BENGALURU: Indian technology professionals are increasingly looking for employers that offer hands-on artificial intelligence (AI) experience and clearly defined career paths, while multinational global capability centres (GCCs) are emerging as the preferred next career move for many, according to a Talent500 survey. Talent500 is part of ANSR, which has set up more than 200 GCCs in India.Thesurvey of 2,000 technology, product and data professionals found that 71% wanted hands-on AI upskilling, but only 29% said their employers provided it. Career growth was another major concern: 87% said clearly defined career paths were very important when evaluating an employer, while 79% said they would abandon an application or decline an offer if growth opportunities were unclear.The gap is also visible in employees’ current workplaces. Only 46% of respondents described their career paths as very clear. Among GCC employees, the figure fell to 36%, compared with 50% in IT services and 51% in startups. This could make career clarity a differentiator for GCCs competing for experienced technology talent, particularly as candidates increasingly seek clarity on career progression before joining an employer.GCCs were the first choice for the next career move for 69% of respondents, ahead of Indian product companies at 37% and IT services and outsourcing firms at 28%. Career growth was the leading factor in evaluating a GCC, cited by 48%, followed by the global parent brand at 41%, India-centre leadership and culture at 36%, and exposure to AI and technology at 33%. Vikram Ahuja, co-founder of ANSR and CEO of 1Wrk, said GCC hiring was growing 15-18% annually, with roles changing rather than hiring coming to a halt.
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