Key Takeaways
- Non-IT careers are thriving in India - industrial engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing offer excellent opportunities
- The China Plus One strategy is creating massive demand for professionals with international experience
- NRIs are actively sought after for the global perspective and work culture they bring
- Convincing employers of your serious intent to relocate is often the biggest challenge
- India's transformation in ease of doing business and banking has been remarkable
- Kids adjust faster than parents - their 3.5-year-old son was the quickest to adapt
- Plan for minimum 6 months from job offer to actual move
Meet Alhad & Aditi: Two Non-IT Journeys
👨💼 Alhad's Journey
- Background: Production Engineering from Pune
- US Education: Master's in Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University
- Career Path: Audi of America → Zimmer Biomet (Medical Devices) → Staples (Category Management)
- Netherlands: Led India business growth for Staples
- Current: Freelancing & consulting in Pune
👩🏫 Aditi's Journey
- Background: Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's
- US Education: Master's + PhD in Industrial Engineering, Northeastern
- Career Path: Teaching at Northeastern + WPI → MIT Postdoc → MIT Instructor (4 years)
- Netherlands: Continued MIT teaching remotely during COVID
- Current: Assistant Professor at Flame University, Pune
Alhad's Career Journey: From Pune to US to Netherlands
2011: Production Engineering in Pune
Completed undergrad and wanted to pursue industrial engineering - a field not widely offered in India at the time. "There was not enough universities that were offering a master's course focusing on industrial engineering."
2011-2013: Northeastern University, Boston
Master's in Industrial Engineering. Got internship at Audi of America in Virginia (Herndon) for six months.
2013-2016: Medical Devices Career
Worked with Zimmer Biomet in the Midwest region, building expertise in medical devices. Then moved to Connecticut to be closer to Boston (for marriage in 2015).
2016-2020: Staples - Career Transformation
"This basically transformed my career." Grew from new product development to category management over 4 years.
2020-2022: Netherlands - Growing India Business
Relocated to lead India business growth during COVID. "I grew the Staples business in India significantly."
Aditi's Academic Journey: From GRE to MIT
"There's no particular reason - it was honestly more like everyone was giving GRE, everyone was giving TOEFL, and let me also do it. It was more of that to begin with."
Mechanical Engineering → Industrial Engineering
Got into Northeastern University for Master's in Industrial Engineering. Met her PhD advisor there - "a very very good professor."
PhD at Northeastern (Completed 2017)
Got interested in research and pursued PhD in Industrial Engineering at the same university.
Teaching at Two Universities
Her own department offered her to start teaching. Also started teaching at WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) through a professor met at a conference.
MIT Postdoc & Instructor
"A lot of people were applying for it. I thought I'll take my chances." Got into MIT for postdoc, which led to a full-time instructor position for 4 years.
Remote Work from Netherlands
During COVID, continued MIT teaching remotely from Netherlands. "A lot of companies and universities in US allowed people to work from anywhere."
The COVID Move to Netherlands: With a Newborn
The move to Netherlands happened at the most challenging time possible:
"This was 2019 summer - that was the time where our son was also born. So we had a lot going on during that time."
The Dramatic Sequence of Events
🌍 The COVID Move Timeline
- January 2020: Alhad moved to Netherlands first to find housing (huge housing crisis)
- March 2020: Alhad returned to US for spring break to plan family's move
- Within 1 week: Borders shut down - "technically I was stuck in the US"
- 4 months later: Emailed Netherlands consulate - "my residency permit would have been gone if I stayed for more than 5 months"
- The flight: "The flight was completely for us technically - there were hardly 7-8 passengers traveling"
- Son's age: Had turned 1 year old by then
"We shifted back to Netherlands, again everything was closed down. There were a couple of grocery stores that were open. So that's the time actually we started learning about the Dutch culture."
