US-Based Filipino Professionals Explore Career Opportunities in the Philippines
by Paul Catiang

Over the past month, computer industry giant Dell engaged the services of John Clements to organize two recruitment events, one in New York and one in Los Angeles, to offer Filipino professionals there a chance to become part of Dell’s foray into the BPO industry here.

While most overseas Filipinos would come home to retire, it is immediately apparent that most of them—and in the United States in particular—are just waiting for the right offer, and it wouldn’t take long before a homecoming would be in order. “Coming back was never a difficult question for me,” explains an executive working with the World Bank. “It’s a question of the right opportunity.” She is also quick to add that “it is exciting to hear of the great opportunities coming to the Philippines and to the rest of the Asian region.” News about the BPO industry has also reached there, and has renewed their confidence in the Filipino talent. The same executive says, “Filipinos definitely have an edge in the service industry and this sector is providing needed jobs.”

Other invitees see even more potential than what is being offered. A real estate investment banker with Eurohypo says he sees hundreds of other skills being outsourced. “I can also see another hundred that will eventually be outsourced. As companies get more comfortable outsourcing certain tasks, you will see more opportunities for BPOs,” he predicts. With regard to the host of the event, he thinks “Dell’s reputation and commitment to build a BPO in the Philippines are incentives worth considering.” This confidence is shared by several other attendees. He concludes by saying, “Whether to stay or to go back home is a constant battle Filipinos who work abroad often endure. Dell offers an opportunity for professional Filipinos to permanently move back and help the country compete globally.”

Some see prospects not only for themselves but also for the Philippines, expressing their national pride. A systems integration and outsourcing consultant proclaims, “I find it very rewarding and patriotic to have an opportunity to be able to go back home, be a significant contributor in the local IT and Outsourcing field, and improve the global standing of the Philippines in this sector.”

He also adds some recommendations as well: “I am very bullish about the capabilities of the Philippines in the BPO and outsourcing industry. I believe there is a surplus of capability that the Philippines offers, and future global customers need to be informed of it. A focused and targeted marketing campaign and advocacy plan needs to be implemented, if none exists. It needs to be led by seasoned US-trained and experienced Filipino executives that have strong relationships in the BPO and outsourcing industry.”

The New York event was a dinner held at the New York Marriott East Side on 48th and 49th Streets, while the LA event was a brunch at the Hilton Anaheim.