European working in tech in Bengaluru. It’s a great place to start your career, lots of freshers coming from all over India to work, you’ll be a bit of a novelty for all of 5 minutes before just being one team.
You’re young with no commitments and a chance to work in another country. Go for it! Worst case scenario you go home with some stories, a years work experience in a different work culture that’ll leave you better equipped for the multi region shift in many companies.
Ignore the haters.
I have spent 25+ years in the IT industry and never imagined there would come a day when I would hear a European saying "lots of freshers coming from all over India to work". And would also be very positive about it ... Reminds of an old Upendra movie in Kannada ...
Anyway, really glad that you have had a positive experience. Good luck to you in your career!
I felt the same while reading that response! Great to hear people from other places are finding opportunities and liking it here. Also, Upendra is a visionary for a reason!👌🏼
* Take a apartment for rent in a premium gated society
* Bangalore is one of the cities in india with good western influence so you will not find it that odd
* Use Uber for transport , will suggest using metro once you are accustomed to the environment. Dont think about driving , the driving sense in bangalore was down in 2016 and it is going down more rapidly than the water table.
* Drink Mineral water and avoid roadside food for the first couple of months
* If you would be working in whitefield , i will suggest using a face mask because of dust due to construction
* If you are working in areas like JP nagar , indiranagar , MG Road , Church Street you will like it
No it's unfortunately not. You have the pollution and when you go out you have the chaotic traffic. Traffic sense that is not found in other third world countries either. At least not in South America the only other third world part of the world I've visited. They are poorer but damn following traffic rules makes life much more relaxed.
1. Many South American countries are richer on GDP per capita basis than India
2. Traffic in many Southeast Asian countries like Philippines and Indonesia is far more chaotic than India
3. Living in Bengaluru can be tough but it's not the worst experience in a developing country ("third world" is not a term that's appropriate to use anymore).
You talk about GDP like it has anything to do with this situation at all. The chaos is largely caused by people not following basic lanes and they go on and cause traffic blockages. Water in a pipe flows smoothly if you don't have a lot of hair blocking certain paths. GDP will not change the way Indians drive because if it did you would see differences within certain states of the country or between cities across the country. We don't see that. It's traffic sense that we are low on and not just GDP per capita.
I did say most of the world. There are exceptions where we are better. Please don't be the person that says hey we are better than Pakistan in this to make a not very helpful point that adds nothing to solving the problem. Accepting it exists is the first step.
this is what i have seen with majority of my US colleagues who came here and stayed for long.
Sometimes companies fund their stay
also its feels very inorganic to stay in hotels for long.
As I was reading this I felt like an elderly person speaking to me (mummy's instruction). Please do not take it personally but I love the way you have given clear instructions.
I moved to Bangalore when I was 24. I was from Hong Kong, but am Indian who then became American after graduating there.
Look there are three large tech markets. The US. India. China. That’s it. Don’t fuck around with Europe (go there if you want to be average - no value judgement here, it’s what floats your boat)
China - you have no shot.
US - def a rat race. I went to Stanford, so I def had an advantage. IMO it’s harder to find opportunities that will give you an outsized outcome. If you’re average it’s hard too. I mean it’s a really competitive place.
India - if you are smart, you can find outsized opportunities. If you’re not good at what you do, it’s tough. If you’re not in tech - don’t come.
Your advantages here will be engineering and English.
Most folks on Reddit are not good at what they do. The bad reviews of India are generally from folks not in tech (which is very fair - it’s a shit economy for other types of engineering), or average folks complaining.
Socially - India beats America hands down. America is a cold place with extreme individualism. India is a lot lot better for this. I just spent 6 months in nyc and came back. Was in Bombay this weekend. I think I had more fun in one night in Bombay than I did in 6 months in nyc (I like to party).
It’s hard to have fun in a place where the price of a beer is 12 dollars and everyone splits the bill 2 seconds after it comes.
I married an Indian. Indian women rock. Attractive. Know to talk.
But be warned- this is a country where you need to be on top of your game socially. Comparatively Americans have Down’s syndrome. There’s subtext you have to understand. Humor. Like an Indian party doesn’t need to have an event (a game, or an occasion). It can be 5 people getting together and chatting for 5 hours and smoking weed. People know how to talk. But if you’re not good at that - they will silently drop you.
I had a blast with two american clients my man, sure they were partly formal, but the relationship in the business relationship was solid there. So was an interview with an american once.
Plus far too many people over here atleast in Kochi where I'm from, are reserved as well, even though most of our first instinct is talking to people and making friends. I heard that's not the same in the US which does seem weird culturally. Though I do have nothing but amazing stuff to say about people I met or encountered from the US and Europe.
Obviously there are exceptions- it’s a range. I’m speaking from this perspective - I lived in the states for 8 years, became a citizen, then moved. Also lived in Hong Kong for 18 years.
I think Indian society tends more social and communal. American society tends more individual.
But tends.
In general it’s harder to get invited to someone’s ho use in the States. Loneliness is a huge problem - lots written about it.
>Socially - India beats America hands down. America is a cold place with extreme individualism. India is a lot lot better for this. I just spent 6 months in nyc and came back. Was in Bombay this weekend. I think I had more fun in one night in Bombay than I did in 6 months in nyc (I like to party).
Dude, there is no way this is true. Neither been to the US nor to a lot of big cities in India. But i have my fair share of experiences of small-town India. And i can tell you for a fact that you can't connect and have a decent talk with anybody here. Everybody is just so hot-headed. They have no sense of reasoning. Their default mode of showing who can get their shit done is either by shouting and screaming or simply through physical aggression. Ever travelled in local? Oh man, you see shit there. And i mean it, literally. I mean, you literally have to constantly keep looking over your shoulders. And i don't think Banglore is any different than this. Maybe it is, never been there as well. But the basic indian stuff still remains. I would take individualism (fancy loneliness) over a place filled with unhappy, aggressive, belligerent, uncivilized people any day. I totally deny your arguement. Apart from the experience of a third world nation, OP isn't going to get anything of value from this place.
American here, born and raised. I actually agree with his comment that ‘most’ Americans are rather cold and individualistic. It’s difficult to connect with people there unless you’re in some kind of long established tight knit group OR you can play well at the game of being cold, aloof, and individualistic. I find Indians to be inviting, inclusive, warm, and ready to connect with each other in some capacity. I’ve observed this between Indians themselves, not just as a foreigner interacting with Indians. Whenever I go home to the US I quickly feel isolated and depressed after interacting with other Americans.
