Workplace reviews and discussion: 叡揚資訊股份有限公司

I don’t know whether, in Taiwan, there are “pure software” companies with around 500 employees that could be called “good”; perhaps I’m simply ignorant. Galaxy Software Services seems to be fairly decent. It should still be a good place to learn and gain experience when changing careers.

The company’s colleagues are generally kind: birds of a feather flock together. Although this may not count as a company advantage, the company culture determines what kinds of people it attracts.

There is still a place to hone your skills: newcomers can develop their abilities over two to three years. If you are not in the R&D department, programmers need to be more proactive. Colleagues are generally quite good (if you can stick it out), and you can gain considerable experience, with opportunities to work with both older and newer technologies. If you simply wait for others to take care of you, you will need to encounter a very good senior colleague or supervisor.

The work environment is friendly toward women and families (?): Many of the company’s employees are “young” parents. During their employment, some have married and had children, taken leave without pay to stay home and care for their children, and later returned to the company.

If you come here to learn, the starting salary will not be high: Many people who want to switch to the IT industry or are new to the workforce come for interviews. If they state a starting salary on par with that of someone with a relevant degree or experience, even an excellent interview performance will be of no use. It is mainly a matter of the interviewer’s first impression (unless you are recommended by someone inside the company).

It depends heavily on the department and supervisor: In addition to the company’s relatively traditional culture, different departments and supervisors mean different types of projects. If the fit is poor, it is like heaven and hell. Being driven away or scolded is probably to some extent due to these factors. This usually happens when changing to a different project; otherwise, quite a few people who leave later return to the company.

Hiding shortcomings and concealing strengths: The tolerance for “mediocrity” is quite high. As long as you do not commit a major taboo or have good colleagues, you can stay for a long time. Those who are capable need a supervisor or colleague with a discerning eye, and must demonstrate their abilities to these people so that they can help you get promoted during performance reviews (promotions are tied to salary increases) or receive bonuses (if you are not promoted, bonuses are the only option). Without someone who can recognize your abilities, you will keep being assigned work without receiving the compensation you deserve. There is no solution except to resign.

The company’s benefits have improved, but some things never change: Other than the protections required by the Labor Standards Act, you need to pay attention to your own rights and raise them with your supervisor at the appropriate time. After the implementation of the one fixed day off and one flexible rest day policy, because leave is considered a cost, employees are now reminded to schedule their days off. As for company trips, they are truly non-negotiable: if you do not participate, it is as if you received nothing, regardless of whether you could not register in time or were unable to attend because of work or customer requirements. If this ever changes, it should count as a milestone.