Blue Cross Blue Shield Employee Reviews for Application Developer

"I have worked for Blue Shield of California for almost 3 years, and I really appreciate to have this company to be my first job. People are nice here, and also easy to communicate with, so my projects can go smooth when I need to work with different teams or departments. I also have so many opportunities to learn and work with different tech skills. And most importantly, BSC has the best work life balance!"

What do you like about working at Blue Cross Blue Shield?

"The hard workers are easy to pick out because there are so few."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Good for a first job experience. Easy to get in, and it can only go up from here. I highly recommend contracting for the younger generations. Don't go full time; it's a trap. They're always looking for Java developers, but don't expect industry standard pay or adequate training, if any. Good for job security, as they don't fire anyone deserving since there's no accountability, apparently. Also, expect a lot of frustration with office politics and bureaucratic policies. Becoming a manager is really the only reason to stay."

What don't you like about working at Blue Cross Blue Shield?

"There is no clear definition of responsibilities or accountability to go with it. When trying to clarify what exactly my role was on the team, the answer I got on three separate occasions was, and I quote, Everyone does everything. Well, I did 'everything' for a year with little to no training or guidance, was hired one Monday too late for the annual bonus (coincidence doubtful), and got top marks on my yearly performance review. When asking for a raise or promotion with clear documentation on my salary research online, I got no feedback other than blank stares. I was hired below industry salary rates; when restructuring, I was necessarily bumped up to the minimum salary on the next highest pay scale. Management tried to pass it off as a 'pay raise'. HR lied about pay increase rules after I applied to a higher position. I was replaced by two new hires at a higher position than I was. (Thanks for not promoting ME instead when I asked.). As a developer, everything must be self-taught as there's no training or expertise, at least on the team I was on. Management is completely behind the times and knows nothing about new technologies. Getting one code change in can take months with this stupid 'change management' process implemented where others who know nothing about your project work look over the implementation plans for approval. Code reviews are non-existent, so there's no room for growth. Comp time was rarely given and must be asked for. Projects are completely mismanaged and disorganized; communication breaks down, leaving a lot of gaps in project work; requirements are changed after implementation. No one understands the big picture on how the many applications and processes work together, making coordination nearly impossible. Management folds to every business whim with no procedures in place for tracking. I will try out with this new team I'm on and am hoping for the best. Still, I'm extremely underpaid, but maybe my experience with the company is team-specific."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Be more aware of those who do all the work and those who ride the wave of stagnation. If you're constantly going to the same people to do the work that isn't even their job, or having to cover the work of those who do nothing, it's time to take notice and realize you're wasting money on dead weight. Show more appreciation and be willing to allow compensated time for those who work overtime. Stop allowing people to get away with too much for so long."