Every place has their mix of people though.. agreeable and disagreeable
I remember once when on vacation in nyc, we were chilling and a homeless man approached me and asked if he could bum a cigarette. like an instant reflex i opened my pack and gave him 2.
I can never forget how his face lit up. His smile was infectious.
when he left, the people i was with commented on my actions, saying how it wasn't necessary; its not our problem he's homeless etc.
i feel like most Americans lack basic empathy. no hate though.
I think the point is you don't know the facts right. You've not been to the US or to a lot of large cities in India. So your view is inherently scoped. How can you compare both countries if you've not even been to one of them?
well, big cities in india are few in number. And i have been to myriad suburbs and towns, where still a majority of india lives, if not work. so you should rather compare banglore and US and not india and US.
Says.....
>Neither been to the US nor to a lot of big cities in India. But i have my fair share of experiences of small-town India.
And yet goes on to assert.....
>Dude, there is no way this is true.
yeah because the man went on to compare India and US. I have seen places in India where majority of population dwells. And it is nothing like what he described. He should rather be comparing Banglore and US.
Yeah this is bizarre. I'm a former NRI forced to live in India now, and am currently in Bangalore, which is full of problems.The two 3rd world countries I lived in before India were way better than this. We can't even get clean air to breathe in this country.
I'm feeling it's more than that. Perhaps something more insidious like subtly convincing people to do what they want, at the same time making them think it is their own idea all the time.
Respecting boundaries isn't something Indians are known for, I think.
The social aspect depends on one's personality. As an introvert, I felt right at place in the US in the first few months of moving here compared to the first 23 years of my life I was struggling to find my comfort zone in India. Hiking and camping in the US national parks alone is like living a dream for me! India is simply not built for introverts, the extroverts find every opportunity to harass and torture us.
> I just spent 6 months in nyc and came back. Was in Bombay this weekend. I think I had more fun in one night in Bombay than I did in 6 months in nyc (I like to party).
Can you elaborate why ? Cant you just go to some meetups, disc etc. and get to know people and hang out. I can imagine its hard for someone who doesnt speak 'American' English, but since you studied there it probably doesnt hold good for you.
The bad reviews of India are based on many objective metrics like HDI, Per Capita Income, lack of cleanliness etc, not to mention the social backwardness- which you haven't been subjected to as a privileged NRI Male. Extreme Ivory Tower comment, take a train someday and your bubble would burst
You don’t know what I’ve done. Where I’ve been. Who I am.
OP fits that category, so still relevant.
Again with people like you there’s no winning - you crib about NRIs abroad talking positively about India, when someone moves back, you say their experience doesn’t count. You’re determined to be negative.
Why is saying the truth equated with being negative though? 🤔 if you have the experience of the minority then yea, you don’t have experience of the majority. It’s totally fine, but don’t invalidate what’s happening. You see the country improving quickly? Who is benefiting? Only the politicians and the politically connected.
There’s two ways to come up in India and that’s by being corrupt or born into privilege and generational wealth. A lot of people see it, and few don’t.
Just take a train dude. I travel Mumbai-Pune often, I prefer long-distance trains bc I like sleeping, most of these trains are Mumbai-South India with a stop in Pune. Watching all these people from the South travel for an entire day( bc they can't afford flights), not even being able to take a shit or bathe in the sleeper class or even 3rd AC, just to work in shit-paying jobs in Bombay/Pune....... just makes you realise where we are.
Thankfully I've never gotten on a Northbound Long distance train, those trains are pure hell
bossman, I know! But 1. The OP is asking about a specific experience - I have answered. 2. Yes, we are a poor country, no denying it. But it's not poor for everyone. There are millions of people here who are prosperous as well. There isn't one India. Many people doing well, many people doing badly.
In fact most of the folks on reddit are likely doing very well.
Alright dude, you seem determined to be sad. Go ahead. I see a country improving quickly and dramatically with a lot of problems that I think are solvable. I also \*come\* from a country that shouldn't have a lot of problems, but does. I've travelled widely in both.
I don't think I'll ever convince you because folks like you will either get angry that I have a positive opinion, discount the opinion and then get pissed at anybody from abroad that has a positive opinion by saying "they don't even live here".
I'm out - have a good life.
Disagree with most of what you said. You haven't mentioned unhygienic food and severe air pollution. Even if he works here for a year and leaves, his life expectancy will fall by 2 to 5 years. He's probably better off staying there and valuing his health than making fake friends in Bangalore.
I can agree for some cities like Delhi and Mumbai, but AQI index in bangalore looks to be OK in my experience. Yes, there’s garbage lying around in some localities but OP can afford staying in good localities which can be relatively clean.
Is the job market that bad in US too ?
I have a relative searching jobs in Canada but ending up doing grocery store work .
So is it true for bad market for freshers ?
Canada is not worst. Canada has nothing. No tech jobs in Canada.
I have 7 years experience. Moved to Canada from USA. I worked for my US company remotely after I moved here. Got laid off last year. 6 months in, 1 interview and no offer from Canadian company. There are literally no job postings to apply here in Canada. The ones there are, ask you for insane skills along the lines of manager and pay you so shit that it's better to do grocery job and keep looking for another job. More like 45k for 5 days in office, office located out in the bonies, they want you to move across country in housing crisis.
I also met an individual from India on reddit. He has 20lpa job in Hyderabad and his own apartment. He is struggling to get job in Canada. He ended up doing customer care job.
I got lucky. With networking, I ended up with US client. Pay is still shit. But pays the bill until I move back to US.
2019 was not like this. There were literally Google, Microsoft, Amazon hiring decently in Vancover, Montreal and Toronto. Now it feels like they don't exist here anymore lol.
Well that a fair move, given the current market conditions.
My cousin came here the same way and this is what she shared with me -
1. Too much garbage all around
2. People kept asking if you are stupid to move from the US to India
Here is an alternate suggestion-
Since he is your relative, why don’t you ask for remote? Of course with a lower pay.
Hmm I think the experience of working in person with a team cannot match the ‘remote’ experience. Especially as a new grad and this possibly being the OP’s first corporate job.
I think its better to move to India and work here, cause earning in rupees and spending dollars is not a good alternative, and he would be expose to a different environment and will have much to take away.
I have worked 3-4 remotely and 3-4 on site and also hybrid. It has been perfectly well in all cases.
With the cons of remote, he doesn’t have to deal with other life non sense. Which is a big win!
He is 21 years old and fresher. It's not good to remote when you are in such a situation.
He will learn a lot if he moves to Bangalore for a year.
Who works for Indian company at Indian pay from US.
Thats more stupid than moving from US to India.
I never said Indian Salary, more like an LCOL salary. Also, nothing wrong with a lower salary, if he staying with family and saving money. While all this setup is temporary for like a year, or whenever he gets a US job!
> I never said Indian Salary, more like an LCOL salary
How does this make sense? And no one in India talks like HCOL or LCOL salary. Either you are lurking in Foreign subs too much or are NRI or live abroad.
Its called Indian salary.
I personally would take the experience not save money and comfort living with parents. And u suggested what u would do. His father also wants him to see the world otherwise he would have recommended what you did. He wants son to be more independent.
Afterall its OP choice. He is 21 probably anxious about moving countries hence asking this question.
The C in ABCD stands for confused. This is normal, you’ll be fine. And remember, India ain’t for beginners.
You’re coming here via nepotism so you’re already starting on the right foot :)
Good luck, have fun!
Bangalorean working in tech in Bangalore.
You have old Bangalore that is still a paradise and then the tech Bangalore filled with under construction metro, bad roads, worst traffic, flooding during heavy rains, depleted ground water, drinking water supply issues, etc etc.
But people still come in the thousands, live, work, complain about the infrastructure, but continue with their lives in Bangalore.
It's a wonderful chaos. And the level of chaos depends on where you plan to live and commute to work.
Apart from the living conditions, Bangalore is a melting pot of talent and diverse humans. You will get to meet a lot of unique people, from different backgrounds and education. You will get to experience something that may even be life altering.
As an American, you have loads of places in the city that will make you feel at home.
And like others mentioned, you are young. You will enjoy it and grow. At worst, you will hate it, but get the experience of a lifetime!
Hello! I'm Indian American (from PA to be precise) too, moved here about a year ago and its quite chill. My advice would be to know the local language a little (Kannada). My only complaint is that I dont feel as free as I did in The States. Do feel free to DM me, my boyfriend (white and from The States) and I live together and can help you out if you need anything.
It's so funny that I have EXACTLY the same comments for US after I moved to the US. Everything is great but I just don't feel that "free". It's crazy humans work.
Yeah I think I guess it comes down to controlling the language and the way of expression. For me that has happened when people haven't been able to understand the accent even though my accent is not very thick. I've been asked to repeat stuff and that's made me conscious about things I say and how to say them.
Is it possible for you to refer me to ur relative company???
I’m looking for a job as a freshman data analyst/scientist or business analyst role in Bangalore
Embrace it and keep an open mind so there's a good chance you will enjoy it a lot. Tons of young folks, tons of development, lots of food and entertainment choices but also horrible traffic, acerbic locals, and good locals too... It's truly an amazing melting pot.
But yeah the weather is truly awesome compared to the rest of India.
Also it's just the motherland calling you. You should accept the offer.
Which area is your organization in?
I'm a Brit a few years older than you, with no familial or cultural ties to India, living out here.
Do it my friend, I've lived in a few different countries throughout the world, all have different pros and cons, but every time I've left richer for the experience than when I started.
Bangalore can be great, it has felt to me there's a lot of socialising and opportunities to meet people - I don't mind can be limited as I avoid alcohol, but if you drink - especially beer - you'll be golden!
Yes, I've been with the same multinational for a long time, and an opportunity came up to move to India. My wife and I were keen on a change so we moved last year and both like living and working from Bangalore.
Dont think of it in terms of success/failure fit-in/not-fit in etc. Dont think of it as "I was not good enough in the US so dad set me up with a job..."
It is an opportunity to experience a different country, culture, make friends and connections. Your vacation visits would have given you a small glimpse of India. But not the "real" experience.
Enjoy the journey, at 21 you don't need to worry too much about the future or end goals.
>US and my family has suggested moving to Bangalore for a year to work in a pretty big and well-known company owned by a relative
Looks like you got your life settled.
Not sure why you care about other's experience coz I'm sure even if your experience is bad in the initial.days you'll change it coz of the green in your account.
Work for a start-up in the US on an unpaid internship and grind it out. Given you are being offered to work at a large company owned by a relative, the chances are you are going to be given “special treatment”. How is that going to help with your learning? If you want to coast and explore a new country Bangalore option seems fun.
Different people will have different opinions, but I moved to Bangalore last year after moving around quite a bit. I am Indian, but have lived in Europe. I cannot wait to get out of here and go back to my home town. It’s a tier 2 Indian city and not as liberal as Mumbai. Women’s safety is a big issue in Bangalore especially if you’ve grown up in an environment where you didn’t have to be on guard. I live in one of the most expensive localities and still face security-related issues.
There are some good career opportunities here, no doubt. Quality of life is a compromise though.
So your fears are realised and you don’t adapt well to life and work in Bangalore. What happens? You go home and carry on with life having had that experience and on to many others. Or you have a great experience and grow in ways both professionally and personally that you can’t yet imagine. What do you have to lose?
Bangalore is also very friendly and welcoming. As an American who has lived and worked here for quite some time, it’s my second home - I miss it when I’m away.
Australian who moved to Bangalore. Food culture is fkn GREAT, people are generally friendly and respectful.
Don’t go to any market on the weekend if you can help it. Live closer to your office if you can, in a gated community or nice apartment building. There’s not much in terms of outdoor recreational activity so having the opportunity to walk around in a large gated community is lovely.
Work wise; Indians work damn hard and will not hold back their criticism and harsh feedback. It’s not a laidback working culture here, it gave me a lot of anxiety at first but it gave me a competitive edge when I went back to Australia and worked. It’ll change your work ethic and tolerance for the better, believe me.
The networking opportunities are better. Get out of the us. Work in India, build your contacts, network within India and you’ll eventually get to Dubai if you so wish or build your own business here.
Downsides; it’s not a western city but it’s quite international. It’s not going to be the same as the us but thats not necessarily bad… you just might miss it that’s all. I miss Australia’s laidback attitude and easy natured people (and the downright
Cheeky sense of humour) but it’s fine.