US vs Netherlands: Cultural Differences
| Aspect | United States | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| People | Much more welcoming, friendly nature | More reserved, took 1-2 years to build social circle |
| Language | English everywhere | Everybody speaks English (helpful for immigrants) |
| Size | Everything is huge, open | Smaller, more compact |
| Connectivity | Need car for everything | Very well connected (being in Europe) |
| Social Life | Easier to make friends quickly | "First two years pretty much we didn't have much of any social or friend circle" |
The China Plus One Opportunity
A pivotal moment came during Trump's presidency when tariff rules forced companies to rethink their China-dependent supply chains:
"Because of his tariff rules, everybody started thinking about the China Plus One strategy - they wanted to create opportunities outside of China because everybody was too much reliant on that. That's where they thought India is a bigger market."
This is what brought Alhad to Netherlands - to lead the India business growth for Staples.
Why India Became Attractive for Global Companies
- ✓ Diversification away from China dependency
- ✓ Large domestic market potential
- ✓ Improving ease of doing business
- ✓ Skilled workforce at competitive costs
- ✓ Growing manufacturing infrastructure
Witnessing India's Transformation
Alhad's frequent trips to India for factory visits and customer meetings revealed a country transformed:
"I saw the makeshift of how when I left India versus when this was in 2021 - how India has changed. The ease of doing business, the banking structure, the people's willingness to take higher risks with the entrepreneurial startup culture that was going on."
| Aspect | 2011 (When Left) | 2021 (When Returned) |
|---|---|---|
| Banking | Complex, paper-heavy | Digital-first, UPI revolution |
| Business Setup | Bureaucratic hurdles | Streamlined processes |
| Startup Culture | Nascent | Thriving ecosystem |
| Risk Appetite | Conservative | Entrepreneurial mindset |
| Foreign Brands | "This is a foreign good" | "I get it in my neighboring mall" |
The Decision Point: A Wedding That Changed Everything
The turning point came during a cousin's wedding in India:
"We actually went for a wedding - my close cousin's wedding - and we started asking questions, thinking through about it. That's where we started having a feel-good scenario, and then that's where we decided."
The Real Trigger: Son's Education
"The major reason why we moved at this particular time was mostly from our son's point of view. In the Netherlands, kids start going to school at the age of four. We were thinking if he starts his education in the Netherlands and then after a couple of years we move him to India, it's going to be difficult for him to adjust. There's always a comparison that happens - 'my life in Netherlands was like this, my life in US was like this, and now my parents have got me here.'"
They wanted him to do education in the same system from the beginning - get adjusted right at the start.
The Planning Process: December 2021 to December 2022
📅 The One-Year Planning Timeline
- December 2021: Planned to visit India but tested COVID positive day before flight - had to cancel
- During cancellation: Started having serious discussions about moving
- March 2022: Made the plan - "we will always be in this situation no matter what age we are"
- Main criteria: One of them must have a job in hand before moving
- June-July 2022: Aditi got offer letter from Flame University
- August-November 2022: Selling house, logistics, school search
- December 2022: Moved to India
"It definitely takes minimum of 6 months from the day you have something in your hand. It could be any longer depending upon the right job you find for yourself."
The Challenge: Proving Serious Intent
One of the biggest hurdles for NRIs seeking jobs in India is convincing employers they're serious about relocating:
"Probably one of the questions that most people had asked me was - how serious are you for coming back to Pune? If we give you an offer, what percentage do you think you're confident of taking it in terms of coming back? That was probably like a challenge - to convince the interviewers that I'm very serious about moving back."
How Aditi Demonstrated Serious Intent
- ✓ Parents are in Pune - "if I get a job in Pune, I'm most likely going to take it"
- ✓ Family connection to the city
- ✓ Clear timeline for relocation
- ✓ Spouse's alignment on the decision
Why Pune? No Other Option Considered
For Alhad and Aditi, the city choice was straightforward:
"There was no point moving to any different city. It was basically either Pune or we stay here. If we cannot be closer to our family members, closer to the culture we grew up in, it's better that we just stay here."
