Work Advice

EmCarroll1990

Okay, so I've asked a couple around for their input and am curious in getting other's input as well:

I work as a receptionist, making just enough to get by without any luxuries (a vehicle, spending money, car insurance...) and love the company I work for. The people are awesome, and being a small company we're a tight knit little workforce. I would love to move up in this company, with a position as either a project co-ordinator or project manager. Our company covers further education if it is in the field of our company (construction).

When I had my 2 year review I mentioned my interest in getting into the two above fields and was told my superior would look into it. I was also told, if the opportunity were to arise where I was asked to go out onto site to see how things such as measuring and installing were done, I'd be more than welcome to go. Now, I've been asked a couple times to go and when asking my superior I was told she was "too busy to cover for me."

Here comes the kicker: Today, I'm working at my desk as per usual and in comes my superior stating she's going out onto site with our site manager to "see how it all gets done." I find this to be a little frustrating as, if she is not planning on venturing into the careers I mentioned above, then there is no reason for her to be on site, and if she is, then I'm getting screwed as nothing is being followed up with to further my career. Also, I was not asked how my workload was for the day, so I'm now covering whatever comes in on her end, and my own.

What should I do? Do I go above her and ask her superior about my interest? Do I follow up AGAIN with her? Or do you think maybe, she's not trying to help out and is in it for herself? Gahhh any advice would be very much appreciated.

EmCarroll1990

Bump....

Quickster34

I would first ask what your degree is in? project manager /construction managers usually require either significant industry experience or a strong degree backed with prior management skills, for example i have my mechanical engineering degree and am going back for an MBA so that i will be potentially looked at for a manager position in the not so distant future. that said if your company is just ignoring your requests without a viable reason as to why, i would look elsewhere, there are plenty of people that recognize skill out there you just need to find them. also maybe try asking for small jobs that pertain to the sites so that you could get the oppurtunity to overlap and get involved

good luck!

EmCarroll1990

I would first ask what your degree is in? project manager /construction managers usually require either significant industry experience or a strong degree backed with prior management skills, for example i have my mechanical engineering degree and am going back for an MBA so that i will be potentially looked at for a manager position in the not so distant future. that said if your company is just ignoring your requests without a viable reason as to why, i would look elsewhere, there are plenty of people that recognize skill out there you just need to find them. also maybe try asking for small jobs that pertain to the sites so that you could get the oppurtunity to overlap and get involved

good luck!

I don't have a degree, which is why I was interested in getting some (work paid) schooling pertaining to the jobs. Funnily enough, experience is much more valued here than a degree as we've hired a few people with degrees that are complete idiots. So, I was hoping to get out on site, with a current PM and learn a bit, spend some time going over blueprints and a getting a basic understanding of the position. But that's been totally ignored while my superior is the one going out and doing those things, when she had NEVER expressed an interest in them until I did.

ket_the_jet

This is a tough situation because you've already said that it's a tight-knit work force. How you handle the situation could create rifts in your group.

My first [and best] recommendation is to find a new job. Go do the exact same thing somewhere else where you are respected by your superior. If this is an option, skip to the last paragraph. Otherwise, please read on.

If you have decided that you will not find a new job, your next best option is confrontation with your direct superior. In theory, it should be simple and your boss, understanding. I would broach the subject like this: I am feeling personally disrespected by what I've seen as an impediment to my professional and educational advancement. I'd love to have the opportunity to learn new skills and increase my job security and functionality at the workplace." If your boss is a rational person, she will be amenable to your request and also more cognizant of how you perceive the workplace around you.

If your boss is not amenable, I say that you should go back to step one and find a new job. Because if you still want to pursue the opportunity within the company, you will definitely be creating a division in the workforce. If you are ready for this step, address the site manager. Mention that you have taken a candid approach with your manager and that you are unconvinced by her rationalization for denying your request--your manager, if she denies your request, will attempt to rationalize it. "I need you on the phones" is not a good rationalization. State that you understand that you are going outside of the chain of command but that your education is important to you. Now probably isn't the time to ask for a raise or to leverage a new job for a better opportunity within your company, but if you have already interviewed elsewhere and have an offer, it doesn't hurt to give it a try.

I used to hear that women were nowhere near as confrontational with their superiors; however, The Washington Post recently revealed a study that suggested that women do ask for raises or promotions as much as men; however, they are compensated differently (http://tinyurl.com/78uxxvo). The average American woman, for instance still makes $.81 for every dollar that an equally qualified male receives.

If none of these solutions work admirably, find a new job. Working with great people may be nice, but it sure won't be rewarding if you feel trapped in mediocrity. Present your case rationally to those above you. It is in their interest to keep their employees happy. Best of luck to you in your pursuits.
-wtk