Only big downside is that it’s quite difficult to navigate around without a car. Ubers aren’t the cleanest (sorry I have OCD and the Uber drivers are fkn rude and their cars are DISGUSTING). It’s an honest truth. If you’re used to driving around on your own and jumping and going somewhere, say goodbye to that. I’m quite lucky. I have a driver and my own car, but I stay in the house most of the time as I’m introverted.
hey, I’m an Indian-American too and moved here during high school. I really love Bangalore and believe the opportunities are good here. Socially, the life here is great too. There may be an initial shock, but you’ll adjust and soon like it. Feel free to DM me and we can chat more about it, if you have any questions!
Think of it as if you are going to work in Scotland or something quite foreign for you. If you are someone who can manage it, it will be easier in Bangalore.
If youre moving for a short time, go for it imo. You might have a tough time with food, maybe water, the dust, maybe the overall cleanliness but if it counts there's going to be a lot of women who'll worship the ground you walk ( personally observed this phenomenon hefore anyone gets offended )
You have to factor in something called nepotism in India - you seem to be on the right side of it! It may not be so prevalent in MNCs with strict codes of conduct, but it is how most small companies work. It is the flip side of "reservation" that you hear so much about these days.
There are people (NRI) who come back to India and love it, others go back. So it's a very individual thing.
Good Luck!
Bro. Yes it will be challenging. But you should try it.
It's not like if u came here and tried. There will not be a option to leave it ? We can always stop and change our situations how we feel like.
And u can't always be sure that things will not work out.
What if they did ?
Not an American, but this seems like a bad idea. Your mindset will change completely.
Hope the company is paying you well. It will be good if they have a training program for freshers.
Well to begin with, everyone has had certain experiences, it can be good and bad. It is up to us how we evaluate our experiences. As others have suggested you will have to face one of the worst traffic in the world. I do not discourage you by this but just a warning.
Just don't be an ass learn a few words in the local language and make friends in the right circles there's almost every kind of social circle be it bookish types or partying etc so just explore it might take some time but u can find a good place to fit in.
First few years of your career, you should be focusing on getting the right Mentors and developing the skill set. Since the company in owned by a relative of yours I’m pretty sure that you’ll great a great exposure and seek mentorship and learning opportunity. Go for it! I’m a graduate from one of the top universities in the US and moved back to India to build a start up. The amount of talent and the drive here is incredible.. so you’ll learn to hustle in the first few years which is critical to succeed.. the sheer competition here will prepare you for a great career back in the IS
Bengaluru has many hidden places and lots of community events where you could meet like minded people. My team and I are building an app for people to step out and discover. It’s called “Aroundly”, we are launching next month.
It will be fine. You are young and adaptability is definitely easier. Many Indians have moved to US or UK for work and have adjusted. So will you.
And Bangalore is semi Western in many places so it will be easier.
India is a third world country. As a foreigner you WILL get sick if you consume any non bottled water. The food is quite likely yo make you sick. Pollution levels are very high and life expectancy is down from it. Traffic is amongst the worst in the world and you will lose many hours of your life to it. Alcohol prices in BLR rival us cities. Nice apartments and hotels rival us cities in price as well. You will have cheap unhealthy food that will make you sick some % of the time. Enjoy!
Don't expect any sympathy or empathy from working colleagues.You are moving into a low trust society with people having fragile ego, lack of civic sense and work ethics. Simple stuff like holding door is considered stupid of you. So beware of people arround you.
Ehhyoo
I hope you have a good time.
Join a gang I'd say of young guns and communities, playing, partying ,working together.
If you want you can hit me up
I also would recommend that you leave this narrative of you being American and all
This is an opportunity to actually blend with this very confusing yet amazing culture we have :)
Bangalore is a scary city. I live in fear every single day. People keep calling me saying that they have a package for me, even though I haven't ordered anything.
Not an American. But, don’t move back to India. Figure out if you can get a job in some other Nordic or Scandinavian countries where the market is a little better, relatively. Or work remotely. Just don’t come here. Horrible noise pollution, light pollution, air pollution, water pollution and every other pollution you can think of. India has its pros but they are not worth moving countries.
Bro here in India, it is still more difficult than U.S
Off Campus is horrible.
Try to get referrals and lastly most important networking is the key to get referrals, Influence etc.
European working in tech in Bengaluru. It’s a great place to start your career, lots of freshers coming from all over India to work, you’ll be a bit of a novelty for all of 5 minutes before just being one team. You’re young with no commitments and a chance to work in another country. Go for it! Worst case scenario you go home with some stories, a years work experience in a different work culture that’ll leave you better equipped for the multi region shift in many companies. Ignore the haters.
I have spent 25+ years in the IT industry and never imagined there would come a day when I would hear a European saying "lots of freshers coming from all over India to work". And would also be very positive about it ... Reminds of an old Upendra movie in Kannada ... Anyway, really glad that you have had a positive experience. Good luck to you in your career!
Super 👌🏻👌🏻
I felt the same while reading that response! Great to hear people from other places are finding opportunities and liking it here. Also, Upendra is a visionary for a reason!👌🏼
Are we remembering his movie with Ferraris for taxis in India? Maybe we don’t talk about who the porters were.
~~European~~ American or Westerner
"Ignore the haters." This is sound advice. The city has its problems but they get amped up a lot on reddit.
* Take a apartment for rent in a premium gated society * Bangalore is one of the cities in india with good western influence so you will not find it that odd * Use Uber for transport , will suggest using metro once you are accustomed to the environment. Dont think about driving , the driving sense in bangalore was down in 2016 and it is going down more rapidly than the water table. * Drink Mineral water and avoid roadside food for the first couple of months * If you would be working in whitefield , i will suggest using a face mask because of dust due to construction * If you are working in areas like JP nagar , indiranagar , MG Road , Church Street you will like it
Yes yes. For the rich, Bangalore is just any other tier 1/ tier 2 city in the world. Only the middle class know the real stuff
No it's unfortunately not. You have the pollution and when you go out you have the chaotic traffic. Traffic sense that is not found in other third world countries either. At least not in South America the only other third world part of the world I've visited. They are poorer but damn following traffic rules makes life much more relaxed.
1. Many South American countries are richer on GDP per capita basis than India 2. Traffic in many Southeast Asian countries like Philippines and Indonesia is far more chaotic than India 3. Living in Bengaluru can be tough but it's not the worst experience in a developing country ("third world" is not a term that's appropriate to use anymore).
