Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Call Centre

Shifting from ITES to IT

I am working in a leading BPO and I have more than three years work experience. I worked for a year in the software industry. I am doing my OCP course in Oracle to become a database administrator. I have also completed my MCA. I would like to know how I can shift my career from ITES to IT?

Arunachalam Ramanathan

You are very well positioned to transition to the software industry. You have not mentioned your current profile in the BPO sector. At the entry level, you could target jobs as a software developer or tester.

If you are at supervisory level already, then you should target the role of a test lead or a senior developer. Try and find out if your current employer has any interests in software or IT, as it will be easier to make the transition within the current employer.

Tech jobs in BPOs

I am working in Dubai as service engineer for office equipment that includes photocopier/scanner and printers with an overall experience of 10 years. I have done my MCSE and CCNA and want to work as a technical support executive in a good BPO company. Where do I stand in getting a job in the BPO industry? Also is it possible to get internal transfer to their IT dept where I would be dealing directly with hardware and software related problems.

P. Rajesh

As you have a background in hardware-based troubleshooting, you must apply directly for the IT helpdesk openings in BPOs. These jobs are not usually advertised for so you will have to walk in and submit your resume or ask any friends or acquaintances working in a BPO to refer you.

You can also apply for entry-level roles as technical support executives where in your MCSE and CCNA certifications will be useful. As you would be shifting to a new industry altogether, be prepared to start from scratch.

Call centre training institutes

I have a bachelor's degree in commerce and would like to join call centres. I am not very fluent in English and am thinking of joining a training institute. How far are these institutes helpful in providing training and placements?

Sahanawaz Ali

There are many training institutes that have mushroomed recently. You should choose one carefully after speaking to the faculty members and students of the institute.

Most of these institutes will provide you basic training and also help you find suitable jobs. You can join one if you are a fresher and are keen on improving your skill sets. The effectiveness of any training will depend on your commitment and willingness to learn a new skill.

Is the industry stable?

So many companies are taking the work back to the U.S. Our company lost a major client because of which I was on bench for a month. Most of my friends left the industry because of this instability. I am also thinking of shifting to a more stable job and would need your advice.

Anita Jacob

These are isolated incidents and you should not form an impression about the industry based on them. What leads to pullbacks is that sometimes companies focus too much on cost and not about quality or improving the customer experience. The company ends up outsourcing their problem and then blames the location or their partner providers for not solving them. The industry is stable otherwise and there are enough career opportunities for young professionals.

ARUNACHALAM RAMANATHAN

If you have any questions,

write in to sunder.ramachandran

@gmail.com

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail