Capgemini, Accenture, Cognizant, TCS, and Infosys: Which Company is the Best to Join?

Choosing the right company to join is a significant decision, and for many tech professionals, renowned service-based companies like Capgemini, Accenture, Cognizant, TCS, and Infosys are popular choices. However, each of these companies has its unique aspects and challenges. In this article, we delve into the experiences of one such professional, who worked at Infosys, to help you make an informed decision.

Experience with Infosys as an Experienced Lateral

While working for Infosys with pre-existing experience, the experience was rather disappointing. My typical work schedule was from 9-6, often leaving 90% of my time idle with no meaningful work. The hiring process was questionable, with CV faking leading to my selection. During interviews, I was asked general questions like the full form of CPU and RAM, and then politely dismissed. On joining, I quickly realized the gap in knowledge among my peers, with some employees having no idea about fundamental technologies.

A case in point involves a colleague working on a project for four years, who only recently discovered that her application was running on Docker. This incident underscored a significant disparity between junior and senior employees. Recent complaints about unmet project deadlines and support have led to a decline in fresh graduate recruitment, indicating an overwhelming presence of lateral hires.

Challenges at Infosys: No Hikes and Limited Learning Opportunities

My journey at Infosys highlighted numerous challenges. There were no annual hikes, and even promotional hikes were contingent upon managerial approval. Despite joining at a specific Linear Performance Assessment (LPA) level, many end up stagnating without any career progression. My manager even admitted, 'You won’t get a hike if you want to leave, no one will stop you.' This lack of growth and development opportunities made the experience even more disheartening.

Furthermore, the nature of the project constraints and limited resources made it impossible to gain practical knowledge. The only way to keep up was to learn skills through self-study and by faking CVs to secure interviews. The corporate environment at many service-based companies often involves working with less knowledgeable individuals, leading to a decrease in productivity and learning opportunities with time.

Alternatives: Big 4 and Product-Based Companies

Service-based companies like Infosys lack depth in technical expertise and often fail to provide meaningful career growth. Unless you actively seek out opportunities for personal development, the skills you acquire may not translate into tangible benefits. In the end, financial gains are paramount.

Confident professionals looking for more substantial growth could consider joining Big 4 firms or product-based companies. Firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG offer a competitive environment for career advancement and skill enhancement. Similarly, moving to product-based companies such as Google, Amazon, or Microsoft could provide a wider range of career development and better financial rewards.

Conclusion: While service-based companies are popular, they may not offer the best opportunities for growth and development. Prospective candidates should carefully evaluate their career goals and choose between service-based or product-based companies based on these goals. For those seeking a challenging, dynamic, and growth-oriented environment, a shift towards product-based companies or the Big 4 might be a wiser choice.