Career in Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO)

What: Knowledge Process Outsourcing, popularly known as KPO, is a form of outsourcing wherein work regarding knowledge or information is carried out by trained professionals in a different company or subsidiary of the same organization. Usually, the work is performed in offshore locations away from the country, to save cost. KPO is one of the fastest growing industries in India, largely because of cost savings, availability of highly skilled manpower, operational efficiencies, excellent quality, expansion of existing relationships, and extensive growth in the Indian domestic market. According to a study conducted by National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), KPO industry is expected to grow from $1.2 billion in 2003 to $17 billion by 2013-14.

One of the major reasons for the constant increase in growth of KPO industry in India is the attractive salary packages offered. As a beginner, one can earn anywhere between Rs.10, 000 and Rs.15, 000 per month. Well experienced professionals in this field can earn Rs.4, 00,000 to Rs.6, 00,000 per annum.

How: Since KPO is a recent entrant in the list of career options in India, institutes have not yet started imparting formal training in providing skills necessary for the job. Nonetheless, few institutes have come up with short-term online certificate courses and training programs at the diploma level. The purpose of such institutes is to train the professionals to excel in this field. To be eligible for the courses, the aspirant should be a graduate in any field, from a recognized university. However, a 10+2 pass can also pursue many related training and certification courses, which will provide him/her lucrative job opportunities in KPOs

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However, people, with science background, have a better chance to excel in the KPO industry simply because of their research and analytical abilities. Even management personals, doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, chartered accountants, economists, architects, and journalists can successfully enter the field of KPO.

Where: To be successful in the field, one must have the aptitude for outsourcing data and information precisely. He/She should possess good communication skills, confidence, and proficiency in English. The nature of work of KPOs is quite similar to BPOs, as in both cases, one has to work as part of a team and should be prepared to work for long hours and rotational shifts.

Some institutes in India have started conducting courses to train professionals to suit the needs and requirements of KPOs. Ekcelon, situated in Bangalore, is one such institute. Besides, there are numerous other institutes that offer training and certification courses in major metropolitan cities throughout India to pursue a career in KPO.

Institution:

• Ekcelon, situated in Bangalore

Several other non-government institution spread across India