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

Hi everyone,

I'm a final-year ECE student and I've recently been selected for a VLSI training program focused on Memory Layout Design. After the training, I'll be working at Cadence through a Prajna Semiconductor arrangement that includes a 3-year bond. I'll be working in the Cadence environment and on Cadence-related projects, while the training/employment side is handled through Prajna.

I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I've always been more interested in the design side of VLSI (memory/analog/circuit design) than pure layout work. From what I've read, memory layout is a strong specialization, but the long-term career ceiling seems lower than circuit design roles. I could be completely wrong, which is why I'm looking for input from people already in the industry.

My questions are:

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

If I spend 3 years in memory layout, will I be considered too specialized to move into circuit design roles later?

Have you personally seen engineers make this transition successfully?

What skills should I focus on during those 3 years to maximize my chances? (SPICE, SRAM design, characterization, analog CMOS design, device physics, etc.)

Would pursuing something like a BITS WILP M.Tech help with such a transition, or would self-study and project experience be more valuable?

Compared to staying in memory layout long term, how much additional opportunity is there in moving into memory circuit design?

I'm not looking to switch immediately. I'm trying to understand whether starting in memory layout can be a good stepping stone toward memory/analog circuit design, or whether most engineers tend to remain in layout throughout their careers.

I'd really appreciate honest insights from people working in SRAM design, memory design, analog/custom IC design, or custom layout.

Thanks!