Moving up the ladder (Trying to anyway)

Sunflare759

First off I wanted to say I'm happy to post my first thread on this forum. I was studying for two certifications until I came across this gem.

So now I am CompTIA A+ Certified and a Microsoft MCTS Technical Specialist with training from other IT professionals and instructors. I was in the process of obtaining my MCTiP but put that on hold while I feel this organization out as far as what sort of skills and certifications the IT managers are actually looking for exactly.

I have started contract work through this temp agency working in Manhattan working for a city agency. It's been 2 months npw. I've already done my homework as far as who to network with and am learning alot. I am geting excellent feedback from my superiors, on the basis that I know my job very well and work without little supervision unlike some. My co-workers respect me because I am on the money with problem solving, technical and otherwise.

I don't exactly have the type of job I wanted. It's more less a clerical job. Yes my foot is in the door, and the pay is decent I guess, not too bad, but technically there is a hiring freeze. The agency will not hire temps for the IT department for that matter according to one colleague.

However there is another co-worker of mine that I am well acquainted with who said yes I can get in, just get my Network+ and Security+ and I'm in he said. Getting the Civil Service Exam will definitely help. Well, he had to change job agencies to get where he is in the IT department now. I'll ask later as to *why* he had to do that and how did he get through if he is not even A+ certified! Can't be that cut and dry!

I'm writing too much already. I may have to move on after 3 months. Resume is ready. I have contacts. Question is how do I find the time for interviewing without sacrificing this job I am at now which obviously I must keep secure to pay the bills and keep a roof over my head? Organize my time and select time off carefully, as I am a temp and not an actual civil servant working for this state agency? There's got to be way to knock that damn door now. Well in the meantime I'll be working on obtaining my Net+. maybe an internship on the weekends to build my skillset. Something...

I realize this is a long winded post, my apologies. Thanks for listening.

Roguetadhg

The problem about temp agencies is that you've been introduced to that company. That company would need to pay more money for you if they were to hire you full-time. The Agency also gets a piece of the pie for introducing you to them. So you are getting paid more than what you actually see.

As far as jobs - It's not always cut and dry.

If you have vacation time or sick time with the temp agency. Use it. They tend to be a stickler when it comes to taking time off.

Sunflare759

The catch is that this government agency I work for is not hiring at this point. However that's not as a rule etched in stone. I'll have to make the right connections then and see where I can go with this. With the consulting firm I am representing they should have options for me to take personal days off after 6 months. I guess that's where I get the ball moving on finding better opportunities as you suggested. Not that I'm unsatisfied with my job now, actually the transferable skills I am acquiring will look great on my resume. But I am naturally a very ambitious person so yeah.

So no worries I guess, I'll use this time wisely to prove myself to be a reliable and very skilled employee as I work on my next two certifications. I'm currently setting up my own home lab and will take advantage of videos and books, practice tests, etc to pass the exams. That's the plan. Hopefully everything should come into place when I am granted sick time or personal time, if this firm offers it.

Thanks for the advice.

Sunflare759

Oh to add, I was given the wrong information. The agency I am under contract with does hire temps in their IT department, which I found out to my relief. It should just be a matter of time. One more question: If I see an opportunity for a promotion within the agency how does the host employer and the temp agency work it out so I can gain the promotion? How should I go about it?