Don't opportunities in Goa attract Goan youth? Sangeeta Naik sangit.n...@gmail.com
"How many of you intend to hang around and work in Goa after graduation?", I asked a group of 100-plus sparkling faces of to-be-engineering grads sitting in front of me brimming with enthusiasm and positivity. My modest expectation was that at least 50% of them would raise their hands in affirmation. But alas, to my utter shock and dismay two -- just two! -- of them raised their hands. I asked again and there was no change in the scenario. I was really taken aback! I was part of the team which was on a visit to the Goa Engineering College (GEC) under Project DIKSHANT of the Goa IT Professionals (GITP). The project aims to build IT industry-academia synergy by keeping the students abreast about the needs of the IT industry and giving them an insight into the growing IT ecosystem in the state. The response from the students made me ponder. Can we blame the youngsters for this response? I sincerely don't think so. I feel, we as a community have failed to instill in them a sense of confidence in the opportunities which are available in the state. It could be the indifference of the system, the apathy of the decision makers, our education system, our overall environment etc. etc. I do understand that when we give wings of state-of-the-art education to our youth, then we have to be ready to see them fly high and fly past us. But, when so many people across India look at Goa as a land of opportunities, my bare minimum expectation is that at least 50-60 % of our youngsters should aspire to remain in the state and contribute to building an upwardly mobile and healthy industry ecosystem. This in turn will create more opportunities for the next generation of Goans. Around six million (60 lakh) national and international tourists i.e. almost four times the population of Goa come to the state every year. That itself creates umpteen opportunities in every sector from agriculture to IT. Brand Goa also offers many add-on opportunities. Then there are sectors like mining, shipping, pharma which have their own set of openings. Since Goa is a small state, prototypes for public utility solutions in e-governance, tourism, digital payment etc can be created and scaled nationally and globally. For anyone who has an eye for opportunities we have the most conducive atmosphere around. With technology, the world has been turned into a global village. 'Working remotely' as a concept is picking up. You can work for any company in the word by sitting right here in Goa. The IT ecosystem in Goa is buzzing with action. Many companies in Goa are catering to global clients. Incubation and startup activities are building up. Against this backdrop, instead of trying ones luck in alien environments in the metros, youngsters should be motivated to put in equal amount of effort right here in Goa and climb the ladder of success. I am confident that if they join a local company or venture into entrepreneurship, they will surely be happier financially... and otherwise too. And I am looking for measures to pass on that confidence to the youngsters. As someone who has observed the industry from very close quarters over the years, I know there are multiple teething problems and hiccups. At the entry level the salaries are comparatively low. But as one gains experience and develops expertise in niche areas doors of high-end opportunities will open up. I know of many IT companies in Goa who pay on par with the best in the industry. Their number might be small at present but it is growing consistently. Option of going out of Goa and experimenting can always be tried out, but with the objective of gaining quality experience and returning back to the state as a value-added professional. Many of you might grossly disagree with me. But the post is always open for further discussions and deliberations! #GEC #GITP #ITinGoa #Goa #Startup #Incubators #ITEngineer -- Sangeeta Naik is an IT professional, educator and Malaysia-returned Goan who has been consistently promoting and writing on this field in this state. She is also part of the GITP, an active and voluntary body of IT professionals in the State. Email sangit.n...@gmail.com Share your feedback with her and also via goa...@goanet.org Goanet has space to discuss all issues related to Goa. More at: http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org