Internships at Comet: a win-win-win situation

November 21, 2024

For Comet, internships are more than just early career steps; they’re a unique exchange where everyone gains. Interns benefit from hands-on experience, mentors expand their skills and gain rewarding insights, and Comet continues to thrive with a steady flow of innovation and curiosity. We sat down with two interns and their mentors in San Jose to hear about the highlights, biggest takeaways, and why internships at Comet are valuable for all involved.

Lauren Kate De Leon

Role

Customer Account Management Intern

Team

Key Account Sales Team, Comet PCT

Studies

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Data Science at University of California, Berkeley. Graduating December 2024

 

How would you describe your internship to someone in high school?

A Customer Account Management intern plays a vital role in analyzing large amounts of data like sales and trends to understand how customers are interacting with Comet’s products. In this internship, you receive many opportunities to grow your skillset and learn from hands-on and mentorship experience.

What made you choose this internship?
Initially the semiconductor industry was foreign to me, and I didn’t have much exposure to how critical these technologies were. However, I was welcomed with the opportunity to develop my understanding of Comet’s products, and I realized how pivotal semiconductors are in driving technological innovation. What ultimately drew me to this internship was the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, learn about a growing industry, and apply my data analytical skills in a challenging setting at Comet.
What's your personal highlight from the internship?
Working onsite and getting to know people in various departments was one of my highlights of this internship because I truly valued learning from other’s careers and personal journeys. Making these connections with fellow co-workers and working across cross-functional teams was impactful and it really made my time in the office enjoyable.
What's your biggest takeaway from the internship?
Implementing Power BI Dashboards to forecast reports and streamline customer data proved to me how crucial it is to deliver data-driven insights that align with our strategic goals in sales. It challenged me to look beyond standard resources and reach out to my peers to execute a well-rounded understanding of the data. This experience gave me a strong appreciation for the value of cross-functional collaboration and how data can inform decisions that ultimately improve both our customer satisfaction and business strategy.

Kamran Sheikh

Role

Director Strategic Account

Team

Key Account Sales Team, Comet PCT

About

Strategic account management in the fast-paced semiconductor industry has taught me the value of adaptability, strong client relationships, and cross-functional collaboration to drive sustained growth. Each challenge is an opportunity to refine strategies and deliver exceptional value.
What value do interns bring to your team?

Interns bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, which invigorates our team. Their curiosity and drive to innovate often spark new ideas and solutions that we might not have considered. Additionally, their eagerness to take on challenges and contribute to meaningful projects adds value to our collective efforts, pushing us all to think creatively and stay ahead in a competitive industry.

What made you decide to mentor the internship?
Mentoring interns allows me to give back to the industry that has shaped my career. I find it rewarding to help early career professionals navigate their early career paths, sharing insights and experiences that can guide them through the complexities of the semiconductor industry. By mentoring, I can also ensure that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive future innovations.
What advice would you give to someone who is about to start their career in semi?
Embrace continuous learning and be adaptable; the semiconductor industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Take the time to understand both the technical and business aspects of the field, as this will give you a well-rounded perspective. Build strong relationships and network within the industry – collaboration is key to success. Lastly, don’t be afraid to take on challenging projects; they are the best way to grow and demonstrate your capabilities.

Krutik Gangar

Role

Materials Management Intern

Team

Procurement, Comet PCT

Studies

Pursuing a Master's in Engineering Management at San Jose State University, Graduating May 2025
How would you describe your internship to someone in high school?
My role involves coordinating the procurement of semiconductor materials, negotiating with vendors, and managing inventory to support the production environment. Essentially, I ensure the materials needed for manufacturing are available at the right time and cost to maintain smooth production. If you’re interested in supply chain management, this type of internship offers hands-on experience in a critical area of manufacturing.

What made you choose this internship?

Because of the commitment to innovation. The opportunity to work with the challenge of optimizing supply chains, aligns perfectly with my academic background and career goals. I am particularly drawn to the chance to negotiate with vendors and make tangible contributions to cost savings and efficiency.
What's your personal highlight from the internship?
The opportunity to visit suppliers alongside my director and manager. These visits provide invaluable insights into supplier relationship management, showing me firsthand how strong partnerships can lead to more efficient operations and improved material quality.
What's your biggest takeaway from the internship?
Learning how to work effectively within a cross-functional team, which involves managing different styles and collaborating across departments to achieve shared goals. This experience teaches me the importance of clear communication and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Alma Monreal

Role

Procurement Manager

Team

Procurement, Comet PCT

About

Started working in the semiconductor industry over 14 years ago as a Customer Account Manager and moved to Procurement in 2018. I have worked at Comet San Jose for the past 6 years and I am looking forward to many more collaborations.

 

What value do interns bring to your team?
Interns always bring a refreshing new perspective and often challenge our current procedures which allow us to make improvements and create a leaner and more efficient work environment. Their eagerness to learn and willingness to take on new tasks also brings a positive energy to the workplace and can inspire existing employees to continue growing and developing in their roles.
What made you decide to mentor the internship?

In my opinion, it is crucial for individuals to try out various job positions to identify which one brings them the greatest sense of fulfillment. I wanted to provide Krutik a chance to take full ownership and gain exposure to all aspects of procurement. Additionally, I wanted to encourage his creativity and provide him with the opportunity to explore potential areas for improvement.

What advice would you give to someone who is about to start their career in semi?
Expect the unexpected! Adaptability is a critical attribute to survive in this industry. There is constant changes and advancements that will keep you alert and will have you constantly learning and growing in your role. It's important to be open-minded, flexible, and willing to take on new challenges as they arise. With a proactive and adaptable approach, you can thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of Semi.

Want to kick-start your career with Comet and be a part of our exciting journey?

Explore our internship opportunities on the careers portal and apply.

Join us with your curiosity.

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