students. The students worked together in groups until everyone understood the material. The professors also took the time to explain topics multiple times when necessary.

Florida is convinced that the program provides an excellent foundation for a career in the semiconductor industry. Electrical engineering graduates have numerous career opportunities open to them after graduation.

Over the course of her career, she gained experience in two different areas of the industry: research and development, and manufacturing. This allowed her to better understand a company’s entire process chain, build a strong network, and further develop her skills. Her experience in research and development later made it easier for her to transition into a management position at Infineon Technologies. Since she shared the same technical background as her colleagues in development, decisions could be discussed and made on a common ground.

Among her greatest professional highlights to date are the opportunity to prove herself in a new work environment during a temporary assignment abroad, her successful role as a product owner, and her collaboration with various company locations. In the course of her work, she traveled to Germany, Singapore, the U.S., Malaysia, and Italy, among other places. As a Product Owner, she ensured that customers received their products on time while simultaneously saving costs for the company.

Florida recommends the program because it provides a solid foundation and opens up a wide range of opportunities for entering the job market. Her advice is: If you truly understand the course material and the semiconductor industry and know your own strengths, many doors will be open to you after completing your master’s degree.

She spends her free time traveling, cycling, rock climbing, running, reading, and dancing.