How Working in Cebu's Call Centers Built My Work Ethic 🌱
In 2008, I embarked on my journey in the call center industry in Cebu, Philippines. My first role was with Western Wats, where I conducted market research surveys about customer satisfaction with various US phone services, household satisfaction, election polls, and customer experiences with US banking. This was my first taste of the industry, and it was an eye-opening experience that set the stage for my career.
Moving Forward 📞
After Western Wats, I joined Qualfon as a Customer Care & Billing representative for a US telecom company. This role further honed my CS skills and gave me a deeper understanding of the telecom industry.
Next, I moved to Teletech, where I served as a Tier 1 CSR. Here, I assisted customers in purchasing HP products, managing return and exchange orders, and checking shipping statuses. This role added a new dimension to my experience, as I dealt with a variety of customer queries and concerns.
Stepping Up 🏢
My next big step was joining Convergys, a larger company where I initially worked as a Tech Support agent for SiriusXM. However, the account was dissolved, and I transitioned to another tech support role for an ISP. Eventually, I requested a reprofile to Citibank due to better compensation and benefits. This role was more challenging but incredibly rewarding, providing me with extensive experience in financial services.
Growth and Development 🌱
The call center industry truly molded me as a professional. The intensive training programs, which ranged from 3 to 6 months, along with constant monthly update training sessions, significantly enhanced my communication and technical phone skills. I developed a strong work ethic, as maintaining green KPIs was crucial. Failing to meet these performance indicators could result in being placed on a coaching list or, worse, facing termination. The KPIs included AHT, customer satisfaction, product knowledge, empathy, solution delivery, and going the extra mile for customers, along with passing the customer experience survey.
Challenges and Lessons Learned 💪
Working in the call center industry wasn't easy. The night shifts and the challenging commute to IT Park, Cebu's call center hub, were tough. However, these experiences shaped who I am today.
Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities the call center industry provided. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning. These lessons have been invaluable in my career progression and personal growth.
Now, I am open to remote job opportunities as a Virtual Assistant. With a solid background in customer service, technical support, and project management, I am well-equipped to assist startup businesses or digital solutions agencies in managing their operations and tasks efficiently. 😊
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