Pune offered the perfect combination:
- Family connections: Both sets of parents in Pune
- Cultural roots: The culture they grew up in
- Career opportunities: Growing hub for academics and industry
- Quality of life: Better than Mumbai's chaos, more affordable
Selling the House in Netherlands
"It was challenging because the market had started dropping down by that time. You cannot sell the house on your own - we hired an agent. During that time, there were so many viewings - you have to move out of the house, come in, move out, come in. It was definitely a stressful time."
The uncertainty was real:
"We didn't know if we would be able to sell the house with the right cost at the right amount of time. But luckily, one month prior to that, we got the deal which we were looking for, and then we moved back."
Alhad's Career Choice: Freelancing Over Corporate
Unlike Aditi who secured a faculty position, Alhad chose a different path:
"I decided I'll do some freelancing kind of work to get a hang of how the work culture is. I still had that fear of how the corporate culture is going to be. I always wanted to say - let me try some freelancing work."
The Freedom Factor
"The biggest factor for me is the ability to do. I had so many ideas living in US and Netherlands - wanted to do multiple things - but because of H1B restrictions, you cannot do multiple things. Right now I'm enjoying my freedom. I can help my dad grow his pathological laboratories, I can do my consulting work, I can be around for anything that is needed."
🎯 Work Culture Adjustment
The differences took time to adapt to:
"In US or Europe, you're very very structured - there is a specific agenda when you're going into a meeting. There is a significant difference of how you are doing the work here. It took definitely time to adjust that part."
The NRI Advantage in Non-IT Sectors
Contrary to popular belief, non-IT NRIs are highly valued in India:
"There are plenty of opportunities at this moment. People are looking for you. If you're an NRI, you are still sought out here because you bring that knowledge and culture from abroad - and Indian companies are actually interested in putting that culture in."
Alhad was specifically approached:
"This was one of the factors - I was approached for that: 'Why don't you bring those value systems over here? Because people are not trained enough.' I help bring that culture in some couple of my clients as well."
🏭 Manufacturing
Global quality standards, lean manufacturing, and process optimization expertise.
📦 Supply Chain
International sourcing experience, vendor management, and logistics optimization.
🏥 Medical Devices
Regulatory knowledge, quality systems, and product development experience.
📊 Category Management
Retail strategy, product portfolio management, and market analysis skills.
Kids Adjustment: The Fastest of All
Perhaps the most reassuring part of their story is how quickly their son adjusted:
"I think our son just adjusted very well. Probably his age also helped - he was very young, he was three and a half when we moved here. Suddenly from COVID times and such low social life, he came to India where we have all the relatives and so many kids to play around."
The verdict:
"He's very happy to be here. That sort of makes us a little relaxed about the move. Of the three of us, he was the quickest to adjust, I can say that."
School Selection: Values Over Prestige
Their approach to school selection was thoughtful:
"One of the important factors that we learned from the Western culture - they're very independent. They have the ability to make their own decisions from a very young age. We wanted to find a school which is a blend of our culture - that teaches the values that the Indian system provides - plus the ability for them to take their own decisions. It's okay to make mistakes, do your things on your own."
🏫 School Selection Criteria
- ✓ Blend of Indian values and Western independence
- ✓ Teaches that no job has hierarchy - every job is important
- ✓ Kids clean their own dishes after use
- ✓ Encourages decision-making and learning from mistakes
They used a two-step approach: nearby school for initial adjustment, then applied to their preferred school for senior KG - and got in.
What They Miss About Life Abroad
Aditi's Perspective: The Introvert's Challenge
"Alhad and my son - they both are very social people and I'm not. I do miss a little bit of peace at times. Here the social life is overwhelming for me. In US, it was very clear that weekdays are different and weekends are different. That doesn't happen here - you socialize on weekdays, you socialize on weekends."
Alhad's Perspective: Work Culture & Freedom
"Work culture is one of the factors. When we came in, we were like - 8:00 is an 8:00 - which doesn't happen here. Getting used to that. Plus the freedom to move - for approvals for vacations and stuff, it's a different system. Nobody questions you about your vacation time in Western countries."
