First-year CIS student working in PCB manufacturing — is this a good path toward a hardware career?

[u/Full-Growth7032]

Hi everyone,

I’m a first-year CIS student and recently got a job through a referral at a PCB manufacturing company. I’m currently working as a trainee, and after completing my training, I’m expected to become a Junior DFA (Design for Manufacturing) Engineer.

My current work involves checking PCB designs for manufacturing requirements, such as air gaps, pad sizes, BOMs, flags, and other design-for-manufacturing issues.

I’m interested in pursuing a career in the hardware industry, especially areas like semiconductors, robotics, embedded systems, and PCB/electronics design.

My main questions are:

1. Is working in PCB manufacturing/DFA a good starting point if I eventually want to move into the hardware industry?
2. Will this experience be useful for getting into fields like semiconductors, robotics, or embedded systems?
3. What skills should I focus on learning during my four years of university?
4. Should I focus more on electronics, PCB design, embedded systems, programming, or something else?
5. If you work in hardware/electronics, what would you recommend I learn or build as a first-year student?

I’d really appreciate advice from people who have experience in hardware, PCB manufacturing, semiconductors, robotics, or related fields.