In the PIP admissions process Knowledge Edge identifies students who demonstrate strong potential to succeed in global companies.
We review academic transcripts and test for knowledge of LSI Design fundamentals. English language communications skills must also be strong; only those with China English Test (CET) scores of 4 or 6 will be admitted.
Knowledge Edge especially seeks individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential. In the face-to-face interview, we consider interpersonal skills and character, and further assess technical skills. We give preference to those who are interested in working in Chengdu on a mid- to long-term basis, and in Japan for 2 year assignments.
PIP training occurs in 3 phases.
Phase 1, Basic Training, runs parallel to the final four months of the student's senior year. Phase 2, Intermediate Training, continues through September for Chengdu posting. Select individuals will also participate in Phase 3, Advanced Japanese Training, from October through February 2011 in preparation for posting to Japan in the spring. The PIP training curriculum complies with ABET standards for 4-year engineering programs in the USA.
Phase 1: Basic Training Begins
As Basic Training begins, students:
- are introduced to advanced technologies and professional work environments
- select a topic and write graduation thesis
- study Japanese language and business culture intensively
In the technical curriculum, PIP trainees gain the applied expertise they will need for successful careers in the semiconductor and electronic design industry.
Although still enrolled as full-time college students—in their final semester—trainees now spend 40 hours per week at the Knowledge Edge Group training facility in the South Zone of Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone (CDHT). We coordinate closely with students' academic advisors to ensure that thesis topics and PIP curriculum are complementary. Japanese language/culture instruction is also an essential element of our program. Phase 1 training lasts for the four months preceding university graduation.
PIP graduates can contribute effectively from their first day! This is generally not the case for typical new-hires at global companies, most of which cannot dedicate adequate time and resources to efficiently train junior staff. At Knowledge Edge, PIP grads gain the edge on launching professionally rewarding careers. If PIP interests you, and if you think you are qualified > Apply now
Phase 2: Intermediate Training
Thesis writing and other university-related concerns are over. The main focus of PIP trainees is now on-the-job training (OJT) in a real-life design environment. The main areas of focus include:
- Digital Logic Design
- Verilog HDL Design
- C/C++
- Software Engineering
- ARM
- Analog Circuit Design
- UNIX/Linux
PIP trainees also continue to receive intensive instruction in Japanese language and business culture. In the autumn those who successfully complete Phase 2 are officially hired by Knowledge Edge Technologies (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., a newly established subsidiary of Knowledge Edge Corporation. Most will now launch their professional careers, joining project development teams at our new design facility in the South Zone of Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone (CDHT).
Phase 3: Advanced Training
A select few will continue preparation for working with Japanese project team members.
This includes:
- intensive Japanese language/culture study
- special technical training relating to their subsequent Japanese work assignment
- application for Japan work visas, sponsored by Knowledge Edge Corporation.
By the end of Phase 3 PIP trainees will have:
- received 1,400 hours of Japanese language/culture instruction
- earned at least a J.TEST 650 score on the Japanese Proficiency Exam for Foreigners
- acquired basic IT proficiency in key engineering knowledge areas.
- earned at least a TOEIC 700 score on the English Proficiency Exam for Foreigners
