[dreamofmonterey]

. I have talked to Discover Card [one of the first companies publicly acknowledging they have several call centers in India] in India. I was floored. The rep actually had to tell me I was speaking to a rep in India.
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Bank of America has five call centers in India, as does AMEX also in Pakistan. This has been known since the mid 90's. Dell Computer, same thing why would they set up a call center in Fl- lol- that would be a loss leader. AMEX is also thinking about shutting its Center in Broward to compete with the cheap labor and savings they get in India. MBNA bank left Palm Beach County in 2002; selling out their building and deploying 10,0000 people.

[Hondax]

You can write your own ticket if you have the ability to teach the English language overseas. Tax free if you stay for more than 300-ish days in a year.

[hiknapster]

Good job inftmyers and firemed, in summing up the Lee County situation. The two of you need to run for office!

Sunny: I use to work for SONY in Fort Myers. They had massive cutbacks due to their farming out their support to India. I then worked for Calltech (ugh) for the BellSouth account. They would send their nighttime tech support to India. First thing in the morning, people would call and say, "Thank God I'm finally talking to an American."

The Indian reps are hilarious. They use names like "Drew Barrymore" and "Brad Pitt."

Last I heard, Calltech had lost that account. It was a terrible place to work. Low pay and "benefits" like healthcare that had a huge premium that the EMPLOYEE had to pay.

[lkt334]

What about Communications fields- especially the Public relations industry? I am a PR major. I love Florida (we visit just about every other summer), and I am from Texas. Considering job hunting there when I graduate in December. Any suggestions? I'm thinking Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.

[hiknapster]

Here's a blast from the past. This thread is four years old! That company that I wrote about - Calltech - went bankrupt.

Florida is a big state and PR is very specialized. You might want to start a thread with your question.

However, know this; Austin's unemployment rate is 7.3. Tampa? 12.4. Orlando? 11.7. Miami? 11.5.

Things can change by December but probably not that drastically. Texas is sitting fairly pretty right now. Unless you have a very attractive job offer in writing do not attempt to relocate to Florida. Vacation is not real life and vacation areas are not always attractive living for working stiffs. Don't make the mistake of thousands.