In a significant reversal of its previous strategy, Infosys Ltd. has made a notable return to college campuses for hiring, offering a glimmer of hope for institutes amidst a downturn in recruiter activity. While the Bengaluru-based IT giant had refrained from campus hiring last year, it is now actively recruiting for specialized positions in cybersecurity and data mining, presenting a significant departure from its previous strategy of mass recruitment.
This move by Infosys comes as a welcome relief for colleges grappling with a drought of recruiters. With the IT industry witnessing a shift towards specialized skill sets and emerging technologies, the company’s decision to focus on niche roles reflects a broader trend within the sector. Colleges, which serve as crucial talent pipelines for the industry, are eagerly anticipating the potential job opportunities that Infosys’ renewed campus presence may bring for students specializing in these domains.
Savitha Rani M., training and placement officer at Ramaiah Institute of Technology in Bengaluru, sheds light on Infosys’ approach: “Infosys is coming for a bigger segment. They are not coming for general hiring. Infosys is hiring for a software engineer’s position next month. There is no clarity on the number of freshers that they will take, but they will pay ₹9 lakh per annum and above.” This underscores the company’s strategic focus on talent acquisition tailored to specific job profiles, rather than the traditional approach of mass recruitment.
Relief for Colleges Amidst Drought of Recruiters
Colleges across India have been grappling with a scarcity of recruiters, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty surrounding the job market has led to anxiety among students and faculty alike, with many institutions facing challenges in ensuring placements for their graduating batches. Against this backdrop, Infosys’ renewed campus hiring efforts come as a welcome relief.
While the number of job offers may be limited, the compensation packages for these specialized roles surpass those typically offered to fresh graduates in large-scale recruitment drives. This bodes well for students who have invested time and effort in acquiring specialized skills relevant to the IT industry’s evolving needs. Moreover, Infosys’ decision to recruit for niche roles highlights the company’s recognition of the importance of specialized talent in driving innovation and growth in the sector.
Strategic Shift in Talent Acquisition
Infosys’ return to campus hiring signals a strategic shift in its approach to talent acquisition. In an industry characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving business needs, the demand for specialized skills has never been higher. By focusing on niche roles such as cybersecurity and data mining, Infosys is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities in these high-growth areas.
Despite facing margin pressures, as evidenced by a decline in operating margins, Infosys recognizes the importance of investing in talent to drive future growth and competitiveness. Omkar Tanksale, a research analyst at Axis Securities, explains, “If Infosys has to hire experienced personnel in greater numbers to deploy in projects, it will have to shell out more money. Rather than deploying one person, the companies are looking to deploy two entry-level personnel at lower costs and get the delivery done. This is being done to reduce the pressure on the margin side because employee cost will reduce.”