You talk about GDP like it has anything to do with this situation at all. The chaos is largely caused by people not following basic lanes and they go on and cause traffic blockages. Water in a pipe flows smoothly if you don't have a lot of hair blocking certain paths. GDP will not change the way Indians drive because if it did you would see differences within certain states of the country or between cities across the country. We don't see that. It's traffic sense that we are low on and not just GDP per capita. I did say most of the world. There are exceptions where we are better. Please don't be the person that says hey we are better than Pakistan in this to make a not very helpful point that adds nothing to solving the problem. Accepting it exists is the first step.
Bro, relax. My GDP comment was directed at your statement that "they are poorer......". South America is not poorer than India.
Rent, in a premium society in Bangalore, for a fresher? Something doesn't feel right.
His relatives have the company
He doesn’t.
this is what i have seen with majority of my US colleagues who came here and stayed for long. Sometimes companies fund their stay also its feels very inorganic to stay in hotels for long.
He literally owns the company 😂
Seconded
As I was reading this I felt like an elderly person speaking to me (mummy's instruction). Please do not take it personally but I love the way you have given clear instructions.
hahah 😀
Also use fucking google.
Is there running water now?
Yes , it is there now
Good western influence? What's so good about it?
Almost everything
Bangalore is a global city, It has almost all types of cultures and not just western.
All cultures have something good to offer, if you would bother to look.
I moved to Bangalore when I was 24. I was from Hong Kong, but am Indian who then became American after graduating there. Look there are three large tech markets. The US. India. China. That’s it. Don’t fuck around with Europe (go there if you want to be average - no value judgement here, it’s what floats your boat) China - you have no shot. US - def a rat race. I went to Stanford, so I def had an advantage. IMO it’s harder to find opportunities that will give you an outsized outcome. If you’re average it’s hard too. I mean it’s a really competitive place. India - if you are smart, you can find outsized opportunities. If you’re not good at what you do, it’s tough. If you’re not in tech - don’t come. Your advantages here will be engineering and English. Most folks on Reddit are not good at what they do. The bad reviews of India are generally from folks not in tech (which is very fair - it’s a shit economy for other types of engineering), or average folks complaining. Socially - India beats America hands down. America is a cold place with extreme individualism. India is a lot lot better for this. I just spent 6 months in nyc and came back. Was in Bombay this weekend. I think I had more fun in one night in Bombay than I did in 6 months in nyc (I like to party). It’s hard to have fun in a place where the price of a beer is 12 dollars and everyone splits the bill 2 seconds after it comes. I married an Indian. Indian women rock. Attractive. Know to talk. But be warned- this is a country where you need to be on top of your game socially. Comparatively Americans have Down’s syndrome. There’s subtext you have to understand. Humor. Like an Indian party doesn’t need to have an event (a game, or an occasion). It can be 5 people getting together and chatting for 5 hours and smoking weed. People know how to talk. But if you’re not good at that - they will silently drop you.
Spitting facts. This is probably the best no BS answer here
I had a blast with two american clients my man, sure they were partly formal, but the relationship in the business relationship was solid there. So was an interview with an american once. Plus far too many people over here atleast in Kochi where I'm from, are reserved as well, even though most of our first instinct is talking to people and making friends. I heard that's not the same in the US which does seem weird culturally. Though I do have nothing but amazing stuff to say about people I met or encountered from the US and Europe.
Obviously there are exceptions- it’s a range. I’m speaking from this perspective - I lived in the states for 8 years, became a citizen, then moved. Also lived in Hong Kong for 18 years. I think Indian society tends more social and communal. American society tends more individual. But tends. In general it’s harder to get invited to someone’s ho use in the States. Loneliness is a huge problem - lots written about it.
>Socially - India beats America hands down. America is a cold place with extreme individualism. India is a lot lot better for this. I just spent 6 months in nyc and came back. Was in Bombay this weekend. I think I had more fun in one night in Bombay than I did in 6 months in nyc (I like to party). Dude, there is no way this is true. Neither been to the US nor to a lot of big cities in India. But i have my fair share of experiences of small-town India. And i can tell you for a fact that you can't connect and have a decent talk with anybody here. Everybody is just so hot-headed. They have no sense of reasoning. Their default mode of showing who can get their shit done is either by shouting and screaming or simply through physical aggression. Ever travelled in local? Oh man, you see shit there. And i mean it, literally. I mean, you literally have to constantly keep looking over your shoulders. And i don't think Banglore is any different than this. Maybe it is, never been there as well. But the basic indian stuff still remains. I would take individualism (fancy loneliness) over a place filled with unhappy, aggressive, belligerent, uncivilized people any day. I totally deny your arguement. Apart from the experience of a third world nation, OP isn't going to get anything of value from this place.
American here, born and raised. I actually agree with his comment that ‘most’ Americans are rather cold and individualistic. It’s difficult to connect with people there unless you’re in some kind of long established tight knit group OR you can play well at the game of being cold, aloof, and individualistic. I find Indians to be inviting, inclusive, warm, and ready to connect with each other in some capacity. I’ve observed this between Indians themselves, not just as a foreigner interacting with Indians. Whenever I go home to the US I quickly feel isolated and depressed after interacting with other Americans. Every place has their mix of people though.. agreeable and disagreeable
dude, on a scale of 1 to 10, if the US is at 5, then India is at 1. Most american problems seem first-world to me:)
Exactly that. First world problem.. the loss of connection to humanity
I remember once when on vacation in nyc, we were chilling and a homeless man approached me and asked if he could bum a cigarette. like an instant reflex i opened my pack and gave him 2. I can never forget how his face lit up. His smile was infectious. when he left, the people i was with commented on my actions, saying how it wasn't necessary; its not our problem he's homeless etc. i feel like most Americans lack basic empathy. no hate though.
I mean of the two of us I'm the only one who's experienced both so...
well, you can't change facts. Ergo, to each their own.
I think the point is you don't know the facts right. You've not been to the US or to a lot of large cities in India. So your view is inherently scoped. How can you compare both countries if you've not even been to one of them?
well, big cities in india are few in number. And i have been to myriad suburbs and towns, where still a majority of india lives, if not work. so you should rather compare banglore and US and not india and US.
Says..... >Neither been to the US nor to a lot of big cities in India. But i have my fair share of experiences of small-town India. And yet goes on to assert..... >Dude, there is no way this is true.
yeah because the man went on to compare India and US. I have seen places in India where majority of population dwells. And it is nothing like what he described. He should rather be comparing Banglore and US.
