COVID-19 opened our eyes. It showed us the impact infectious diseases can have in slowing down our world overnight. It highlighted the true value of our healthcare heroes to us. It reminded us not to take simple family gatherings for granted, where we can all come together in person.
COVID-19 also revealed how we can collaborate and work together remotely from our homes. Many people were able to quickly adapt to remote work and maintain high productivity in their jobs. Through this, the world became much smaller. We could collaborate with a colleague on the other side of the world just as easily as with someone in the same office. Geographical barriers began to diminish, and hiring became much less regionalized to accommodate travel demands. Amidst all this, outsourcing software development work became even more prevalent as a home office in Monterrey, Mexico, did not seem as far away or as foreign, and felt very similar to our home offices here in the U.S.
With a new perspective on globalized workforces, Bravo LT set out to find a home outside of the U.S. for the first time. As we spun a globe and began investigating areas abroad to plant our flag, Monterrey, Mexico, consistently emerged as a top choice.
Why Monterrey, Mexico? Many reasons helped aid this decision. But, these five stood out as the largest contributing factor:
Time Zone Alignment
Monterrey is in the Central Time Zone (CST). This time zone alignment facilitates real-time communication and collaboration between teams, leading to more efficient project management and quicker responses to any issues that may arise. We work when they work, enabling true integration of a Bravo team or teammate.
Cultural Affinity
“Everyone knows the Cowboys'' is a phrase that captures the essence of cultural affinity between Monterrey and the U.S. Although the exact origin of this quote is unclear, it was used in a meeting with partners in Monterrey to highlight common cultural touch points like NFL football, Taylor Swift, and movies. These shared familiarities with pop culture provide great connection points between the two areas. Monterrey, located just a three-hour drive from the U.S./Mexico border stands as a gateway to American culture for the rest of Mexico. Among all the states in Mexico, Monterrey, due to its proximity, possesses profound insight into various aspects of U.S. culture across academia, professional domains, social life, and beyond. Over the years, prominent U.S.-based companies across diverse industries have set up operations in the state, exercising substantial influence within the market. That is the reason why Mexico and the United States share so many cultural similarities and connections, facilitating easier team integration, smoother communication, and a better understanding of the U.S. market and business practices.
Cost Savings
Mexican development teams offer a high level of skill and expertise at a lower cost compared to their U.S. counterparts, due to differences in living costs and salaries. This cost advantage does not compromise quality and leads to significant savings on development projects. Bravo embraces the concept of one team, allowing talent from both sides of the border to be combined to maintain high quality and low prices.
Talent Pool
Mexico's growing tech industry boasts a large pool of talented software developers, engineers, and IT professionals. The country's substantial investments in education and technology have produced a workforce skilled in the latest technologies and methodologies. Thomas Lynema of Bravo highlighted the dynamic tech sector in Monterrey emphasizing the collaboration with colleges and universities in the area. Tecnológico De Monterrey, akin to Michigan Tech for those in Michigan, holds the top spot in the ranking of Mexico's best Universities.It is known for its excellence in technology-related careers with 90,000 students enrolled, compared to Michigan Tech University’s enrollment of just over 7,000 students.
Reduced Language Barriers
English proficiency among professionals in Mexico, particularly in the tech industry, is on the rise, minimizing language barriers and simplifying communication and project documentation. My experience has shown that communication is easy and fluid. English is a fundamental part of most secondary educations, especially at Tecnológico De Monterrey, where classes are taught in both English and Spanish, giving graduates an advantage in the international workforce.
For these reasons and more, we at Bravo LT look forward to a prosperous and fulfilling partnership with our new teammates and friends in Monterrey. We are very excited to be a small part in a large global network of talent.
Want to learn more about how your organization can tap into a global network of talent? Contact Bill Osborn - bill.osborn@bravolt.com
Written by Bill Osborn, Director of Technical Recruiting.