University News

PUP enters partnership with Back Room Offshoring, Inc.

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), led by the Alumni Relations and Career Development Office (ARCDO) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) company Back Room Offshoring, Inc. during a ceremonial signing ceremony held at their corporate office on Clark Global City, Mabalacat, Pampanga on August 8. This partnership will provide more OJT and Career Development opportunities to the Iskolar ng Bayan.

Under the agreement, the two parties mutually agreed to establish an internship and on-the-job (OJT) program to expose students to the professional environment and to train into becoming “competitive and technologically innovative professionals.” In addition, Back Room mentioned that they give daily allowances, lodging, free meals, free weekly treats, free shuttle (if applicable), discounted staff accommodation (if applicable), and other benefits to its interns.

Moreover, they will also implement a Community Partnership Program where career-centered initiatives such as the Internships and OJT’s, Student Immersions, Exchange of Knowledge which consist of Information Sharing Trainings for Faculty and Staff and Employee Success Stories, and Back Room’s participation on university activities such as Career Talk, Mock Recruitment, and Job Fair will be held as part of the agreement.

ARCDO Director Florinda H. Oquindo stated that their goal in this new association remains student-centered, saying “Our aim here is to widen and increase our partnerships with the industry who will give support to the career development of our students.”

Back Room President Miguel Serrano expressed his enthusiasm to this newly formed partnership and welcomed the PUPians that are interested to apply in the company.

“We are very much excited to explore what more can you contribute into this company and what this company can contribute to your career progression and we’re going to welcome you here and open the doors for you to the world wherein you will be recognized as one of the best professionals that the world would ever see.” he said.

Human Resources Manager Katrina Mae Carlos hoped the Back Room’s willingness to accept fresh graduates and students and their numerous financial and growth advantages that the company could supply would encourage the Iskolar ng Bayan to look at their company for their future careers.

“Not a lot [of] KPO’s would employ fresh graduates in this industry and we are one of them. So, it’s a good opportunity for our students. I hope that it’s going to be a way for the students to also consider Back Room in the future,” Carlos wished.

Talent Acquisition Specialist Paul Aficial, while noting the mutual values of PUP and Back Rooms in innovation and critical thinking, stated that the ultimate goals of this association is to “create a collaborative environment that will pave the way for the success of the two companies.”

“We believe that this partnership is not only beneficial for us as a company where we will acquire top-tier talent, but this will also allow us to provide opportunities to PUP students for real world experiences and insights into the KPO industry as a whole,” Aficial remarked.

Back Room Offshoring, Inc. is a company that offers accounting, bookkeeping, administrative support, marketing, sales, developing, information technology (IT), engineering, and support services to global firms that includes countries such as New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, and other countries. In 2023, it was recognized by HR Asia as one of the “Best Companies to Work For” in the Philippines.