Do PSU Companies Send You Abroad After Working for a Few Years/Months If You Have Been Selected via GATE Mechanical?

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India recruit candidates through the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam for various engineering positions, including mechanical engineering. One common question often arises amongst GATE mechanical candidates:

Factors Influencing International Assignments in PSUs

Whether a PSU company sends its employees abroad can depend on several key factors. Let's explore some of these factors in detail:

Company Policy

Some PSUs have international operations or collaborative projects that may require sending employees abroad. Companies like ONGC, BHEL, and others frequently have operations overseas. Therefore, for employees in these organizations, international assignments can be a possibility.

Job Role

Employee positions play a crucial role in determining international opportunities. Roles such as project management, engineering, or research and development typically offer more chances for international postings. If your job involves these responsibilities, you may have more opportunities for global assignments.

Experience and Performance

Experience and performance are significant factors. Employees who have served in their roles for a few years and have shown exceptional performance are more likely to be considered for international assignments. Demonstrating consistent performance and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities can increase your chances.

Current Projects and Strategic Goals

The availability of international assignments can also depend on the company's current projects and strategic goals. If your company has ongoing international projects, it may be more likely to send employees abroad.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Based on real-world experiences, the likelihood of being sent abroad can vary greatly depending on the company and specific circumstances. For instance:

One PSU company, with a batch of 40 people, has only sent three individuals abroad. Two went to Myanmar while one went to Israel. Some seniors have also worked in France, the UK, and the USA. While these opportunities exist, they are not guaranteed and depend on each individual and the company's current needs.

Personal Opportunities

Personal circumstances also play a significant role. As an example, one employee had the opportunity to go to Turkey but did not take it because of conflicting exam periods and the requirement to sign a bond for two years, which they were unwilling to do. Other employees may have turned down international postings due to personal reasons, such as family commitments or upcoming contracts.

Common Expectations and Misconceptions

It is important to clarify that not all employees in PSUs can expect to be sent abroad, and the company is under no obligation to do so. For most public sector companies in India, the primary focus is on serving local and national needs, and most assignments remain within the country. The exception might only be in specialized cases, such as working for oil companies like IOCL or BPCL, where it is believed that only certain individuals can resolve issues in oil-exporting countries. Even in these cases, the probability is extremely low.

While some employees might want to go abroad, the number of opportunities is limited. Only a small percentage of employees are typically selected for such assignments, and it is crucial to understand the specific requirements and company policies to have a realistic expectation.

In conclusion, while it is possible for PSU employees to be sent abroad, the likelihood varies greatly and is influenced by company policies, job roles, experience, performance, and current projects. Additionally, it is beneficial to understand the real-world examples and personal experiences to manage expectations effectively.