Aspiring to work abroad? Reskilling paves the way forward | Weekend Read

In India, there is a notable disparity between the academic knowledge acquired by graduates and the industry's demands. Consequently, the country has witnessed a significant unemployment rate, with 19.8% of graduates being jobless in the fiscal year 2022-23, according to data from the Labour Ministry.

Furthermore, the rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) has led to the obsolescence of numerous jobs. To address these challenges, individuals currently employed must prepare for reskilling. This proactive approach not only ensures ongoing employment but also opens avenues for salary increments and career transitions.

Dr. Saju Mohanan, a Microsoft-certified trainer at SITER Academy, Norway, shares insights on how to embark on the reskilling journey.

Getting Started

Even though job opportunities exist in all sectors of the IT industry, Saju recommends considering careers in AI, Cloud Computing, Data Science, Software Development, or Cyber Security. “Most companies are currently shifting to Cloud Computing to offer the best user experience and considering the significant investments in business infrastructure and high operating expenses,” he says.

Cloud technology is now indispensable across IT domains. Major online platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and Facebook rely on Cloud Computing for application development, machine learning, data storage, analytics, distribution, marketing, and overall user experience.

“The best example of Cloud Technology is Gmail,” he adds.

According to Saju, job-seekers should gain expertise in the following technical fields to tap the best opportunities:

Full-stack development

An emerging sector, full-stack cloud development has much potential and offers numerous employment opportunities. “The traditional sector was referred to as full-stack software development,” informs Saju.

“Under full-stack, all components of developing a business system are covered. The world’s top three cloud service providers are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Skills or work experience in Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services provide good opportunities for skilled jobs in Norway and Germany,” he says.

In these countries, vacancies exist in the following posts:

Full-stack cloud engineer, Cloud AI engineer, Cloud data engineer, Cloud security specialist, Cloud developer, Cloud administrator and Cloud consultant.

Challenges and solutions

At the same time, reskilling could be an expensive and time-consuming process. Saju suggests overcoming these challenges with "Accelerated Learning."

“There are many trainers who offer accelerated learning in industry-based skilling and reskilling,” he says.

Saju advises aspiring professionals to join online certification programs with durations ranging from one to three months, aiming to acquire maximum skills in minimum time.

Exploring opportunities

Even though there are openings for candidates having the required skills around the world, here are some among the best:

Norway Skilled Worker Visa: This visa is issued only to applicants having a valid job offer. Candidates outside the European Union can also gain this visa if they possess the necessary skills and work experience.

Germany Job Seeker Visa: No job offer is required to obtain this visa. Indian citizens with at least five years’ work experience are eligible to apply and on receiving the visa, they can stay in Germany to search for work.

Entrepreneurship and freelancing: Opportunities extend to self-employment and entrepreneurship, which will enable you to become a job provider.

In Portugal, you can become an entrepreneur with a D2 visa. Estonia offers a residency programme under which you can conduct business from India, using Europe as a business brand.

Except the Estonian programme, the other three visas will help you settle and gain citizenships in Norway, Germany or Portugal.

Remuneration

On an average, cloud engineers in Norway earn a whopping annual salary of US Dollars (USD) 92,000, as per a survey by the Norwegian Labour Market and Welfare Administration. Another survey by Stepstone indicates that the average annual payment received by cloud engineers in Germany is USD 71,000. Even though the income in Norway is higher than Germany’s, the cost of living in the former is also more.

Notably, top tech firms in India also offer generous remuneration to Cloud-based engineers.