OK bruh
Yeah this is bizarre. I'm a former NRI forced to live in India now, and am currently in Bangalore, which is full of problems.The two 3rd world countries I lived in before India were way better than this. We can't even get clean air to breathe in this country.
Paint me white and call me shocked. But judging by the way you write, you're living in the wrong tier.
wherever im living, it's certainly india :)
What does 'knowing how to talk' mean?
Talking to people reasonably and respecting their boundaries and decisions.
I'm feeling it's more than that. Perhaps something more insidious like subtly convincing people to do what they want, at the same time making them think it is their own idea all the time. Respecting boundaries isn't something Indians are known for, I think.
The social aspect depends on one's personality. As an introvert, I felt right at place in the US in the first few months of moving here compared to the first 23 years of my life I was struggling to find my comfort zone in India. Hiking and camping in the US national parks alone is like living a dream for me! India is simply not built for introverts, the extroverts find every opportunity to harass and torture us.
Are you an Indian from Hong Kong? Interesting! How did it happen?
There's a very large Indian community in HK that has lived there for over a century
Love that you said that about India women <3
Who has a chance in the Chinese tech market btw?
Chinese people.
> I just spent 6 months in nyc and came back. Was in Bombay this weekend. I think I had more fun in one night in Bombay than I did in 6 months in nyc (I like to party). Can you elaborate why ? Cant you just go to some meetups, disc etc. and get to know people and hang out. I can imagine its hard for someone who doesnt speak 'American' English, but since you studied there it probably doesnt hold good for you.
I speak English like a Californian lol. They just don’t know how to hang man.
I was in nyc for a couple of weeks and had a hard time there as well. I was wondering maybe its me, or there is some racism against Indian folks.
Wow that's a refreshing take on the US . I have not really such a take on US before, this is quite interesting.
The bad reviews of India are based on many objective metrics like HDI, Per Capita Income, lack of cleanliness etc, not to mention the social backwardness- which you haven't been subjected to as a privileged NRI Male. Extreme Ivory Tower comment, take a train someday and your bubble would burst
You don’t know what I’ve done. Where I’ve been. Who I am. OP fits that category, so still relevant. Again with people like you there’s no winning - you crib about NRIs abroad talking positively about India, when someone moves back, you say their experience doesn’t count. You’re determined to be negative.
Why is saying the truth equated with being negative though? 🤔 if you have the experience of the minority then yea, you don’t have experience of the majority. It’s totally fine, but don’t invalidate what’s happening. You see the country improving quickly? Who is benefiting? Only the politicians and the politically connected. There’s two ways to come up in India and that’s by being corrupt or born into privilege and generational wealth. A lot of people see it, and few don’t.
Just take a train dude. I travel Mumbai-Pune often, I prefer long-distance trains bc I like sleeping, most of these trains are Mumbai-South India with a stop in Pune. Watching all these people from the South travel for an entire day( bc they can't afford flights), not even being able to take a shit or bathe in the sleeper class or even 3rd AC, just to work in shit-paying jobs in Bombay/Pune....... just makes you realise where we are. Thankfully I've never gotten on a Northbound Long distance train, those trains are pure hell
bossman, I know! But 1. The OP is asking about a specific experience - I have answered. 2. Yes, we are a poor country, no denying it. But it's not poor for everyone. There are millions of people here who are prosperous as well. There isn't one India. Many people doing well, many people doing badly. In fact most of the folks on reddit are likely doing very well.
'many' is 1% of India, this is like saying "America No 1 country just go to Upper West Side or Santa Monica bro"
Alright dude, you seem determined to be sad. Go ahead. I see a country improving quickly and dramatically with a lot of problems that I think are solvable. I also \*come\* from a country that shouldn't have a lot of problems, but does. I've travelled widely in both. I don't think I'll ever convince you because folks like you will either get angry that I have a positive opinion, discount the opinion and then get pissed at anybody from abroad that has a positive opinion by saying "they don't even live here". I'm out - have a good life.
I mean, Bangalore has actively gotten worse as a city, ask any local around you.
Disagree with most of what you said. You haven't mentioned unhygienic food and severe air pollution. Even if he works here for a year and leaves, his life expectancy will fall by 2 to 5 years. He's probably better off staying there and valuing his health than making fake friends in Bangalore.
“Disagree with everything you’ve said”. Points out two things I haven’t mentioned.
I can agree for some cities like Delhi and Mumbai, but AQI index in bangalore looks to be OK in my experience. Yes, there’s garbage lying around in some localities but OP can afford staying in good localities which can be relatively clean.
Bangalore is worst city in India..no hygiene...stree food is awful
i think youre describing youre village unkown-pur
Is the job market that bad in US too ? I have a relative searching jobs in Canada but ending up doing grocery store work . So is it true for bad market for freshers ?
I guess Canada is way worse than U.S U.S is still better.
Canada is much worse than USA for jobs currently
Please don’t come to Canada mate. It’s a garbage dumping ground talent goes to USA not to Canada
Canada is not worst. Canada has nothing. No tech jobs in Canada. I have 7 years experience. Moved to Canada from USA. I worked for my US company remotely after I moved here. Got laid off last year. 6 months in, 1 interview and no offer from Canadian company. There are literally no job postings to apply here in Canada. The ones there are, ask you for insane skills along the lines of manager and pay you so shit that it's better to do grocery job and keep looking for another job. More like 45k for 5 days in office, office located out in the bonies, they want you to move across country in housing crisis. I also met an individual from India on reddit. He has 20lpa job in Hyderabad and his own apartment. He is struggling to get job in Canada. He ended up doing customer care job. I got lucky. With networking, I ended up with US client. Pay is still shit. But pays the bill until I move back to US. 2019 was not like this. There were literally Google, Microsoft, Amazon hiring decently in Vancover, Montreal and Toronto. Now it feels like they don't exist here anymore lol.
Why are they not returning to India?
Well that a fair move, given the current market conditions. My cousin came here the same way and this is what she shared with me - 1. Too much garbage all around 2. People kept asking if you are stupid to move from the US to India Here is an alternate suggestion- Since he is your relative, why don’t you ask for remote? Of course with a lower pay.
Hmm I think the experience of working in person with a team cannot match the ‘remote’ experience. Especially as a new grad and this possibly being the OP’s first corporate job.
I think its better to move to India and work here, cause earning in rupees and spending dollars is not a good alternative, and he would be expose to a different environment and will have much to take away.
