We spoke to Arpit Jain, a software engineer at PTC Ireland, about the transition from India to Ireland.
Transitions can be difficult, but they don’t have to be – if the conditions are right.
This is what Arpit Jain felt when he made the move from a town called Bhilwara in the north-west of India.
Having always been attracted to Europe, Jain jumped at the opportunity to begin working as a software engineer for PTC in its Dublin offices.
His focus on the internet of things (IoT) has helped to imbue a sense of being at the cutting edge of technological innovation, and a relaxed and familial atmosphere has made the company a smooth and friendly environment to transition into.
We sat down with Jain to talk about the move from India to Ireland.
Where are you from and what’s it like there?
I am from a small town called Bhilwara in the north-west of India. Being close to the Thar Desert, the weather is completely opposite to Irish weather, as it’s really hot and dry with peak temperatures of around 48C. Water is a precious resource as the annual rainfall is very low.
It is a lovely, peaceful place with lots of historical and touristy places nearby.
The textile industry is the major source of employment and it contributes to almost 30pc of India’s total textile production.
How long have you been in Ireland?
Almost three years.
What prompted your decision to move here?
I always wanted to work in Europe, as my previous assignment in Sweden was a wonderful experience. I was really interested in the company and the role on offer.
Ireland is a major technology hub in Europe, so there is a lot of opportunity to grow and learn professionally.
People are friendly, English is the most common language and everyone celebrates life here. There is so much in common with India that I had no second thoughts when I got the offer.
What’s your role in PTC?
I am a software engineer working on PTC’s IoT platform called ThingWorx. It is an amazing platform widely used by major companies. I am working to develop microservices around the core platform to make it both scalable and highly available.
How would you describe your working environment?
PTC is a new set-up in Dublin but we have everything that’s needed to make work life smooth and friendly. Employees are really taken care of, like a family.
Interesting work, great benefits, flexible hours, Social Fridays and people from diverse cultural backgrounds make PTC a fun place to work.
What do you like most about your job?
I literally love every aspect of my job. IoT is the buzzword in the software industry, and working on one of the best IoT platforms has its own challenges.
It is a new domain for me and the problems are different in nature, involving large datasets. The job requires constant learning.
There’s always something new to do and new techniques to apply to solve problems more efficiently.
PTC is very open to new technologies and ideas, which makes one feel valued. It’s great to be working on the next-gen IoT platform, which will transform the way things are connected in the real world.
Was it difficult to adjust to living and working in Ireland?
Not at all. It has been a very smooth transition from India. Everyone in the office was very friendly and supportive. Everyone helped me to get settled and to figure out the necessary things. People are really accepting and warm in Ireland. Also, a large Indian community makes you feel at home.
What surprised you about moving to Ireland, if anything?
People’s love for potatoes and Guinness!
How does your working life help to make you feel at home here?
I am allowed to take time off when I need to. PTC also has the option of working from home when required, which really gives a lot of flexibility. Employees are really valued.
Flexible hours, Social Fridays, frequent outings with colleagues and many other things make me feel comfortable here.
What do you like most about your adopted home?
I am in love with Ireland and especially the scenic countryside. It’s a vibrant country with lively people. Every culture and ethnicity is celebrated and respected here.
And, of course, hurling, the river in the middle of the city, Irish pubs and the beautiful coastline – and many more!