A unique Netherlands experience:
"Especially in Netherlands, they actually encourage you to take vacation. It was part of my contract that you have to take two weeks of vacation. I've never seen somebody writing in an offer letter saying that you have to take two weeks of vacation!"
Final Advice: Take the Decision and Make It Right
"I really like the quote which Ratan Tata said: 'Take a decision and make it right.' It has stuck to my mind for many many years. Otherwise you are always in limbo - whether it's right or wrong, should I do it or not. If half of the time I'm thinking about how my life would be in India, I would never be happy in Netherlands or US."
Aditi adds:
"Don't wait for the right time to come. If you want to move back, just plan for it and do it. Of course there are certain conditions - you want to have a job of your own choice - but unless you start taking the steps towards it, it's not going to happen."
India is not the India that was in 2010. There are plenty of opportunities, and NRIs are actively sought after for the value systems and culture they bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there good career opportunities in India for non-IT professionals?
A: Absolutely. India's manufacturing sector, supply chain industry, medical devices, retail, and operations management are actively seeking professionals with international experience. The China Plus One strategy has created massive demand for NRIs who can bridge global operations with Indian manufacturing. As Alhad says, "People are looking for you. If you're an NRI, you are still sought out here because you bring that knowledge and culture from abroad."
Q: How do I convince Indian employers I'm serious about relocating?
A: This is a common challenge. Employers have been burned by "window shoppers." Demonstrate serious intent by: having family in the target city, providing specific timelines, showing concrete steps taken (housing research, school applications), being flexible on start dates, and having your spouse aligned on the decision. Aditi's leverage was that her parents were in Pune - "if I get a job in Pune, I'm most likely going to take it."
Q: How long should I plan for the move from decision to relocation?
A: Plan for minimum 6 months from the day you have a job offer in hand. This includes selling property (if applicable), logistics, school search, banking/tax matters, and insurance. Alhad and Aditi's timeline was about one year from serious discussions (December 2021) to actual move (December 2022), with the job offer coming in June-July.
Q: Do kids adjust well to India after growing up abroad?
A: Often better than parents expect, especially if they're young. Alhad and Aditi's son was 3.5 years old when they moved, and he was "the quickest to adjust" of the three. The key is moving before they start formal education in the foreign system, so there's no comparison or sense of loss. The extended family and social environment in India can be a huge positive for kids.
Q: Should I take a corporate job or freelance when returning to India?
A: It depends on your risk tolerance and financial situation. Alhad chose freelancing to "get a hang of how the work culture is" and enjoy the freedom that H1B restrictions didn't allow. The key is having one spouse with stable income - Aditi's faculty position provided that security. If you have savings and family support, freelancing offers flexibility; otherwise, secure a job first.
Q: What's the biggest work culture difference between India and the West?
A: Structure and boundaries. In the US/Europe, "8:00 is an 8:00" - meetings have specific agendas, work hours are respected, and vacation time is encouraged (in Netherlands, it was contractually required!). In India, the lines are more blurred - you socialize on weekdays and weekends, work hours can extend, and the approach to meetings is less structured. It takes time to adjust.
Q: Is Pune a good city for non-IT professionals returning to India?
A: Pune is excellent for manufacturing, automotive, supply chain, and academic professionals. It offers strong industry presence, better quality of life than Mumbai, reasonable cost of living, and a growing ecosystem. For Alhad and Aditi, it was "either Pune or we stay" - the family connections and cultural roots made it the only option they considered.
Q: How has India changed for returning NRIs?
A: Dramatically. The ease of doing business, banking structure (UPI revolution), startup culture, and people's willingness to take risks have all transformed. As Alhad observed during his business trips: "The India that I left in 2011 versus 2021 - how India has changed." Foreign brands are no longer special - "I get it in my neighboring mall" is the common response now.
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