The demand in India for skilled, knowledgeable workers is enticing American job-seekers to explore the possibilities of overseas employment. Although India is experiencing its own economic downturn, the need for trained workers, beyond the entry level, continues to offer opportunities.
In a survey done for the Cartus Corporation, a global relocation firm, the National Foreign Trade Council found that India replaced Germany last year as one of the top four countries where multinationals planned to move employees. The others still on the list include the United States, China and the United Kingdom
Even during a global recession, recruiters, business owners and employees agree that India is still the land of opportunity. Lisa Johnson, director of a consulting service has said that "India is one of our hot topics." While China is also seen as a good market for job opportunities, India has the added advantages of being more Western and English is often a second language which can make the transition easier.
There is no shortage of native entry-level people available for the routine types of jobs in India. It is the knowledge-intensive workers who are in short supply. Those who choose to move to India find that even if the payment is lower than in the United States, so is the cost of living. In some cases, Americans can afford luxuries like a housekeeper that would be cost-prohibitive in the U.S. For that reason, business school graduates as well as experienced veterans who are interested in a cross-cultural experience also see it as a way to stay competitive in a difficult job market in the U.S.
One of the caveats is that American workers should have a job lined up before coming to work in India. There are a number of recruiting services based in the U.S. that understand what skills are in demand and the salaries, housing and other necessary information to making the transition successfully. Another factor is understanding that the culture and mores of India are different and that adapting to them is an important part of living and working there.
As the economic problems in the U.S. intensify, India is one avenue to employment. Having the necessary background experience, skills, and adaptability to a very different culture may provide job opportunities unavailable in America during the recession. However, it is important to remain current about the economic situation and job market in India before making a decision to apply for positions in that country as well as China.
For further information about employment opportunities in India as well as China, contact the National Foreign Trade Council and the Cartus Corporation.
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