How do i get my boss to let me get involved in more projects.

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Hi All,

I want to get involved in more projects and server work.

Let me first explain my situation I am 1 of 2 ICT Techs, above us we have a curriculum network manager and above him our systems manager. I have recently become an MCSA (working towards MCSE). I know know i should have waited until i had experience, but i went with a TP and at the time thought it was the way to go. Neither of my managers have a strong IT knowledge/ background. An example of this is that, i regularly get asked how to setup different things on the server, how to deploy packages, setup group policies etc. I don't have a problem with this, but i want some recognition.

I also want to get involved in more projects and development. My boss knows i'm capable and has said it many times, but when ever some thing that is over he's head (setting up new server etc) he hires an external contractor. Every job i have ever been asked to do i have done, and i have never messed anything up!

I personally think the reason is because, he doesn't want it to look like i know more than him. Which i can understand.

I have 2 questions

Does anyone have any suggestions to overcome this? or has any one every encountered a similar situation?

How do i get my boss to allow me to use my skills and gain more experience with related technologies.

 

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Ask.

If he refuses, it's time to look elsewhere.

Simple as that!

 

Thanks BM, i had a feeling that would be the answer. I have been looking, i think i want to move to a larger company anyway.

 

The only way to be honest, is to have a talk with him... explain how you feel. If he is a good boss, you will get that opportunity. I am in similar boat but my boss trusts me and delegates some of the work to me. If I do it right, he will give me more work.

 

If he doesn't come to you with any projects, go to him with some.
Suggest things that could be done and sooner or later he'll give you something to do even if it's just to shut you up.

Be aware though, he's not going to want you getting involved in something that's 'over his head' as it's going to make him look bad.

In the early instances, aim for something low that nobody else wants to do, do a good job of it and hope to get noticed. Go round defragging desktops or documenting software licenses. Whatever.

And don't feel too bad about him outsourcing. Unless you are a really titchy company, nobody is going to say 'we need to upgrade our exchange server, I know, let's get the junior tech who's studying his MCSA to do it because I sure as hell can't.'

 

Well you're "Big" Nath aren't you ? Sort it !

Seriously tho', can be an awkward situation and never any harm looking around but I'd also have a word (appraisal time?) or even a quiet word with someone above him if you get no joy.

 

I have spoken to him about stuff before. I told him that it would be a good idea to look into WSUS, he said it was pointless. I said we should use more group policies, he said it was pointless. He doesn't seem to see the benifits in anything.

 

I've been here nearly 2 1\2 years and never had an appraisal! I have aske several times and i get told "when i get one, you get one".

 

Well it's down to 2 choices then. Either go over his head (careful how you handle that one) or move on.

 

This is absolute truth. Repped.

When those outsourcing companies come by to do their thing, use those opportunities to learn from the consultants, if you are allowed to do so.

 

Sounds like a winner. If that's his attitude, I'd have been out of there already.

 

You are right, i need to move on. I need to be in an enviroment where i am valued and where i get the opportunity to use skills i have learnt and learn new things!

 

too funny, rep!

 

That's a tricky situation.
If he can't be bothered to do anything and nobody else seems to mind, it means you're pretty much on your own and are unlikely to win.

Learn from the guys you outsource to, help them out and build a few bridges.

Then start looking elsewhere, keep taking their pay and if they don't want you to streach yourself then don't.
It's easier to find work when you are still employed and you haven't got the pressures of bills to pay.

Unfortunately there are lots of small companies out there who negelct HR issues such as personal development and appraisals. However, sometimes that sort of company also lacks a lot in the way of structure and allows you to work outside the box a lot.

There is a happy medium somewhere, as believe me, annual appraisals, targets and goals sometimes aren't the great thing you might think and don't necessarily further your career as you would like them to.

Good luck.

 

slap him with 2 by 4

 

Big_Nath should change his name for a laugh and use that as an avatar