Call from Kathmandu

by AARTI BASNYAT

FROM ISSUE # 121 (January 2006) | IN THIS ISSUE
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ANUP PRAKASH

Got the gift of the gab, salesmanship to sell land on Mars, but can't get a job because you've got no experience? With Business Processing Outsourcing becoming the latest craze in the IT world, Nepal is no exception.

Serving Minds in Thamel, Kathmandu, used to be a call centre but since 2003, it has expanded its services to include customer acquisition, book-keeping, software development, maintenance, and filing tax returns. It provides hundreds of fresh Nepali graduates with jobs. "I wanted a career where I could talk to people from other countries and build my confidence," says Shrijan Khadka, who is doing exactly that at Serving Minds.

Recruitment
This could be your chance. Serving Minds plans to expand its services and is looking for 500 more recruitments in the next few months. The recruitment process is extensive, starting with phone interviews, group discussions, and one-on-one interviews.

Do I qualify?
The basic requirement is a BA degree in any field but exceptions are made for intermediate graduates who show potential. Minimum age is 18. Ashish Kapoor, president, Serving Minds says, "Accent used to be a priority but not anymore. Communication abilities, Intelligence Quotient, and Emotional Quotient are more important when working in a call centre."

ANUP PRAKASH

Cash cow
The salary at Serving Minds starts at Rs 7,500 and can go up to Rs 20,000, depending on your progress. The more you accomplish, the more you get paid.

Work hours
Working hours are 6PM to 11PM and 11PM to 4AM, as Serving Minds functions according to international work hours. "My parents used to worry about late hours but now they understand," says Suran KC, who works as management trainee for customer care at Serving Minds. Time slots during the day and exceptions can be made.

How far can you go?
If you are ambitious, there is potential for career growth in Serving Minds. It is geared toward performance and reward for accomplishments. Reshma Gurung has worked in Serving Minds for only two years but has already scaled up from an agent earning Rs 7,500 a month to an assistant sales manager earning Rs 15,000. "I've come so far, I think I will continue working here because the prospects are good. There is always opportunity to move up," says she.

Serving in future
Serving Minds plans to be the biggest IT workplace with almost 1,500 employees and state-of-the-art facilities including a recreation centre for its staff. It aims to provide work experience, communication skills, and confidence for its employees.