Melchezedek Sumandan – Senior Quality Evaluator, Customer Service Representative

Hi, I am Melchezedek Sumandang, my friends call me Mel or Melky. I recently graduated from the University of Mindanao, studying Bachelor of Arts in Political Science last August 2024. Before I graduated, I encountered hardships and challenges in life. Back in the year 2020, I already pictured out myself studying to become a Seaman. However, the pandemic happened, and my scholarship got rejected due to funds concerns back then. Thankfully, I already have a work in a BPO since 2019 as a chat support. However, it’s not enough to pay for tuition back then. This is why I was forced to shift my course to a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science since it was my second option. Over time, I started to accept the reality that I have to work and pay for my tuition and assist with the needs of my family as well. It’s like I’m having 2 responsibilities at the same time. I am glad that I have a source of income back then.

Fast forward to July 2020, I applied for a Telecommunications account in a known BPO company in the Philippines and I got accepted there. It was not an easy thing to do but this was the job that honed my communication skills, technical skills, and problem-solving skills. This is where I found my real friends as well, even though they went to another company, we still catch up with each other and get away to the city to hike in the mountains. I found myself doing what I love – hiking.

After a year of working as a call centre agent, I got an offer to get the Quality Analyst Position because the company sees a potential in me to excel in this line of work. At first, I was hesitant because the only QA in the company isn’t working in Davao but they are working in the other location. Hence, I don’t have someone to reach out easily and I am not used to this kind of work. However, I got an advice that if I really wanted to excel and grow, I should embrace the change and I shouldn’t avoid it. This hits me hard because I know what I want and I should get it no matter what. I took a leap of faith and prayed to God that whatever happens, I should accept it. After the interview, I got promoted to a QA.

Being a Quality Analyst in the BPO for 3 years helped me grow into a better version of me. I was able to build my skills in Data Entry, Calendar Management, Email Management, Generating Email, Providing Analysis to the Team, and even hosting a meeting with the Clients, Managers and even Agents. It also boosted my confidence because I am an introverted person before but now, I was able to overcome my fear in doing public speaking. Indeed, the company sees a potential in me and I am still growing. Being a Virtual Assistant would be an Ideal line of work that would help me achieve my goals in life. To achieve the work-life balance that many of us are rooting for.

For a copy of Melchezedek’s resume, please click here.