Jazbia Fasih Chaudhry is turning opportunity into momentum. As a student in NOVA’s ET Career Scholars pre-apprenticeship, she’s already translating classroom learning into real-world success landing an internship with Micron Technology. Jazbia shares how hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and a supportive cohort have prepared her to step confidently into the fast-paced world of semiconductor manufacturing.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jazbia and I am a part of the ET scholars program currently getting my CSC in engineering technology and data center operations. I will also be starting as an intern for Micron in June.

Why did you come to NOVA for your education?

I came to NOVA for my education because it is a community college so it’s near me. It also has flexible scheduling options and it’s way cheaper than a four-year university.

Tell us about your experience in the ET Career Scholars program and how it has benefitted you?

Being a part of this program has really benefited me because it prepares me so well for the industry that I’m going in which is the semiconductor field I’ve heard from hiring managers and people that work in the field after I tell them about this program we’re doing they are very much impressed and they told me that they know that I’m prepared because of my classes and everything that I’m learning. Also this program provides us with opportunities such as networking events and 1 on 1 interview practice, and other important skills to help us succeed in the feild and develop both our soft skills and hard skills. This program does an amazing job of really giving us theoretical knowledge and hand on practice as well. 

Why is semiconductor manufacturing important and why should people pursue it as a career?

Semiconductor is such an important industry because it’s really the “brains” of all modern technology. Our phones, cars, house holders appliances all exist thanks to this industry. So why not be on the forefront of a core industry in today’s worlds? 

What is like working together with many other students in a cohort who are doing the same thing you are?

It is so inspiring seeing people around us who have similar goals and aspirations, and to know that when you go on the field, you already have these connections and friends. Its also not competitive within our cohort. Its more like a bunch of people supporting each other and bringing each other up. Clapping for each other without thinking that’ll ruin your success. 

While still in ET Career Scholars, you interviewed for an internship at Micron. How did that come about, how was your interview experience, and what was the outcome?

It came about because I was a part of the ET scholars and again people at Micron know we are well prepared for the semiconductor industry and are also willing to learn more! My interview experience went pretty smoothly because I was really prepared with my knowledge and interpersonal skills that I gained through this program. Luckily I was offered an internship and a huge part of it was the preparation this program gave me and also my willingness to put in the work. 

Tell us about the important interpersonal skills you’ve learned in ET Career Scholars, and how you think they’ll be important in your Micron internship and in your future tech career?

One of the biggest things I’ve improved on is communication being able to explain my ideas without overthinking it and also making sure I’m clear and respectful when I speak to others. I’ve also learned how to actively listen instead of just waiting for my turn to talk, which has helped me understand people’s ideas better and build on them. Teamwork has been another big one for me, especially learning how to work with different personalities and still stay focused on the goal even when we don’t always think the same way. I think these skills will matter a lot in my Micron internship because I know I’m going to be in an environment where people are constantly collaborating and solving problems together. I don’t think it will just be about what I know technically, but also how well I can ask questions, communicate when I’m stuck, and be open to learning from others.

What’s the easiest and hardest thing about your career path? 

The easiest part of my career path so far has been staying interested in learning new things, especially when it comes to how technology works in real life. I like when I can connect what I’m learning to something practical, because it makes me want to keep going and improve.

The hardest part has been dealing with moments where I don’t immediately understand something or feel confident in a new environment. Sometimes it can be overwhelming when things move fast or feel complicated, but I’m learning that it’s okay to not know everything right away.

Where do you see yourself in 5-years?

Hopefully working as an Engineer at Micron and continuing my education. 

What is your advice to HS students who are interested but undecided about pursuing ET Career Scholars?

Try it out! I can guarantee you that you will be in a better place. Either you love this and know this is what you wanna do or you realize this isn’t really for you and you don’t wanna pursue it. Either way you find out more about yourself and what you want with your life so it a win win situation! 

What's your advice for NOVA students who are taking that next step into an internship or a tech career?

Never stop learning. If you are the smartest in the room you need to change rooms.

In what other ways has NOVA equipped you for the future?

NOVA has helped by exposing me to real-world skills and expectations. Whether it’s group projects, presentations, or technical assignments, I’ve learned how to communicate more professionally and work with others in a structured way. That feels important because I know in internships and tech jobs, teamwork and communication matter just as much as technical ability. Overall, NOVA has helped me become more confident, more organized, and more comfortable with challenges, and I feel like those qualities will carry me into my Micron internship. 

What do you like to do in your spare time (if you have any)? 

I love running and keeping myself active. I also enjoy painting and baking. I take pictures of everything and would have been a photographer as a second career. 

Other thoughts? Anything important we missed with the other questions?

• Listen to everyone’s advice and take heed from their experience but at the end of the day do what you want so you have no regrets. 
• Being nice costs you nothing
• Clapping for someone else will not make you less successful 
• You don’t have to be friends with everyone but you do have to be respectful 
• If you’re not early you’re late