A Guide to Nepal's IT Landscape: Bridging the Gap for Gen Z and Gen Alpha

In Nepal, the IT sector stands as a powerhouse, contributing a staggering $515 million to the economy. This thriving industry has created 14,728 freelancing jobs and 51,781 full-time positions (By 2021 A.D Data, Source: IIDS), making it a crucial player in the job market. However, despite half a million students entering the workforce annually, the lack of exposure and practical, skill-based education hampers their job prospects. But IT is still demanding for education as well as job opportunities in Nepal. SMany people, including employer organizations, employees, and fresh graduates, are benefiting from IT. However, staying updated on every aspect is challenging due to the fast-paced changes and updates in technology.

1. Diverse IT Ecosystem: Nepal hosts three primary types of IT companies, each playing a unique role. Outsourcing companies collaborate internationally, insourcing caters to local markets, and startups provide a platform for fresh graduates and industry professionals.

Major players in Nepal's IT market are outsourcing companies, which offer substantial job opportunities within the country. These companies, such as Big Tech companies, employ thousands of staff, ranging from 5000 to 6000, while smaller firms may have 50 to 60 employees. This diverse scale of employment signifies the significant impact of outsourcing companies on Nepal's job market and economic landscape.

2. Global Job Market: The fierce competition in the global job market compels Nepalese professionals to acquire expertise in emerging technologies. Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, IoT, and cloud computing are becoming indispensable skills for survival.

In the current age, working within one's country is no longer a limitation; people aspire to be global citizens. Individuals from diverse backgrounds seek opportunities with renowned IT unicorn companies such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, BYD, Tesla, and Huawei. Our role is to empower them with comprehensive competencies, encompassing knowledge, skills, attitude, and socio-emotional aptitude, ensuring their readiness for the global job market.

3. Education's Role in Industry 4.0: Educational institutions are the breeding grounds for Industry 4.0 professionals. To meet the demands of technology-dominated jobs, institutions must focus on imparting both hard and soft skills. Basic coding, project management,  Artificial Intelligence, Cloud computing, DevOps, blockchain, Machine learning, IoT and emotional intelligence, creativity, persuasion, adaption, complex problem solving are vital for success.

In Nepal, we have Bhai Bhateni, which pioneered the superstore concept 30 years ago and initially served customers through a single store. Presently, they've expanded to 25+ stores nationwide, experiencing a constant surge in sales volume. To effectively manage stocks, supply chains, and overall business operations, they require individuals with diverse skills such as data analysts, business intelligence experts, and data scientists for informed decision-making and future predictions. Ensuring the safety of customer data is paramount, necessitating an increased need for cyber experts. Hence, we must be prepared to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of contributing to this sector and fostering the prosperity of our nation.

4. Challenges and Opportunities for Gen Z and Gen Alpha: The upcoming generations, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are characterized by decision-making prowess, tech-savviness, and a preference for smart work. Tailoring the work environment to accommodate their unique qualities is essential for attracting and retaining talent.

To attract Gen Z and Gen Alpha to organizations for work, there's a need to focus on organizational culture.

Cultivating a welcoming, flexible, and environmentally friendly atmosphere, while also respecting their decisions, is essential. These generations are key contributors to Industry 4.0, and our primary duty is to prepare them effectively for long-term contributions within an organization.

5. Strategic Work Environment: Understanding the preferences of Gen Z and Gen Alpha is crucial. They seek collaborative and flexible workspaces that embrace technology. Offering opportunities for upskilling and a supportive ecosystem will make your organization more appealing to these generations.

Companies that provide remote work options, flexible schedules, and embrace digital collaboration tools align with the preferences of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Organizations promoting a culture of continuous learning and upskilling opportunities create an environment that resonates well with their dynamic nature.In Nepal's competitive IT landscape, aligning with the aspirations of Gen Z and Gen Alpha ensures a dynamic and thriving workforce.

Nurturing their skills and providing an environment that resonates with their values will undoubtedly lead to a successful future for both organizations and emerging talents. In an age dominated by technology, where job demands more creative, problem-solving manpower, critical thinkers, and environmentally conscious individuals, emotional and social well-being matter most. If we can manage all aspects in our organization, then only can we attract innovative, creative people, and young minds into our business who are ready to work and contribute to our vision.

By Er. Ujjwal Koirala

Co-founder, Jobs Sniper Pvt. Ltd.