We Are NXP | ‘NXP Champions a Good Work-Life Balance’

Lucy Wang joined NXP Semiconductors in 2004. She is currently responsible for the application development, technical support and product training of NXP microcontroller (MCU) products in Greater China. With more than 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry under her belt, she’s held numerous roles. Her mantra is simple and inspiring: “Stay humble and never forget the original intention.” She also believes in enjoying work and life in equal measure. We caught up with Lucy for a free-wheeling conversation.

Lucy Wang

NXP: Why did you decide to join the semiconductor industry?

Lucy Wang: I completed my postgraduate studies from Beihang University in 1999, with a major in electronic engineering. At the time, I just happened to stumble into the semiconductor industry, and the first company I entered was willing to train me. I was told, “We don’t care about your major. It’s more about having a solid foundation.” That’s held me in good stead! Now when my team is recruiting people, I say the same thing. Don’t be too concerned if the candidates’ undergrad or postgrad degrees would be the exact fit for the position. What you need is a good foundation: A passionate and motivated person, who is inclined to learn and to be nurtured.

NXP: Tell us a little bit about your work at NXP

LW: My work mainly entails the application of Micro Controller Units  (MCUs). I’m involved in the development and support of our company’s microcontroller products, including system validation of new products, application reference design, customer training, technical support and support of the entire ecosystem of partners, agents, etc. There is heaps of cross-functional collaboration with the software, IC design, product testing, marketing and Field Applications Engineering (FAE) teams within the company; and continuous exchanges with customers, distributors and partners.

NXP: What advantages do women bring to the table in this industry?

LW: I think women are generally more patient and meticulous. They can persist in doing one thing for a long time, which, I believe, is an important condition for engineering and technical personnel. Our team has some outstanding female engineers who have better coordination and communication skills than our male counterparts, which comes in handy whether it is internal or inter-departmental collaboration.

NXP: You’ve been with NXP for more than 15 years. What do you like most about the company?

LW: That it offers a humane work environment, very flexible and friendly. Everyone is on a first-name basis and free to express their ideas and opinions. The company also champions a good work-life balance. It advocates taking time off to recharge and replenish. You know you can check in a bit late in the morning if you were on a conference call with colleagues from another time zone the previous night. As long as you do your work diligently and meet deadlines, it’s all good at NXP!

NXP: Any tips or pearls of wisdom for new colleagues or fresh graduates joining us?

LW: I feel a lot of young people are focused on getting promoted after working for just a few years. How do I get a leadership role? What are my future possibilities? These are the burning questions running through their mind. I would advise them to work hard, move with technology and capitalize on their strengths. Don’t give into conventions and outdated notions of success. The path to success and fulfillment isn’t through just becoming a manager. In my team, we have engineers from their 20s to their 50s and everyone brings something unique to the table.

NXP: Anything else?

LW: Apart from that, I just want to encourage everyone to balance work and their personal life. Many people in my team do that pretty well. They make small electronic boats, balance bikes and toys for their children in their spare time and I urge everyone to take a cue from them.

We Are NXP embodies, spirit and values of NXP, which is committed to advancing the world by making it safer and more connected. We pursue our ambitions through technological innovations designed to enhance the quality of life of our employees, our communities and the world at large, all the while ensuring sustainability and minimizing our impact on the environment.