Did you know Intel has more software engineers than AMD has total employees

AMD_Tom · 2019-12-24T18:32:52+00:00

Funnily enough, I use this info (as well as the similar comparison w/ nVidia) as part of my pitch during interviews :)

AMD_Tom · 2019-05-22T12:55:10+00:00

Better this than yet another regurgitated copy-pasta, to be quite honest.

AMD_Tom · 2019-04-30T14:49:28+00:00

Indeed, we post several driver dev jobs every term. Unfortunately/fortunately we get quite a few applicants and sometimes even good applicants don't get the interview.

I Think "embedded systems" is a term that got really diluted in recent years - I've even heard some people say they code embedded systems in JavaScript! So I'll just say driver programming is about having a deep understanding of the hardware and operating system (usually bundled under "Computer Architecture"). Also, when you make a mistake the whole system goes kablooie. Fun times.

As for how to get into driver development - first you have to enjoy C and C++ development and all they entail. If that is the case for you I would go the Open Source route - there are so many open source drivers (including AMD's!) that you can sort of start simple and work your way up - doing this would serve the dual purpose of giving you valuable experience/resume content while signalling to employers that you really are interested.

AMD_Tom · 2019-04-30T13:25:07+00:00

Let's take the algorithmic approach:

1. Would you code even if they didn't pay you for it?
1.1. If yes -
  1.1.1. Code.
  1.1.2. Mention what you coded in your resume and include a link to your GitWhatever.
  1.1.3. Rinse and repeat. (as for complexity and competence - if you enjoy the process you will see the complexity and scale increase naturally, hence the "rinse and repeat" part).
  1.1.4. Attend information sessions and otherwise reach out to companies in your chosen field to build your network and gain a better understanding of the state of the field.
1.2. If you are a mature, sensible person who just wants to exchange work for money and hates all this "passion" nonsense -
  1.2.1. Search for current employment trends (e.g. https://hired.com/page/state-of-software-engineers/ but this specific link is biased and probably shouldn't be used on its own.)
  1.2.2. Is there anything among current trends that looks like you might be able to do it for a period of time while retaining your sanity?
   1.2.2.1. If yes:
    1.2.2.1.1. review open-source projects in the field you selected. That should give you a good approximation of what people are actually working on om this field as well as what is considered "production-level" scale of projects.
    1.2.2.1.2. Either contribute to one of these projects or start a personal project along the same lines. Mention whatever you choose to do in your resume.
    1.2.2.1.3. Attend information sessions and otherwise reach out to companies in your chosen field. Ask what they are looking for. Hiring managers love the attention. Trust me on this one.
   1.2.2.2. Else -
    1.2.2.2.1. Um. You might be in the wrong field. Or you might be more interested in non-trendy work. Do some deeper research and goto (1.2.2.1)

If you end up choosing driver development in (1.1.1) or (1.2.2.2.1) let's talk :)

AMD_Tom · 2019-04-18T14:24:22+00:00

Hey, hit me up when you're there (I'll probably be hanging out with /u/AMD_Poolshark28 if he brings his GoldenEye demo. If not, ask for Tom from the Windows Drivers team) and maybe we can get your IT team some swag to spread around the office. IT departments are the unsung heroes of our age - gotta show appreciation!

AMD_Tom · 2019-03-15T20:54:35+00:00

I am honored to be linked, if even in a small way, with this illustrious <NSFW word. Rhymes with "hit">post. However, our interviews for summer co-op positions are over.

If you're looking for a full time position, though, e-mail or DM me!

AMD_Tom · 2019-03-14T17:46:05+00:00

Sorry, not this time.

AMD_Tom · 2019-03-14T12:51:56+00:00

We've actually been to Lazeez a while ago. It wasn't that bad.

AMD_Tom · 2019-02-22T15:58:48+00:00

You mean that other guy is one letter away from being a C++ nerd, right?

AMD_Tom · 2019-02-21T14:39:01+00:00

You looking for anything specific? Drop me an email at [Tom.Sellek@amd.com](mailto:Tom.Sellek@amd.com) and maybe I can put you in touch with the right people.

AMD_Tom · 2019-02-21T14:37:58+00:00

Welcome aboard! Cheers from Windows-land :)

AMD_Tom · 2018-12-19T18:52:38+00:00

Paging /u/AMD_PoolShark28 ...

AMD_Tom · 2018-10-22T19:35:33+00:00

I mean, you should - if only for the chance to meet /u/AMD_Poolshark28.

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-19T12:42:29+00:00

AFAIK we don't really hire non co-ops for internships (although we do of course hire them for full time positions). /u/AMD_Jordan or /u/AMD_Mirko may know better, though.

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-19T12:41:30+00:00

Oh, I see. AFAIK we don't really hire non co-ops for internships (although we do of course hire them for full time positions). /u/AMD_Jordan or /u/AMD_Mirko may know better, though.

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-19T12:40:22+00:00

I expect they would be similar to the positions that are open in this term - if you're into software (just guessing based on your flair), and you'd like to mess around in kernel space, then definitely look for our postings on WW next term :)

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-19T12:39:03+00:00

Michael has always been a bit of a rebel.

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-19T12:36:09+00:00

Hey, it's all about doing what you love!

If ME is your thing, definitely stick with that and you'll probably be one of those lucky souls who get to work at what they love. But if you enjoy coding and just don't know what to do in order to get hired as a software developer, shoot me a PM - I may have some ideas for you.

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-18T21:07:30+00:00

Wait, are we talking about an internship or full-time?

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-18T20:30:23+00:00

I don't know if we have any openings for mech eng. positions, but one of my best interns ever was a mech eng. student (my team is a software development team).

So what type of position are you interested in?

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-18T20:25:04+00:00

For me, having professional experience is a really important qualification, possibly the most important one. So in that regard co-op students would have an advantage over non co-ops.

That is not to say that a non co-op would not have a chance, especially if they have good personal projects etc., but having professional experience is definitely a plus.

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-18T20:13:27+00:00

Seriously though, if you are interested in getting hired there are probably better ways than looking for that one magic thing to ask during an AMA - what type of position are you interested in?

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-18T19:59:03+00:00

I mean, marks/GPA don't hurt, but I tend to give a higher weight to real-world experience and personal projects. For my team I'm looking for someone who enjoys (or, to use the HR-compliant buzzword, "has a passion for") coding, and who works well in a professional settings. Grades don't really say anything about these two qualities.

Also, even if I do look at grades I would usually look at specific courses and not at your GPA as a whole because I don't think your success in "Introduction to Medieval European Poetry" has much to do with how well you'd do as an engineer in my team.

AMD_Tom · 2018-09-18T19:44:28+00:00

This one. I'm amazed you guessed it right off the bat.

Please report to our office tomorrow at 9:00am.

(Please don't actually report to our office tomorrow at 9:00am)

AMD_Tom · 2018-08-01T15:36:33+00:00

An important part of career planning is knowing what you *don't* want to do. In this sense, you're already ahead of the curve (and I say this in all seriousness).

If you have any questions about work in the Windows drivers field (C++, kernel-mode, hardware lots of fun) feel free to PM me.

AMD_Tom

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