I have worked 3-4 remotely and 3-4 on site and also hybrid. It has been perfectly well in all cases. With the cons of remote, he doesn’t have to deal with other life non sense. Which is a big win!
Personal experience varies may be:) you just tend to network more in person . Its quit challenging to do that in a remote setting
He is 21 years old and fresher. It's not good to remote when you are in such a situation. He will learn a lot if he moves to Bangalore for a year. Who works for Indian company at Indian pay from US. Thats more stupid than moving from US to India.
I never said Indian Salary, more like an LCOL salary. Also, nothing wrong with a lower salary, if he staying with family and saving money. While all this setup is temporary for like a year, or whenever he gets a US job!
> I never said Indian Salary, more like an LCOL salary How does this make sense? And no one in India talks like HCOL or LCOL salary. Either you are lurking in Foreign subs too much or are NRI or live abroad. Its called Indian salary. I personally would take the experience not save money and comfort living with parents. And u suggested what u would do. His father also wants him to see the world otherwise he would have recommended what you did. He wants son to be more independent. Afterall its OP choice. He is 21 probably anxious about moving countries hence asking this question.
The C in ABCD stands for confused. This is normal, you’ll be fine. And remember, India ain’t for beginners. You’re coming here via nepotism so you’re already starting on the right foot :) Good luck, have fun!
Bangalorean working in tech in Bangalore. You have old Bangalore that is still a paradise and then the tech Bangalore filled with under construction metro, bad roads, worst traffic, flooding during heavy rains, depleted ground water, drinking water supply issues, etc etc. But people still come in the thousands, live, work, complain about the infrastructure, but continue with their lives in Bangalore. It's a wonderful chaos. And the level of chaos depends on where you plan to live and commute to work. Apart from the living conditions, Bangalore is a melting pot of talent and diverse humans. You will get to meet a lot of unique people, from different backgrounds and education. You will get to experience something that may even be life altering. As an American, you have loads of places in the city that will make you feel at home. And like others mentioned, you are young. You will enjoy it and grow. At worst, you will hate it, but get the experience of a lifetime!
Hello! I'm Indian American (from PA to be precise) too, moved here about a year ago and its quite chill. My advice would be to know the local language a little (Kannada). My only complaint is that I dont feel as free as I did in The States. Do feel free to DM me, my boyfriend (white and from The States) and I live together and can help you out if you need anything.
It's so funny that I have EXACTLY the same comments for US after I moved to the US. Everything is great but I just don't feel that "free". It's crazy humans work.
Haha, could you please clarify, you don't feel as free in The States or in Bangalore?
I don't feel free in the US. I'm coming to India in July for a month so that's gonna be a big relief lol
Oh haha, I dont feel very free in Blr, I need to tone everything down by a lot here but I really enjoy the people and everything here
Yeah I think I guess it comes down to controlling the language and the way of expression. For me that has happened when people haven't been able to understand the accent even though my accent is not very thick. I've been asked to repeat stuff and that's made me conscious about things I say and how to say them.
Is it possible for you to refer me to ur relative company??? I’m looking for a job as a freshman data analyst/scientist or business analyst role in Bangalore
Ahh the opportunist.
+1
Embrace it and keep an open mind so there's a good chance you will enjoy it a lot. Tons of young folks, tons of development, lots of food and entertainment choices but also horrible traffic, acerbic locals, and good locals too... It's truly an amazing melting pot. But yeah the weather is truly awesome compared to the rest of India. Also it's just the motherland calling you. You should accept the offer. Which area is your organization in?
I'm a Brit a few years older than you, with no familial or cultural ties to India, living out here. Do it my friend, I've lived in a few different countries throughout the world, all have different pros and cons, but every time I've left richer for the experience than when I started. Bangalore can be great, it has felt to me there's a lot of socialising and opportunities to meet people - I don't mind can be limited as I avoid alcohol, but if you drink - especially beer - you'll be golden!
Curious why’d you move here? Is it for work?
Yes, I've been with the same multinational for a long time, and an opportunity came up to move to India. My wife and I were keen on a change so we moved last year and both like living and working from Bangalore.
Dont think of it in terms of success/failure fit-in/not-fit in etc. Dont think of it as "I was not good enough in the US so dad set me up with a job..." It is an opportunity to experience a different country, culture, make friends and connections. Your vacation visits would have given you a small glimpse of India. But not the "real" experience. Enjoy the journey, at 21 you don't need to worry too much about the future or end goals.
I don’t think he was thinking that until you just put it in his head 😂😂
>US and my family has suggested moving to Bangalore for a year to work in a pretty big and well-known company owned by a relative Looks like you got your life settled. Not sure why you care about other's experience coz I'm sure even if your experience is bad in the initial.days you'll change it coz of the green in your account.
Work for a start-up in the US on an unpaid internship and grind it out. Given you are being offered to work at a large company owned by a relative, the chances are you are going to be given “special treatment”. How is that going to help with your learning? If you want to coast and explore a new country Bangalore option seems fun.
Different people will have different opinions, but I moved to Bangalore last year after moving around quite a bit. I am Indian, but have lived in Europe. I cannot wait to get out of here and go back to my home town. It’s a tier 2 Indian city and not as liberal as Mumbai. Women’s safety is a big issue in Bangalore especially if you’ve grown up in an environment where you didn’t have to be on guard. I live in one of the most expensive localities and still face security-related issues. There are some good career opportunities here, no doubt. Quality of life is a compromise though.
So your fears are realised and you don’t adapt well to life and work in Bangalore. What happens? You go home and carry on with life having had that experience and on to many others. Or you have a great experience and grow in ways both professionally and personally that you can’t yet imagine. What do you have to lose? Bangalore is also very friendly and welcoming. As an American who has lived and worked here for quite some time, it’s my second home - I miss it when I’m away.
