THIS REVIEW IS FOR FRESH GRADS (ENGINEERS)The good thingsThis review is for fresh engineering graduates (ECE, CpE, EE) who are planning to take the semiconductor research and development path.
I am a fresh graduate and a newly-licensed ECE. I applied to leading semiconductor companies here in PH such as Maxim Integrated and Analog Devices in Cavite, Texas Instruments in Clark and Amkor in Muntinlupa. Luckily, I passed their exams and was able to get a job offer from all of them.
But, the best offer was made by ROHM LSI Design Philippines. The benefits are also great.
Obviously, I cannot say the 'negatives' for now but I think a more interesting topic is the HIRING PROCESS.
ROHM Engineers are very skilled and are on a different level. I can say that because of their exam/test methods for applicants. The hiring process was very strict (RnD Dept). Passing their criteria was very hard, if you are not technically prepared. You'll need to be prepared in computerized exams covering:
-Basic Math
-English Proficiency
-Logic and Reasoning
-Technical Ability
-Good Understanding of Electronics
(You need to perfect the exam before you can proceed to the next step.)
In completing those stuffs, I think 6 hours is more or less consumed.
Next is the personality interview, background checking, etc.
Then, the final technical interview by the managers (engineers). They want to know how much you understand a certain topic. Final answers are less important. What they want is your explanation.
Finally, medical examination. Do not think that once you passed the final technical interview, everything is OK. I have known a few who were not selected because of physical difficulties such as poor eyesight.
If you passed everything, mentally, emotionally, physically... that's when they will offer you a good amount of salary (fairly good for a fresh grad).
A bonus info might help.
Complexity of the application process, from hardest to easiest:
1. ROHM - Really hard and challenging. Went to their office 4-5 times to complete the process. But all worth it, you'll get to learn something from their program, pass or fail.
2. Maxim - Hard and challenging interview questions. Delicious meals in their canteen. 1-2 days application process.
3. Analog Devices - Circuit analysis. Tricky. Very accomodating HR. Happy employees (?).
1-2 days application process.
(Continued at \"The challenges\". No more character space here.)
The challenges4. Texas Instruments - Prepare for logical reasoning. The interview process is entertaining. Grades aren't just numbers for them. Most from their RnD team graduated with flying colors. Circuit analysis is relatively easy. 3-4 days process.
5. Amkor - Basic circuits and schematic symbols naming. One day process. They have training program for six months and you'll receive your certificate afterwards. Easy application.
Ohhhh. And from that list... it also shows the ranking of salary offers. So to speak, application process difficulty is proportional to the salary offer.
I hope this review will help those fresh grads interested in the semiconductor line. When I was looking for my first job, I needed this kind of information.
NOTE:
I made this review January 2018. So if you are reading this far from this date, situations might actually change such as salary offers.