Date:12/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/12/stories/2005081219370400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

BPO firms do not offer casual jobs

Special Correspondent

Principals take part in Progeon conclave

BANGALORE: Are Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) jobs little more than call centres? No, asserts software major Infosys Technologies.

With attrition rates reaching alarming levels, Progeon, the BPO arm of Infosys, has sought to dispel the impression that BPOs offered "casual job opportunities" by roping in academia.

As many as 49 college principals were invited to a first-of-its-kind conclave hosted by Progeon at its Electronics City campus recently. The effort was to drive home the message that graduates qualifying through Progeon's entry requirements are trained to work in a variety of transaction services ranging from finance and accounts to mortgage processing, from human resources services to equity analysis for global companies.

"Students look to their teachers for guidance and we think it is important that we communicate the range of career options in the BPO industry today," says Akshaya Bhargava, Managing Director and CEO, Progeon Ltd.

"Progeon for instance, derives over 80 per cent of its revenues from non-voice work. After training, a new recruit would work on business processes ranging from enterprises services to human resources to banking to finance. In essence, we are remotely running an essential part of the business of global corporations. To do this, we need qualified and committed people. It is important to communicate that what we offer are not casual job opportunities; we offer mainstream career options with visible growth and development," he stated.

At the conclave, members of the Progeon executive council detailed the progression of a recruit in the company and described policies on compensation, benefits and workplace security. The college principals appreciated the transparent nature of the discussions and sought clarifications on the industry and its work practices. "The BPO industry is young and growing fast," Progeon Vice-President and Human Resources Head Nandita Gurjar said and adding that it was important to communicate the excitement and the potential of this industry to young people on the threshold of their careers.