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We had the opportunity to speak with Venecia Carrasco, CEO and co-founder of Baja Nearshore, about the evolution of nearshoring in Latin America, why so many companies are looking to the region for talent, and what the future holds for global hiring.
When the spread of COVID-19 led to lockdowns being implemented across much of the world in 2020, Carrasco’s job was dierctly impacted and she was inspired to co-found her business.
Seeking to help companies get the best from their unexpected or accelerated transition to remote working, and drawing on her experience of living in both Latin America and the United States, Carrasco’s company matches hiring companies to remote candidates throughout the Americas.
Over four years of faciliting remote working across the region, Carrasco has seen many developments in the global hiring industry and Latin American as a talent market. Here’s what she had to say:
SG: Can you tell us a bit about Baja Nearshore, what differentiates it from other providers in the global hiring market?
Baja Nearshore stands out because we don’t work with a huge marketplace. Instead, we source and screen candidates for each job search individually. We make sure that candidates meet the technical requirements and fit the company culture. We become a part of the team, acting as a true partner throughout hiring process. This personalized approach ensures that our clients get the best possible candidates.
SG: What inspired the creation of Baja Nearshore, and how did it develop into a fully formed business model?
It came from a personal challenge I faced right after the pandemic. I was laid off from a job that relied heavily on live events, which had been affected by the global shutdown. At that time, I was working with a distributed team from the Philippines, the US, and Mexico, and after onboarding over 50 representatives, I realized I had a knack for this repeatable process.
My background in working with American franchises in Mexico and my master’s degree in organizational development provided the perfect foundation. A friend, who is now one of our co-founders, invited me to apply for a remote job at a SaaS company hiring from Colombia. When it seemed I wasn’t getting the job, I thought of a new solution: creating a bridge for remote opportunities between US companies and Latin America talent. This idea evolved into Baja Nearshore.
SG: Tell us about your experience of becoming a pandemic era entrepreneur
Becoming a pandemic-era entrepreneur was a unique and challenging experience. The uncertainty and rapid changes forced me to adapt quickly and creatively. If I could do anything differently, I might have focused earlier on building a strong network of mentors and advisors to guide me through the initial stages. However, the experience taught me resilience and the importance of staying flexible.
SG: In your experience, what sort of Latin American professionals are most highly sought after by international companies?
Technology and software professionals are the most popular among international companies, but any industry working with remote teams can benefit from hiring from Latin America. The talent pool is diverse and highly skilled, making it an attractive option.
SG: How have hiring tendencies evolved since the inception of Baja Nearshore, especially regarding nearshoring in Latin America?
Nearshoring has always existed, typically under big corporations like call centers and BPOs. However, these required large contracts, which weren’t feasible for many startup founders. Today, it’s possible for companies to hire individuals from Latin America as part of their team without committing to a full staff or department. This evolution has made it easier and more seamless for all parties involved, allowing startups and smaller companies to benefit from the rich talent pool in Latin America.
SG: What are the biggest untapped opportunities in nearshoring in Latin America for international companies?
While tech and software are well-known sectors, there are significant opportunities in fields like digital marketing, customer support, and finance. Many professionals in these areas possess strong bilingual skills and a deep understanding of the US market, making them valuable assets for international companies.
SG: Which countries in Latin America would you consider rising stars as hiring destinations, either because they are attracting increasing interest or because they offer growing pools of professionals?
Countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil are certainly rising stars. They offer a growing pool of highly skilled professionals and have been attracting increasing interest from international companies.
Additionally, the cultural alignment and time zone compatibility with the US make these countries particularly attractive for nearshoring.
SG: What is the most enduring piece of advice you have received during your career?
Always prioritize building relationships. Whether it’s with clients, team members, or partners, strong relationships are the foundation of any successful business. This advice has guided me in creating a collaborative and supportive work environment at Baja Nearshore.
SG: If you could go back to give your younger self one short piece of advice, when would you go back to and what would you tell yourself?
If I could go back, I would visit my younger self right after college and tell myself to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. I used to fear making mistakes, but I’ve learned that failure is often the best teacher and can lead to the most significant personal and professional growth.
SG: What advice would you give to a young Latin American considering their career options in terms of professional areas with significant growth opportunities for the future?
My advice to young Latin Americans is to focus on learning how to learn. Be resourceful, do your research, and find your own answers. Leverage technology to improve your communication skills and learn at least one additional language. Fields like technology, digital marketing, and finance are booming and offer significant growth opportunities. Being adaptable and continuously improving your skills will set you up for success in the future.
SG: Which professions do you find to be oversubscribed in terms of the number of professionals available compared to the number of opportunities?
Professions like traditional administrative roles and entry-level customer service positions tend to be oversubscribed. There’s a high number of professionals available in these areas compared to the opportunities, which makes it essential for individuals to diversify their skill sets and explore other growing fields.
SG: What would you consider your greatest achievements since you founded Baja Nearshore in 2020?
My greatest personal achievement has been successfully navigating the transition from a traditional career to becoming an entrepreneur during a global pandemic. For the company, our biggest achievement is building a strong, reliable network of top-tier talent from Latin America and helping numerous international companies find the perfect candidates for their teams. Seeing our clients thrive with the support of our candidates is incredibly rewarding.
Venecia Carrasco was speaking with Allison Silva.
Serviap Global supports companies with international hiring solutions in over 130 countries worldwide, including employer of record (EOR) services. Find out more.
