Insights from the UK Work Experience: A Journey with Infotel

An international career can seem intimidating at first glance, but it can be one of the best choices you can make for your career progression. Onsite work opportunities can be both exciting and challenging. Working in a foreign country can provide you with cross-cultural communication skills, which are becoming indispensable in today’s globalised business world. It broadens horizons, allows people to grow more, and helps them build strong relationships with stakeholders through new experiences.

Developing cultural intelligence is one of the essential skills for people working abroad, where they have the drive to work in cross-cultural environments. Moving abroad for work may also have great benefits for your personal life, such as making memories and experiencing new cultures that have a lasting impact.

At Infotel, we offer our employees unique opportunities to expand their horizons and enable them to work on international projects. Additionally, comprehensive global mobility programmes, assignments, and cross-border collaborations are implemented to facilitate international work experiences. By providing overseas training and including international rotations in leadership development programmes, Infotel ensures that employees gain valuable global exposure and enhance their professional growth.

Let’s hear it from Subash, our Consultant at Infotel, who shares his work experience at Infotel UK Consulting.

How would you describe your global career experience at Infotel?

Collaborating with the Infotel UK Consulting team exposed me to a new work culture and facilitated connections with diverse clients and individuals.

Adapting to the new work culture at Infotel UK Consulting was both exciting and challenging. I immersed myself in meetings, observed communication styles, and actively participated in social events. Building relationships with colleagues helped me understand their perspectives and work dynamics. Additionally, I embraced open communication, flexibility, and a collaborative mindset. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that enriched my professional growth.

What motivated you to take the overseas work opportunity?

I was motivated to take the overseas work opportunity for various reasons. I took this as an opportunity to understand the client’s requirements and work culture, which would help me contribute more effectively to our projects. Additionally, the chance to work directly with the onsite team and gain firsthand experience of their workflows was impressive. I was equally excited about the personal and professional growth, including the opportunity to develop new technical skills, experience a different work culture, to explore local cuisine, and build strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

What are the key differences you’ve noticed between the work cultures in the UK and India?

Work culture emphasises shared values, beliefs, and practices that build the behaviour and interactions within an organisation or workplace.

The work culture in the UK and India exhibits distinct characteristics. In the UK, there’s often an emphasis on structured processes, efficiency, and work-life balance. In contrast, India’s work culture tends to be more vibrant, with a strong focus on relationships, adaptability, and flexibility. Both have their merits, and adapting to these differences has been enlightening.

What were your initial challenges while working abroad?

Since it was a cross-border project, I initially faced challenges in adjusting to a new work etiquette and welcoming the new challenges and work style. But with the right mindset and preparation, I was able to gain new experiences, expand my professional network, and acquire a deeper understanding of the client’s industry, market dynamics, and business operations.

What new skills or experiences have you gained since moving to Infotel UK?

Exposure to diverse projects enhanced my problem-solving abilities. I learned to navigate cross-functional teams, manage cultural nuances, and communicate effectively across borders. Additionally, I took on a leadership role, which strengthened workplace relationships and improved team efficiency by getting the most out of them.

How has the company supported you during this transition?

Infotel provided exceptional support during my transition. They facilitated a smooth shift, aligned my career goals, and provided regular check-ins and mentorship, which eased the process. This enabled me to focus on delivering value and achieving my career goals in the new setting.

What are your career aspirations at Infotel, and how do you plan to achieve them?

At Infotel, my career aspirations revolve around advancing into a leadership role where I can lead several teams and drive strategic initiatives. To achieve this, I plan to participate in leadership development programmes and seek mentorship from experienced managers to build my leadership capabilities. I also want to stay updated with industry trends and continuously improve my technical and managerial skills to mentor my colleagues at Infotel.

What advice would you give to others for acquiring onsite opportunities?

You can focus on acquiring specialised skills that are in high demand, which makes you an asset to the organisation and improves your chances of being selected for onsite opportunities. Building strong professional relationships with your stakeholders would enable you to seize more opportunities.

Deliver high-quality work and show that you can be relied upon to handle responsibilities independently. This builds trust and makes you a prime candidate for onsite assignments. Transitions can be challenging. Stay resilient, seek guidance, and focus on growth. Remember, every transition is a chance to evolve and thrive.
Infotel’s comprehensive support system ensures a smooth transition for employees travelling abroad, providing everything from logistical assistance to professional development. By fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment, Infotel not only enhances career growth but also enriches personal development, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals seeking international experience.

To join our fraternity, explore our new opportunities at https://infotel-india.in/careers/