Career Dilemma - what to do next?

Discussion in 'Employment & Jobs' started by Barca, Mar 6, 2009.

  1. Barca

    Barca New Member

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    Hi,

    I'm looking for a bit of advice on where to take my career. I had an Interview today which I was very frustrated with.

    To give you a bit of background. I have a MCSE & CCNA.

    I got my current job after taking a year out to get my MCSE. I have been with my present employer for 3 years. During that time I have managed to continuously demonstrate initiative and get good feedback from my peers. I earn a good salary.

    I have become frustrated with life in my current job because I never get the chance to use my skills in MCSE and CCNA, we have outsourced the management of our servers to a 3rd party who can provide 24/7 support. Because of this I have little involvement in day to day support of our servers. I can see how we can make 100s of improvements to our current infrastructure, however because of the position I'm in a rarely get listened to.

    Today I had an interview and I really bombed out at it, I had a technical test which I don't think I did too well in. Also simple tasks I could do easily 3 years ago I found I had either forgotten how to do it or I really had to think hard to get to the answer. Its like the saying goes "use it or lose it". I know I should be happy to be in a job but its so frustrating being in a job where they are not taking advantage of my skillset and its harming my future career.

    So my question is, what would you guys do in the same situation? I'm desperate to make an impact and add value to whoever my employers are because I know I can do a great job, but I have worked hard to get my qualifications and spent a fortune doing them.

    Thanks in advance for all your help.
     
  2. Sparky
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    Keep applying for jobs mate, you need to get back up to speed with interviews as in most cases you only get a short space of time to show what you are capable of.

    Also getting back to the technical test perhaps have a think to why you bombed out. Just unlucky or do you need to brush up on your technical skills?
     
    Certifications: MSc MCSE MCSA:M MCSA:S MCITP:EA MCTS(x5) MS-900 AZ-900 Security+ Network+ A+
    WIP: Microsoft Certs
  3. onoski

    onoski Terabyte Poster

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    I understand your dilemma and see your point. However, owing to the current worldwide economic downturn firms are looking more into cutting cost hence outsourcing is big business.

    I'd brush up on the techniques on interviewing as well as look into the areas I was weak on when sitting the test. Best wishes and don't let this get to you too much and keep looking for a new opportunity:).
     
    Certifications: MCSE: 2003, MCSA: 2003 Messaging, MCP, HNC BIT, ITIL Fdn V3, SDI Fdn, VCP 4 & VCP 5
    WIP: MCTS:70-236, PowerShell
  4. Crito

    Crito Banned

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    Find a new career in a viable industry. Don't waste 20 years of your life in IT like I did.
     
    Certifications: A few
    WIP: none
  5. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    Considering this is an IT certification forum... why are you here? :blink Simply to warn people away from getting into IT?!?
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  6. Crito

    Crito Banned

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    I come here to annoy you.
     
    Certifications: A few
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  7. Bluerinse
    Honorary Member

    Bluerinse Exabyte Poster

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    Crito, please.. I can tell you're not in the best of moods today, I would suggest you take a break and come back when you are feeling a little more relaxed :wink:
     
    Certifications: C&G Electronics - MCSA (W2K) MCSE (W2K)
  8. Sparky
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    You must have made a few mistakes then. :dry
     
    Certifications: MSc MCSE MCSA:M MCSA:S MCITP:EA MCTS(x5) MS-900 AZ-900 Security+ Network+ A+
    WIP: Microsoft Certs
  9. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    Nice! Stay classy, Crito. At least you didn't fail at everything! :thumbleft

    Any other trolls want to pop out? Now's your chance... :rolleyes:
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  10. UKDarkstar
    Honorary Member

    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

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    Let's keep on topic here guys.

    To the OP :

    In your position I'd :

    1) Write a short report on things and pass to the management at the company pointing out that you are highlighting costs savings for the company as you are employed by them and are capable of doing some of the work the 3rd party is doing (phrase this aspect carefully, of course). Comment on changes/improvements that could be made

    2) brush up on skills

    3) maybe have a quiet word with the 3rd party supplier to see if they have any jobs going or if you can be more actively involved when they do work on-site

    4) spruce up that CV !

    5) Put the CV out there - even in the current climate you never know what may come up and have a chat with some IT specialist recruiters

    6) Join LinkedIn - professional networking site and again, you never know when a contact can provide an opportunity for you

    7) Think about new skills/certs and maybe goig along to some BCS meetings (whether you join or not) - get your name known

    HTH :biggrin
     
    Certifications: BA (Hons), MBCS, CITP, MInstLM, ITIL v3 Fdn, PTLLS, CELTA
    WIP: CMALT (about to submit), DTLLS (on hold until 2012)
  11. Barca

    Barca New Member

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    Thanks for your help guys, I think you're probably right about out of practice with interviews. I have meetings with my manager every couple of weeks. I will re-emphasise the fact that I need more technical work. I need to renew my current certs so hopefully that will bring back memories about it.
     

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