nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Paying your dues

dontstop

Hey all,

I was picked out of University before I graduated to work at a couple of large organisations, The only problem with this is I feel I have not "payed my dues" In terms of work experience and exposure. Does anyone feel that basic/novice work is instrumental to their advancement? I'm actually thinking of going back to a very basic job and trying to work my way up the chain say through Level 1 -> Level 2 -> Level 3 (with training and experience all the while).

I feel like I'm missing a lot of knowledge (gappy knowledge) and just don't have enough time in the seat to be working in the roles I currently do. I'm feeling though as I don't have time to learn some of the basics because the roles assume some of this is knowledge you would have gained from 3-5 years in the role. Has anyone done something similar?

Thanks,
-ds

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Boot Camps

Comments

Plantwiz

What exactly is "picked out of university"? A recruiter or such offered you a job and you accepted?

Sounds like someone thought you had something to bring to the table. If you are lacking schooling, go back or try some online or evening classes. As far as experience? How are you claim no experience when already working a job? Maybe need a little confidence, but if people walk up an offer you work, they likely see something in you that perhaps you don't yet see?

Hang in there. This is a good place to be.

Short term, write a list of skills you think you need to improve or develop. Spend an hour or two each evening (or as you can spare) and research each topic. In time, you will get the hang of things. The alternative is that if every task you do is so overwhelming, then sit down with your boss and explain that you are not the best person for this job. (Obviously not the best solution as you might lose the job...but if that I best, so be it).

cruwl

Paying my dues caused me to loose all my CCNA training, I paid my dues on the help desk and wasted all that knowledge. If you have a job giving you advanced experience take full advantage of it and look forward not backward in your career.

just my 2 cents.

dave330i

dontstop wrote: »

Does anyone feel that basic/novice work is instrumental to their advancement? I'm actually thinking of going back to a very basic job and trying to work my way up the chain say through Level 1 -> Level 2 -> Level 3 (with training and experience all the while).

No. Nothing wrong with by passing it, and odds are you'll be extremely bored.

nkillgore

Why would you? Help desk was a waste of time. You aren't going to learn much that you won't learn in a more advanced role. I spent 2 years trying to get myself out of help desk. Why? Because it was boring and monotonous. Do yourself (and your sanity) a favor and bypass it if you can - that is, unless you are unsure about how to change batteries in a wireless mouse. Learn what you can at night or in any slow time at work.

I'm going to second what cruwl said. I had a CCNA when I entered into a helpdesk position and ended up having to relearn most of it 2 years later so I could renew the cert.

puertorico1985

I agree with everyone here. You may feel like you are missing something by not having a job in Level 1. But as a former Helpdesk Tech, you are not missing much. As Plantwiz said, write down a list of things you need more work on, and study. Get some books, go to youtube, get on techexams. The internet is filled with information, all you have to do is look.