Need some career advice!

KaledaB

Hi there, I'm new posting on the forum although I have been reading a while!

I've been working in my current job (retail) for the last four years. The first couple of years was part time while at uni and then the other two after I left. I admit, staying so long after uni has probably been a mistake but I really enjoyed working there. Now things have changed, I'm not enjoying it and I feel I am getting treated unfairly. Also, having some time off while I was ill made me realise that retail was not a 'career' for me, if I want to work my way up the ladder the industry for me isn't retail.

I want to move into Admin (yes I know everyone does!) but I know that will be hard because of the catch 22 situation: Job asks for experience but you can't get the experience. I was thinking of doing an Apprenticeship to gain experience. I am signed up to the Apprenticeships website but what I want to know is will I be able to get an Apprenticeship without leaving my current job? I don't want to take the risk of not having a job for a good while so can I search and hopefully find something and THEN leave my job? I have a two week notice period. Or do the companies providing the Apprenticeships reject those who are already in employment? I understand that most of these positions are to be filled as soon as possible but is 2 weeks notice too much? really want to gain the experience!

Thanks in advance for your help/advice

littlestar1981

You can have my job, I want to move out of admin :rotfl:

An apprenticeship is a job with training yes? So apply for them, using your current job as experience of work, and only leave when you get an apprenticeship. The 2 week notice thing... I really wouldn't worry yet and if it comes to it, leave your job early... they can't sue you!!

My sister is looking for an apprenticeship now and they're much less common than a couple of years ago... don't just use http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ but also send speculative CV's to places explaining you want to get into admin and could they offer you anything. Remember also the value of voluntary work.... volunteering for a charity in an admin role gives you insight into the job, experience to add to your CV and even maybe an opportunity to get qualifications or in house training while you're there.

All the best

vitriol

and what did you do at uni ?

KaledaB

Thanks Littlestar that's really helpful. Volunteering sounds good!

Vitriol I did Cultural Studies, and while I enjoyed it and it was interesting it doesn't directly link to any career. I suppose I could head into the direction of Public Service though seeing as the course was about people.