Infosys & the Flat World - Offshore Job Hunting by Jim Pinto

There was a lot of feedback regarding my article and description on Infosys. Many were surprised that a multi-billion-$ company could still hold on to a "conscience", as part of its fundamental ethos. The fact that the Chairman and CEO still took annual salaries of only $ 75,000 prompted some humor, "Hey, so why don't we hire offshore CEOs?" Considering that the average US CEO compensation is approximately 500 times the average employee, this is wry humor indeed.

The other surprise was that a $ 3B software company has as many as 69,000 employees; this makes the ratio of revenue-per-employee about $43,000, low by American and European standards for a software company. But, of course, that's the clear global benefit. This is what prompts top consultants like Boston Consulting Group to advise that going offshore is not only desirable, but a strategic imperative.

Here's another interesting twist. A recent Duke University report points out that foreign-born immigrants helped start one of every four US technology start-ups over the past decade. Together, those companies employed 450,000 people and generated $52 billion in sales in 2005. But many foreign graduates are now more interested in returning to their home country, instead of staying. And further, it turns out that US-born graduates, as well as foreign nationals, are now looking for careers abroad, instead of just the usual American hot-spots like Silicon Valley. Many major business school students say they are actively considering international opportunities.

This sounds like a contradiction - that the US continues to try to try to woo the best and the brightest from overseas, even as homegrown emerging stars look outside. Because competition has truly become global, this kind of interchange makes sense. The good side is that many Americans will eventually return home with global experience, which will help build stronger companies here in America.

If you prefer to listen to commentary, rather than read, you might wish to download the podcast of my discussion with Automation World editor Gary Mintchell about my recent visit to Infosys (weblink below). After reading my article and listening to this podcast, a lot of people are asking me about opportunities in India. My response: Lots of good opportunities for visiting Americans who'd like the global experience - go cruise the web.