Career Advice - HELP!

System

Hi all,

I just wanted to ask for some advice. I am currently studying for the intermediate level of the aat and will be sitting FRA and ECR in december. Ideally I want to finish the technician year by december 2007, however I have a dilemma at the moment. :?: :!: :?:

I am finding my current role not fullfilling at all and actually rather tedious... I have spent the last 6 years of my life (in different companies) doing invoicing and filling in brainless spreasheets... so I would love to find a position which was more satisfying and also better paid. However the problem I am finding is that I lack the work experience so I cannot seem to be able to get a more senior position, which means I do not seem able to gain the experience I need. I have talked to my supervisor and manager about doing something more interesting... and they understand and agrees but 7 months later nothing has been done about it... I know I can do better and I want to put in practice what I am studying.

What can I do to gain the experience? I thought about doing volountary work but I work monday to friday 9-17! I just want to get out of this circle and get a better job!!! Has anyone got any tips to give me? PLEASE!

I really appreciate any help!

Thank you!
Manuela

System

Re:Career Advice - HELP!

Maybe become a treasurer for a local group? It is difficult with 9-5 work. Maybe you could also do some book-keeping on the side at home? But the AAT have some restrictions on that...

I hope you work something out.

Gem

System

Re:Career Advice - HELP!

Manuela

Hiya - I can totally sympathise with what you are saying.

About 3 years ago, I had a career change - I went from being a reception/duty manager of a hotel to being a data processor in an accounts office. I had to do this as I wanted to do finance - however, the hotel were not willing to train me and working all the hours god sent, there was no way I could study and work there. So I made the decision to change.

I expressed in my new job that I wanted to study AAT and they are paying me at present to study. However, I am still doing the jobs as when I first started there - which is rather boring now. I expressed my concern to the financial controller and asked why there was no Personal Development Plan in place for me. He immediately recognised that this was wrong and set to work on a plan for me. I now have that in place and the things they said I'd learn, I am still not. I have had to push so hard for them to train me on new things - and with hard work and dedication and telling them that I am a valuable asset to their company - they are slowly pulling their fingers out and doing something.

I think what I am trying to say is that pushing them is the only thing - they want to see you doing this as then they know that you just don't sit there and wait for them to approach you. You have to approach them. Its hard and believe me, I still get very down and know sometimes I am just getting nowhere. I ensure that I have monthly reviews and stuff to keep them on their toes.

I would wait until you finish your exams - I know that seems a long way off but by the time you have passed and with the experience you'd hopefully gain along the way....it'll pay off and get the job that you should be doing.

And remember you are the valuable asset to them - without you studying and gaining experience, they would not have you - you'd be somewhere else - remind them of that every so often!!

I hope this helps in your decision and good luck with everything you do in the future.

Lou xx

System

Re:Career Advice - HELP!

Thanks for your help, I get really frustrated with this situation at times.

I have already made the point with them twice, but nothing seems to be moving. I should probably request a meeting with them to tell them again I'd like to do something better and as you say "keep them on their toes" and let them know I won't hang around waiting forever.

I also know that I am better wait till I finish and then go because I will then be able to get a better job. However, I feel frustrated because I am bored stiff, I am paid very little (I got to know I am the lower paid employee in the whole company!), I pay for my own stydying... sometimes I get really fed up and I feel like giving up... but then there is the mortgage to pay and the bills and so I get back to reality and realise why I am there! I just need to be patient and bide my time.

Thank you, hope something will move soon in my career... because it is driving me crackers!!!

Thanks
Manu
x