The Department of Semiconductor Engineering (SEMI) was founded in 2023. As you may or may not know, the semiconductor engineering students have a special contract with Samsung, and students must work at Samsung after receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree. There is another option for SEMI students: getting a Ph.D degree through the 3+3 fast track. It is appealing to many high school students, inspiring them to apply to our department. Here are some tips to take advantage of the fast track.

First, you should improve your abilities and build strength. POSTECH is the ideal place to enhance yourself, offering numerous opportunities for learning and research. It is not a common chance for freshmen to select a research topic and get started, but POSTECH supports them in focusing on their research through the UGRP. I was able to do research related to Twisted Bilayer Graphene when I was a freshman. It was my first research experience, and it gave me the dream of being a Ph.D. The studying atmosphere is also a big advantage of POSTECH. It is hard to find Korean universities that are filled with students even during the exam period. When you see people sitting down and studying hard, you have no choice but to study hard. You can find what you like or dislike while studying.

Second, once you know your aptitude, choose your laboratory as early as possible. Talking with professor will help you select your laboratory. There are many chances to talk with them, which is great to share your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I also found my laboratory through a conversation with my professor. Good grades can also give you more options when choosing a lab. Although achieving high grades is difficult, consistent effort and time investment will bring results.

Third, students should participate in an internship program at Samsung. To join, students must pass the Global Samsung Aptitude Test (GSAT), which consists of mathematics and Korean language questions. After the GSAT, students go through in-person interviews. Most students complete a six-week internship during the summer vacation of their junior year as a graduation requirement. During the internship, students can choose the business department where they want to work and are asked to submit a research proposal. After the internship, applicants undergo another interview with their Samsung supervisor, where they are evaluated on their research potential and overall abilities. From my experience, the most important thing is to confidently present your ideas and not be overwhelmed by anxiety.

Going through these steps will bring you to the advanced semiconductor research field and the Ph.D. fast-track program. The semiconductor industry, the heart of modern technology, shapes everything from smartphones to AI and a future that we cannot even imagine. SEMI provides students with the rare opportunity to contribute to this rapidly evolving industry from the earliest stages of their academic journey. By gaining research experience, building strong relationships with professors, and applying knowledge in real-world settings at Samsung, students can grow into experts who will lead the future of semiconductors. Though the path is demanding, passion and persistence will guide you forward. I hope many students will take on this voyage and join us in shaping the next generation of semiconductor innovation.