Selected for a Memory Layout role, but interested in Circuit Design – looking for career advice

I'm a final-year ECE student and recently got selected for a VLSI training program where I'll most likely be trained in Memory Layout Design (custom layout domain). The role would involve a 3-year bond and I'd be working either with Prajna Semiconductor or as a contractor supporting Cadence projects.

While I'm grateful for the opportunity, I've always been more interested in the design side of VLSI (memory/analog/circuit design) than pure layout work. From what I've seen, memory layout seems to have a lower long-term ceiling compared to circuit design roles, although I may be wrong.

My questions are:

- How common is the transition from Memory Layout Engineer → Memory Circuit Designer in the industry?

- After spending 3 years in memory layout, would I be considered too specialized to move into circuit design?

- What skills should I build during those 3 years to maximize my chances of making that transition (SPICE, SRAM design, characterization, analog CMOS, etc.)?

- Have any of you personally seen layout engineers successfully move into memory/analog circuit design roles?

- Would a part-time M.Tech (e.g., BITS WILP) help with such a transition, or is hands-on circuit knowledge more important?

I'd appreciate honest opinions from people working in memory design, custom layout, SRAM design, or analog IC design. I'm trying to understand whether starting in memory layout is a good stepping stone toward circuit design or whether it tends to lock people into layout careers.