The Silicon Integration Initiative (Si2) has honored Terry Berke with an Si2 Outstanding Contributions Award, acknowledging over 25 years of dedication and success in semiconductor marketing and communications. Terry, former Si2 marketing advisor, retired from Si2 in January. Leigh Anne Clevenger, Si2 VP, Technology, asked Terry for his insights into the semiconductor industry over the course of his career.
Clevenger: What event in your career is the most memorable and why?
Berke: Working with a dedicated group of volunteers in the Pacific Northwest, we created and launched the first SEMI Workforce Institute. That led to creation of the non-profit SEMI Foundation which has spawned a plethora of semiconductor-related technical courses offered worldwide.
Clevenger: What were you working at when you most enjoyed work? What was the work environment like then?
Berke: My years in the semiconductor industry epitomize the best experiences I have had throughout my career. If I was willing to give something new a try, there was usually someone there to give me a chance to succeed, or sometimes not.
Clevenger: What advice would you give your younger self when starting out?
Berke: Your ego can be your best friend or your biggest enemy. Only you can control which direction it takes you.
On behalf of the entire Si2 organization – Thank you, Terry!