As I plan my next few semesters, I’ve been thinking carefully about which classes to take. I’m particularly intrigued by chip design and its applications in quantum computing, and I see enormous potential in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for quantum sensing, communication, and computing. At my university, there are several relevant course options. On the electronics side, there are digital VLSI design courses, as well as analog circuit courses that progress into monolithic amplifier design and microwave circuits. On the photonics side, there are classes on waveguides, antennas, and light propagation, along with laser courses that use tools like COMSOL and Lumerical (which I know are often applied to PICs). However, there aren’t any courses specifically focused on PICs. Since I can’t take everything, I’m trying to figure out which classes will best prepare me to work with PICs in the future. A key part of this decision seems to hinge on whether PICs for quantum applications should be thought of more as analog devices, digital devices, or something in between.

Hi guys! I hope everyone has had a successful week. I am currently working on tailoring my resume as I am applying to quantum engineering jobs/internships. I need some help with my resume which I have attached below. Some questions I have are what should I focus on adding/ removing from my resume? From an employer's standpoint, what is missing in this resume? and how can I best utilize the current skills that I have developed to communicate my readiness for working in quantum? Any input would help as I don't have much experience with this :-/...

One of the biggest challenges I faced while learning quantum science and computing was reading highly technical research papers without a formal background in quantum mechanics. I quickly realized I needed to approach them differently than any other material I had studied. Instead of rushing, I adopted a slow, deliberate process—pausing at every unfamiliar term or concept to look it up and build understanding piece by piece. While this method was time-intensive, often taking hours, it proved to be an effective way to develop both comprehension and confidence in engaging with complex research.