Nepal is home to many thriving IT companies that are making significant contributions to the country’s economy. From software development to digital marketing, Nepali IT companies offer a range of services that cater to both local and international clients. However, there is a common perception that these companies often lack the quality and reliability required to deliver satisfactory results. The IT industry has grown rapidly in Nepal in recent years, but have you ever wondered if you’re getting paid what you’re worth in this industry? The answer is a bit complicated, but it’s time to delve into the reality of IT companies in Nepal.
A harsh reality check:
The base salary for IT professionals in Nepal is around 15,000 NPR. However, interns in high-value fields earn around $3000 per month in the USA, which is significantly higher than the base salary in Nepal. In the USA, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, and working 8 hours a day for 6 days a week would give you $1392, which is equivalent to 183,943.06 NPR per month. This is a huge amount in the Nepali context. Imagine being able to earn this amount while working from home in Nepal for a USA-based IT company at a similar pay rate. This is truly life-changing. But why aren’t more people taking advantage of this opportunity? Do they even know about it or have the right perspective? Or are they trying but not being successful?
In some cases, a Nepali IT professional works for a foreign IT company and performs well, gaining the trust of the company. The company and the employee then work together to establish a branch in Nepal. The employee quotes a salary and cost structure that is lower than the foreign country but significantly higher than the standard in Nepal. For example, they may quote a senior developer at $50,000 per year, which is equivalent to 5.5 Lakhs per month and is cheaper than the USA or foreign countries rate. However, the employee only receives 3 Lakhs per month, which is considered a very good salary by Nepali standards. The company does this while still maintaining extra profit for the company.
Let’s now talk about the status quo of IT companies in Nepal, the advantages they are capitalizing on and their major challenges.
One of the key advantages of Nepali IT companies is their cost-effectiveness. With lower overheads and labor costs compared to their counterparts in developed countries, Nepali IT firms are able to offer their services at a much lower price point. This makes them an attractive option for small and medium-sized businesses looking to outsource their IT needs.
In addition, Nepali IT companies are renowned for their technical expertise and innovative solutions. Many of these companies have a highly skilled workforce with experience in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing. This allows them to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to their clients, even in challenging and complex projects.
Challenges Faced by Nepali IT Companies
While Nepali IT companies have much to offer, they do face a number of challenges that limit their growth and impact. One of the main challenges is a lack of investment in research and development. Many Nepali IT companies are focused on delivering services and do not have the resources to invest in developing new technologies or improving existing ones. This can limit their competitiveness and restrict their ability to innovate.
Another challenge faced by Nepali IT companies is a lack of international exposure. Most Nepali IT firms operate in a domestic market and do not have significant experience working with clients from other countries. This can limit their ability to expand their reach and access new markets.
Taking all of this under consideration, we have consolidated some tips to dive into international job market from Nepal and get international standard pay rates.
- Build the core competency required, the actual hard skills, by taking courses and getting certifications. However, keep in mind that there are millions of people who already possess these skills or do better than you.
- Build relevant soft-skills, personal and interpersonal skills, by joining clubs, non-profit organizations, and volunteering opportunities.
- Build projects relevant to the portfolio you’re applying for and go beyond the norm by building multiple projects.
- Build a fantastic portfolio website, showcasing your work history and elaborating on your completed projects. Add your soft skills that you gained from practical experience in the organizations you volunteered for and include testimonials from previous managers, mentors, and seniors.
- Prepare your LinkedIn profile, CV, finalize your portfolio website, and regularly post updates on both your website and LinkedIn. Add your certifications and projects to LinkedIn and relevant sites.
In conclusion, it’s time to take control of your career and aim for international standard pay, even if you’re working from home in Nepal. It requires hard work and dedication, but with the right skills and approach, you can enter the international job market and achieve the salary you deserve. At the same time, by investing in research and development and expanding international exposure, Nepali IT companies have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy and position themselves as leaders in the global IT industry.
