The
rules for obtaining and retaining IT talent are becoming more
complex. The IT arena today is filled with consultants who tend
to identify themselves with their profession rather than with
their companies. Thus they are on the look out for projects that
increase their market value. The net result being Job-hopping.
The
Career Enrich team explores this issue through an exclusive interview
with Saumitra Das - Director Software Development, Netscape Application
Server, USA. (Sun - Netscape Alliance)
What
is the implication of job-hopping for the IT consultants of today
in India?
The
IT professionals of today want to rapidly shift from one project
to another to enhance their employability and marketability. In
the process they do not pick in-depth knowledge of any of the
skills. The bottom-line - 'Skills dearth'.
Are
IT consultants solely responsible for this?
I
would say that both the employers and the employees need to share
the blame in equal proportions. The employers tend to shift their
consultants from one project to another according to customer
demands at that point of time. On the other side, employees also
shift their project on a recurring basis to increase their market
value.
Will
experience in multiple projects pave way for a job overseas?
There
has been a strong misconception that multiple skills would provide
a smooth gateway to USA. The reality is that in India, the projects
are primarily service oriented. The scene is totally different
abroad, as the products out there are application oriented. Hence
an in-depth knowledge of the current skills with a combination
of sharp thinking skills would be the only passport for migration.
Today,
there is a high demand and hence large numbers of Indian professionals
are able to survive. However, quality rigor backed by in-depth
skills can only facilitate long-term growth.
What
are the future challenges for this Industry and its consultants
in India?
Equal
efforts need to be made both from the employers and the employees.
Software development involves creativity and requires a passion
for work. Unfortunately I find toady's professionals lacking
this passion. The employers also should constantly aim to keep
their associates updated with the current skills. They will have
to actively pursue and implement programs that help IT workers
expand their skills, and not their paychecks alone. It is dis-heartening
to note that many of the consultants today, are paid ahead of
their experience because of the demand and supply situations.
A
total paradigm shift has to occur from both the sides to take
our country ahead in the near future. Otherwise all 'Jewel Crown'
projects will be carried out abroad leaving the conversions and
maintenance projects to Indian companies. Unless there is
quantum jump in the infrastructure and connectivity, the Indian
IT industry will not get critical projects thus depriving our
consultants of the rich experience.
However,
I am glad to note continuous improvements in IT sector in every
visit of mine to India during the past fifteen years. There does
exist a vast potential for the professional's. All we need to
do is to give utmost priority for developing quality products.
