For Uday Singh, it all started on a bright morning in 2006 with a summer job answering phone calls and addressing customer queries as a call center agent. Little did he know that what began as a temporary position would become a 17-year journey at Startek®. From his early days as a call center agent to his current role as Senior Manager, Operations at Startek India, Uday’s path has been filled with opportunity, growth and a profound sense of belonging.
In this blog, Uday recalls his journey from answering customer calls to driving operations for international clients and achieving new heights in his career.
“My role as a call center agent introduced me to the world of customer service. Handling calls from clients, resolving their queries and ensuring their satisfaction. It wasn't always easy! But it has been a remarkable learning experience. I developed excellent communication skills, honed my problem-solving abilities and grew comfortable handling diverse customer needs.
While I was content in my role, I began to aspire to move into a leadership position. It was a dream that felt far-off, yet the company's culture of nurturing talent encouraged me to strive for more. The Startek culture emphasizes continuous improvement and throughout my career, I have been encouraged to take part in training programs and workshops to enhance my skills. Eager to advance, I seized every chance to expand my skill set. I progressed from an agent to a team leader, then to assistant manager and eventually to the position of operations manager. With each promotion, I encountered new challenges and responsibilities.
Along the way I acquired vital leadership skills, developed a deep understanding of the business and became adept at strategizing to improve the processes. The transition from a call center agent to a leader was challenging, but I knew that my hard work and dedication would pay off.
Throughout my career at Startek, there have been milestones and highlights that have made this journey even more rewarding. One that truly stands out is recently when I had the incredible opportunity to play a major role in ramping up a business for a client from scratch. It was a challenging yet exhilarating task that required our team's commitment and hard work. In just 6 weeks, we transformed an idea into a fully operational business with close to 250 agents. We recruited, trained and onboarded a talented workforce, designed workflows and processes and ensured that our client's requirements were not just met but exceeded. It was an undertaking that required focused effort but knowing that I was part of something transformative is incredibly fulfilling. It's moments like these that make me proud to be part of the Startek team, where we turn ambitious dreams into successful realities.
I also learned to appreciate the company's values. One of the reasons I thrived at Startek was the alignment of my personal values with one of the company's values - Work Together. Startek emphasized the significance of working together and staying committed to a shared vision. These principles resonated with me and were embedded in my leadership style as I progressed to higher positions. I appreciate the friendly camaraderie among my colleagues. We are a close-knit team, always ready to help one another and share our experiences. It was within this supportive environment that I discovered the value of collaboration and the importance of forging strong relationships in the workplace.
Today, as Senior Manager, Operations, my role extends to overseeing multiple teams and ensuring the smooth operation of various projects. It's a role that demands strategic thinking, effective communication and the ability to nurture and guide my team. It's a position I'm honored to hold as it signifies the 17 years of hard work, dedication and growth that brought me here.
As I reflect on my time at Startek, my career has been nothing short of transformative, enriching and fulfilling, I would like to call out and express my gratitude to the incredible managers who have played a key role in shaping my professional growth. Right from the beginning they've provided me with opportunities to learn, grow and excel. They've been patient, sharing their knowledge and encouraging me to explore different facets of the business. They've been more than just leaders - they've been mentors, advocates and a source of inspiration.
I'm grateful for the incredible journey Startek has offered me. From that summer job in 2006 to my current role in 2023, my career has come full circle. Like many others, my journey presented new experiences that have challenged me to grow. The lesson I've learned over these years is to remain open to growth, embrace opportunities for learning and work collaboratively with colleagues and so for anyone embarking on their career, my advice is simple – consider beginning your career as a call center agent. It offers a wealth of experience and opportunities for growth. As an agent, while you'll develop essential transferable skills, you'll also gain a deep understanding of customer interactions which is invaluable in today's customer-centric business world. Startek has taught me that with the right support and mindset, your potential is limitless. So, here's to the next 17 years and all the opportunities they hold.”