Schools that source BPO staff

MUMBAI: Vikram Budhwar is a martial expert and revels in playing a rare Australian wind instrument—the didgeridoo. Arjun Raina, who trained in Shakespearean studies in London, is a nationally acclaimed khelkali dancer. V Varadarajan designs engineering software. On the face of it, there seems nothing common amongst the three. Former BPO employees, they have now set up their own businesses to service the fast growing outsourcing industry.
Pune-based Vikram, who worked briefly with US-based General Electric (GE) outsouring outfit GECIS, has set up his own company, Syngrity, and now conducts stress awareness programmes for employees at outsouring companies.In Delhi, Arjun Raina conducts voice training workshops while Varadharajan, CEO of Premium Technologies, a software firm in Navi Mumbai, has forayed into scanning and recruiting people for international BPOs because of the "huge business opportunity". Says Budhwar, "I always wanted to run my own business. There is a big need for specialised training in the BPO industry and this prompted me to start my own venture."
Like Vikram, several ertswhile BPO employees are finding new opportunties to support the $7.2 billion outsouring industry. Experienced BPO hands are starting new businesses to train potential candidates in voice culture, English speaking and customer service or are joining as senior faculty in training institutes like ACTi and HeroMindmine.
Beyond the routine coaching, companies like Syngrity teach martial arts and music to employees to overcome the monotony of call centre jobs. Says a trainer with Delhi-based e-Serve, "Unlike in other industries, attracting and retaining talent in BPOs is a tough task. Companies often want additional help and hire lots of specilised services."