University of Punjab is first to partner with global leader in online work
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.– Oct. 2011: oDesk, the largest and fastest-growing online employment platform, today announced it has selected Punjab University College of Technical Information (PUCIT) to launch the industry’s first university program dedicated to educating students with the skills needed to take advantage of the online working marketplace.
In the oDesk Apprentice Program students study entrepreneurship, business ethics and international business communication in the context of online work. Students then have the opportunity to apply these skills and become an entrepreneur by creating their own businesses and serving clients globally on the oDesk platform.
Gary Swart, CEO of oDesk, said: “We are delighted to partner with the University of Punjab for the first training program of this kind anywhere in the world. The university was a natural choice as it is home to Pakistan’s largest IT institute and has an excellent reputation internationally.”
“Many of the largest companies in the world are increasingly hiring online workers–on oDesk alone more than $20 million dollars of work is commissioned every month, and that amount is growing quickly. The Apprentice Program’s aim is to equip PUCIT students with the skillset to take advantage of these online opportunities and greatly improve their prospects,” added Swart.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Syed Mansoor Sarwar, Principal of PUCIT, said: “Students at PUCIT and across Pakistan have a real opportunity to get ahead in their career by understanding how to operate in the online work marketplace. This is a thriving industry that is easily accessed by having the essential skills taught in the program.”
“Our partnership with oDesk will provide PUCIT students on the program with these skills and place them in a highly competitive position. We all especially look forward to following their progress after graduation,” added Dr. Sarwar.
Last month, the first group of 20 students graduated from the oDesk Apprentice Program at PUCIT. Additional programs are in the planning stages for Pakistan and other countries around the world. For more information on oDesk’s educational programs worldwide please contact: universityprograms@