The document discusses the entrepreneurial interns scheme at Cascoda, a semiconductor start-up, emphasizing the need to recruit skilled engineers through university connections. Two interns participated in the program, with one returning to academia and the other becoming a core team member, highlighting the importance of guidance and training. The experience proved beneficial for both the interns and the company, establishing valuable links with universities.

1. Perspectives on
the
Entrepreneurial Interns
Scheme
By:
Bruno Johnson, CEO
Siwen Liang, Design Engineer
Presented to:
IGNITE your... Manufacturing and Intellectual Property
24 July 2012
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2. Why?
A Semiconductor start-up
Based in Southampton & Bath SETsquared
Spin-in company
No formal University links
Developing radios for
smart-metering
& energy management
Need to recruit highly-skilled engineers
University - recruiting ground for young talent
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3. Who?
PhD students, in the write-up phase
Good students are busy
Their focus is on finishing
Interviews:
Communicate PhD work
Quiz on problems that require engineering judgment
Academic bias?
Willingness to remain in the UK long-term?
Leadership potential?
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4. What?
Identified a self-contained problem
Non critical-path
A senior staff-member (mentor) responsible
Single point of contact
Planned periodic reviews
Integrated the intern in company meetings
Bigger picture
Company culture
Background research & investigation
Orientation & confidence building
Access to academic search resources
Provided flexible leave
Allows for pre-viva study, viva & corrections
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5. How did it go?
Cascoda participated twice
1st intern went back to academia
Performed a useful study
2nd intern joined the company
Now a core team member
Interns have plenty of energy & enthusiasm
Motivation not a problem
Interns require guidance and training
Resources
Time
In it for the long-term...
Vehicle for recruitment
Establishing links with the University
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6. How I felt as an intern…
Experience industry
Academic research is mainly about ideas
Industry is about ideas and realization
Industry helpful for further academic research
Feel special
Got great guidance
Important member in a team
Flexible time for thesis completion
Sense of achievement
Designed three blocks in a practical project
It’s not just for an academic paper, its useful
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7. Thank you, any questions?
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