Bangalore, known as India's IT hub, is pushing jobs in other sectors too. The high tech sector (including BPO) added 7,000-8,000 new well paying jobs to Bangalore's economy each month during 2004. No consensus exists on the number of jobs being created in the city for non-techies, but estimates range from 6,000 to 8,000 new jobs a year.

The strong technology based job growth also means Banglore's young professional consumers have disposable income to spend. This drives the need for services and products, which in turn creates new jobs in the non-technology sectors in Bangalore. Financial, hospitality and other service based sectors are the new aggressive employers looking to increase their marketing and customer service staff. One multinational bank has a mandate to recruit 400 sales executives a month, at least 100 of these new jobs will be based in Bangalore.

Are there takers for jobs in the old economy when being tagged as a technology professional is more fashionable in Bangalore? Ramesh, director of FiveM Consulting, admits that for many young proffessionals, technology is still the preferred destination, but current salaries in non-IT sectors are not disheartening. An employee with 1-3 years’ experience can expect an annual package of Rs 1.2 lakh-1.5 lakh, not bad.

Recruitment requests are coming in from even non-traditional sectors like engineering and auto components but are more sporadic. The economic environment in Bangalore is also ripe for emerging entrepreneures. Creative and exciting new jobs and business opportunities abound in Bangalore.

Bangalore has emerged as a job capital in India and Banglore’s young professionals can definitely think beyond just technology for a solid and well paying career.