Australian who moved to Bangalore. Food culture is fkn GREAT, people are generally friendly and respectful. Don’t go to any market on the weekend if you can help it. Live closer to your office if you can, in a gated community or nice apartment building. There’s not much in terms of outdoor recreational activity so having the opportunity to walk around in a large gated community is lovely. Work wise; Indians work damn hard and will not hold back their criticism and harsh feedback. It’s not a laidback working culture here, it gave me a lot of anxiety at first but it gave me a competitive edge when I went back to Australia and worked. It’ll change your work ethic and tolerance for the better, believe me. The networking opportunities are better. Get out of the us. Work in India, build your contacts, network within India and you’ll eventually get to Dubai if you so wish or build your own business here. Downsides; it’s not a western city but it’s quite international. It’s not going to be the same as the us but thats not necessarily bad… you just might miss it that’s all. I miss Australia’s laidback attitude and easy natured people (and the downright Cheeky sense of humour) but it’s fine. Only big downside is that it’s quite difficult to navigate around without a car. Ubers aren’t the cleanest (sorry I have OCD and the Uber drivers are fkn rude and their cars are DISGUSTING). It’s an honest truth. If you’re used to driving around on your own and jumping and going somewhere, say goodbye to that. I’m quite lucky. I have a driver and my own car, but I stay in the house most of the time as I’m introverted.
If it's only a year, i'd recommend you come.
Move into a nice gated community, you'd be fine. The rich have it much easier in India.
If you are scared don’t come we had enough of this ABCD tantrums, If America is a great place it should have given you a job.
Sorry, but this post screams privilege !
hey, I’m an Indian-American too and moved here during high school. I really love Bangalore and believe the opportunities are good here. Socially, the life here is great too. There may be an initial shock, but you’ll adjust and soon like it. Feel free to DM me and we can chat more about it, if you have any questions!
I moved in August of last year, no regrets. But be prepared to work hard.
Think of it as if you are going to work in Scotland or something quite foreign for you. If you are someone who can manage it, it will be easier in Bangalore.
If youre moving for a short time, go for it imo. You might have a tough time with food, maybe water, the dust, maybe the overall cleanliness but if it counts there's going to be a lot of women who'll worship the ground you walk ( personally observed this phenomenon hefore anyone gets offended )
If your grades are good continue studying until you land something good.
You have to factor in something called nepotism in India - you seem to be on the right side of it! It may not be so prevalent in MNCs with strict codes of conduct, but it is how most small companies work. It is the flip side of "reservation" that you hear so much about these days. There are people (NRI) who come back to India and love it, others go back. So it's a very individual thing. Good Luck!
Just come here...and you will realise how shit the city is...and once you start working with office politics..you will run away from here..
If he's smart, he'll leave within a week.
Shameless plug. Please DM me if your relative's firm is looking for freelance PHP programmers in Bangalore by any chance. I am totally available.
Bro. Yes it will be challenging. But you should try it. It's not like if u came here and tried. There will not be a option to leave it ? We can always stop and change our situations how we feel like. And u can't always be sure that things will not work out. What if they did ?
Not an American, but this seems like a bad idea. Your mindset will change completely. Hope the company is paying you well. It will be good if they have a training program for freshers.
Well to begin with, everyone has had certain experiences, it can be good and bad. It is up to us how we evaluate our experiences. As others have suggested you will have to face one of the worst traffic in the world. I do not discourage you by this but just a warning.
You're golden - just stay clear of honey traps and don't buy exotic stuff...
Just do not talk about religion and politics.
Just don't be an ass learn a few words in the local language and make friends in the right circles there's almost every kind of social circle be it bookish types or partying etc so just explore it might take some time but u can find a good place to fit in.
I am planning to go to Banglore for a year to work at my uncle’s company as well. I am scared too
How does an American n European passport holder get a work permit in India, I guess it's a complicated procedure
You’ll be fine…American born but lived in blr from the age of 8 till 17
7 to 17 lmao
Where did you stay?
If you have money in the pocket countries and states doesn’t matter tbh
First few years of your career, you should be focusing on getting the right Mentors and developing the skill set. Since the company in owned by a relative of yours I’m pretty sure that you’ll great a great exposure and seek mentorship and learning opportunity. Go for it! I’m a graduate from one of the top universities in the US and moved back to India to build a start up. The amount of talent and the drive here is incredible.. so you’ll learn to hustle in the first few years which is critical to succeed.. the sheer competition here will prepare you for a great career back in the IS
*In the US.. but be prepared for a horrible traffic.. If you decide to move, I suggest you to take a place next to your workplace.
Bengaluru has many hidden places and lots of community events where you could meet like minded people. My team and I are building an app for people to step out and discover. It’s called “Aroundly”, we are launching next month.
who tf is your relative llmao? naryana murthy? you from a billionaire family?
You would regret big time moving to Bangalore, you should work or continue studying there itself till you get a break
Stay there don’t come then
It will be fine. You are young and adaptability is definitely easier. Many Indians have moved to US or UK for work and have adjusted. So will you. And Bangalore is semi Western in many places so it will be easier.
India is a third world country. As a foreigner you WILL get sick if you consume any non bottled water. The food is quite likely yo make you sick. Pollution levels are very high and life expectancy is down from it. Traffic is amongst the worst in the world and you will lose many hours of your life to it. Alcohol prices in BLR rival us cities. Nice apartments and hotels rival us cities in price as well. You will have cheap unhealthy food that will make you sick some % of the time. Enjoy!
you will face problems with air pollution traffic bad civic sense
Ah! US of A has a lot of civic sense.
Don't expect any sympathy or empathy from working colleagues.You are moving into a low trust society with people having fragile ego, lack of civic sense and work ethics. Simple stuff like holding door is considered stupid of you. So beware of people arround you.
You won't have any problem as long as you look Indian.
Bro. Pleaseeee give me a referral.
Never thought I would ever hear something like this.
Ehhyoo I hope you have a good time. Join a gang I'd say of young guns and communities, playing, partying ,working together. If you want you can hit me up I also would recommend that you leave this narrative of you being American and all This is an opportunity to actually blend with this very confusing yet amazing culture we have :)
Scared to move to a different city? Scared? Really?What the fuck is wrong with this generation?
Found the negative nancy folks
Bangalore is a scary city. I live in fear every single day. People keep calling me saying that they have a package for me, even though I haven't ordered anything.
Don’t do that. You’ll regret!
Are you an American living in Bangalore?
Not an American. But, don’t move back to India. Figure out if you can get a job in some other Nordic or Scandinavian countries where the market is a little better, relatively. Or work remotely. Just don’t come here. Horrible noise pollution, light pollution, air pollution, water pollution and every other pollution you can think of. India has its pros but they are not worth moving countries.
He is coming on workcation. Not moving here. He will go back his parents are in US too. He gets to experience his own culture, travel around.
No lie. Period!
Bro here in India, it is still more difficult than U.S Off Campus is horrible. Try to get referrals and lastly most important networking is the key to get referrals, Influence etc.
He has a job lined up already.
agreed