Updating Results

Western Digital Philippines

  • 50,000 - 100,000 employees

Jamie Marielle A. Hernando

I am a Licensed Electronics Engineer and Electronics Technician from the University of Santo Tomas. I am a Fresh Graduate and currently working at Western Digital in Biñan, Laguna.

What's your job about?

Western Digital Storage Technologies Corp. (WDST) has long been at the forefront of game-changing innovations. From the invention of the first hard drive to recent advancements in 3D NAND, our journey of innovation continues to inspire those who dare to think big about the possibilities of data.

I applied for the Western Digital - New College Graduate (NCG) Program during the pandemic. I was surprised that they were hiring Fresh Graduates given the situation. I was deployed as an Engineer under the Development Engineering Department. My role involves analyzing HDD data by comparing component’s performance and extracting key parameters to understand the performance difference. I also interact with the component team to share the analysis and provide enhancement directions.

Over the past 8 months, my overall experience with the company has been great. I have the opportunity to learn a lot from my very supportive and hands-on Mentor/Manager and Buddy. What makes me the happiest at work is not only the line of work I enjoy doing but also the people I work with. One of the best things about my team is the openness of the group to hear other people out and help others with their deliverables. Also, aside from my Mentor and Buddy, my teammates are so helpful when it comes to providing training in order for me to learn more about what we do in our Department.

What's your background?

I graduated from the University of Santo Tomas where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering with specialization in Communications. I’ve been awarded by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as a Licensed Electronics Engineer and Electronics Technician last November 2019. My thesis entitled “Non-invasive Automated Detection of Pests in Eggplants using Infrared Thermography” won 3 rd place in the National Computer Research and Engineering Symposium.

Before joining WD, I was active in student organizations such as UST Cisco Networking Academy Gateway, UST Tech-Advancement Group, UST Network of Electronics Engineering Students and UST Mechatronics and Robotics Circle.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

I think what makes WD's culture great is diversity and inclusion are priorities for every aspect of the company. The company embraces change and is always looking for ways to improve its culture and the individuals that make it. A great culture will directly influence the quality of service a company produces, and Western Digital understands that very well.

What’s the coolest thing about your job?

What’s cool about my job is that even if I am a fresh graduate with an entry-level position, I have been given the opportunity to present my analysis report to the Managers and Directors. Also, with only 8 months of working in WD, I have been certified as Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. This allows us, Fresh Grads, to develop and also effectively contribute to the company.

What are the limitations of your job?

WD has a fast-paced environment considering that we’re constantly developing new products. The nature and dynamics of the work helps me to stay motivated, but also to stay result-oriented. I also believe that a fast-paced work environment makes us better at using our time. Being better at using your time also means being savvy and able to find the information you need quickly.

What I can suggest adapting to this kind of work setting is to learn your expectations. Before accepting a role in a fast-paced organization, get to know what will be expected of you while working there. Ask your hiring manager what your day-to-day responsibilities will be.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?

The three pieces of advice I’d like to tell myself back when I was a student would be:

  1. Continue being active in University Organizations because as you become more involved in student organizations, it may help prepare you for future jobs and also teach you good leadership skills and broaden and improve the skills that you already have.
  2. When you find something that you’re passionate about, aspire to be excellent in it.
  3. Focus on one thing at a time. You can have it all but not all at once.