Pros
I've worked for Babel/KWS Montréal/Keywords International for a little over 8 years now (or is it 9 years? I sort of lost track). I started there as a video games tester and worked my way up the ladder, and I was given the opportunity to branch out into another department. These opportunities are given to most employee, so long as they are ready to put in the effort and they are ambitious. A system is in place where they can grow, gain additional experience and expertise and in exchange get a better salary (yep, we level up with experience!) The company is in full growth, with Keywords International acquiring new companies and this present opportunities to branch out and possibly work all over the world. Another pro, possibly the greatest: the people. Of course, there are a bunch of wonderful geeks there (myself included), we work after all in the video games industry, but you also have people from a variety of background, from all over the world and across quite the age range. In short: - Chance to grow within the company - Promotes from within the (very large) majority of the time - Wonderful people - Ever evolving, ever growing
Cons
Is the company perfect? Of course not. No company is. But what is great is that not only management is aware of what needs to be improved, but they are actively working towards improving. Most, if not all of management has worked their way up and are very knowledgeable of what needs to be done at all level. The starting salary (for some jobs) is the minimum salary, but employee get a raise after a probation period and the possibility for other raises twice a year. Entry/lower level positions are freelance. This is normal for the nature of the work, and the industry. Fixed term contracts are offered during busy periods and permanent position are given to higher level positions. There are a lot of need for overtime during the busy period which can be a good thing for those who enjoy it and a bad thing for those who don't. Some shifts are during the evening (which again can be a good or bad thing, depending on when you want to get up!) In short: - Minimum salary at entry level (some positions) - Freelance work at entry/lower level - Busy period is very busy!
