Leaving the BPO industry with pride

Ludwig Patrick Alejandro

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Leaving the BPO industry with pride
'Being part of the BPO industry was an eye-opener for me, and I regret that I used to belittle it,' writes Ludwig Alejandro

diploma symbolizes a key to a new world, a blank canvas ready to be painted by no one else but us. Graduation is only the beginning, not the end. 

In any case, I’ve had my fair share of reality after attending college and I was undeniably overwhelmed with all the options the world had to offer. But as I set on to run the rat race, it took a long time before other realizations sank in. Everything must be specified and detailed, from the CV to the applicant’s skills. A good attitude goes a long way towards doing well in the job. 

There was a time when I did not have the right attitude. I was the problem. I was too picky. I admit that I set my expectations very high along with my pride. I did not take any advice or take time to study the ins and outs of job hunting, because I was too cocky and believed that I could do things alone.

This was then followed by several disappointments until I was engulfed by my own unrealistic expectations, leaving myself bummed out and depressed. 

A year since graduation, I found this organization nestled just a few minutes away from home. It was very spontaneous since I was suppose to attend a dinner party that day and I just happened to bring my CV with me when I stumbled upon a job poster in front of the building. I thought that it wouldn’t hurt if I tried to apply and spare my resume, that felt like my last piece of hope.  

I had no idea with what position I should apply for. I saw a man approach the receptionist and say, “I’m applying for an e-mail support representative position” with conviction and without any hesitations. I blurted it out the same manner as he did, applying for the same position. 

I was surprised when I found myself inside the examination room unprepared and doing my best to ace the test. I passed the initial phase of their hiring process and proceeded to their training program. Today, it remains a funny recollection, of me being too hard on myself when it only took me a day to get a job nearly after a year.

It didn’t stop there. 

The moment I found out that it’s about shift work, rotating days off and without holidays, I began to ask myself, “Did I just waste my time in college to end up in this tedious industry?” “Am I not good enough?” For some reason, I gave it a shot. I guess that after being unemployed for a year, it became a natural defense for me to swallow my pride.  

Photo provided by Ludwig Ocampo

My first week was tough because I didn’t want to socialize. I kept telling myself that I was there to work and not to make friends. Thinking of myself avoiding people is still quite embarrassing. It’s a pitiful memory of myself being ruined by my crazy ego. 

I eventually decided to interact with my colleagues. Then my perception changed. 

Weeks passed; I finally got the hang of it. I began talking with my colleagues and realized that they shared similar experiences as I did. Little by little, my job became more enjoyable and I became more sociable. I got along with my teammates very well despite the sleepless nights and being bombarded with clients’ concerns.  

Being part of the BPO industry was an eye-opener for me, and I regret that I used to belittle it. It was no easy task and I couldn’t be more proud of the extraordinary patience that my fellow professionals have to extended, and how they put up with the clients’ unpredictable moods.

And at some point, we realize that the provided scripts or templates are useless since this job requires honest empathy and advanced resolutions to address their concerns. Yes, indeed, it’s an everyday warfare between our egos and our tasks just to provide excellent quality of service. 

However, beyond that, I cherish my amazing batchmates and colleagues who are open to help and hear each other out when one is going through a predicament. We developed a sense of family and shared a lot of valuable life lessons by merely listening to each other.

Of course, not every company has this kind of culture, but this is based on my experience. The company inculcates its employees the sense of work-life balance, prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of its employees while focusing on their clients/business partners.This created a vibrant and balanced working atmosphere; it almost felt like home. 

“Teamwork makes the dream work” was statement that echoed across our workplace. It had everyone helping each other, hand in hand figuring things out, whether it be supervisors or other agents. Everyone got a chance to be a leader.  Work didn’t feel very systematic, since they encouraged us to contribute and voice out our ideas.

They supported working students as well, which made my stay there even more incredible as they granted my request to study a foreign language. I couldn’t ask for more. They believed in their employees’ capabilities and passion outside of the workplace.

After graduation, remember that there are tons of responsibilities waiting for you rather than just options, that it’s not just a battle of diplomas or degrees, but also a test of your character. And I’m sure that you’ve probably read or heard similar stories before, but yes, having a positive attitude goes a long way – not only with our careers but with our individual selves as well. 

This experience completely changed my perspective and prepared me to face a new chapter of my life and pursue my passion, thus leaving this industry with pride – and a bridge to a new career. As an ordinary individual, I’d just like to share my two cents with all the graduating students out there.

Finding a job is not a waiting game. It’s a responsibility that must be honed even from humble beginnings. You’ve likely heard about this cliche, but there really is no easy way to get where you want to be.

It may not be well aligned with your plans, but keep in mind that every situation serves a purpose and we’re responsible for whatever situations we’re dealing with right now.  – Rappler.com

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