Industrial Technology Research Institute

I first came to Taiwan during my Bachelor’s degree study in France, for a one month Mandarin study tour. It was not what I expected – before that, I knew nothing at all about Taiwan, but I enjoyed my time here and wanted to come back. After I graduated, I looked into doing a graduate degree in Taiwan and got a scholarship to study for an International Master’s in Asia-Pacific Studies at NCCU in Taipei.

When I graduated in 2015, I looked for a job in Taiwan but it was not easy, I had a number of interviews and even offers but nothing quite connected. Finally I got called by ITRI, I had put my profile in Chinese on the 1111 Job Bank website, and their recruiter contacted me about working in the International Center.

My job here mainly involves helping facilitate cooperation between ITRI and organizations in France in particular and the EU in general. For example I do research on French or local companies, contact companies or organizations to gauge interest, act as ITRI’s point of contact, host visiting delegations, or help with arrangements for local delegations traveling to France. A main focus has been the aerospace industry, I am working to get ITRI’s technology (e.g., machine tools) to be used by some of the major players in France’s well-established aerospace industry.

I like the working environment at ITRI. I have some freedom to pursue my own ideas, and I am learning a great deal about many aspects of Taiwan’s high-tech industry. I expect that the experience I am gaining here, along with ITRI’s strong reputation, will be helpful when the time comes eventually for me to look for my next job.

One thing I did not realize before I started working here was that it would be possible to live in Taipei and commute to ITRI here in Hsinchu. I ride one of ITRI’s commuter buses which goes directly between Taipei and the campus. I also keep a dorm room on ITRI campus so that I have the option to stay here during the week. In my free time I mostly hang out with my friends in Taipei. There is lots of good hiking not far from the city, or we may go to the hot springs, things like that.