First non entry level job a bit of a disaster

[Toska]

I graduated almost 10 years ago and have been stuck in a series of low paying entry level roles. I've had to find a new role, in a new sector as my old role wasn't compatible with childcare. This role is only about £2,000 more than my old one and so I assumed it was an entry level role, I applied and I got the job.

I've been here six weeks and my manager has started talking to me about writing strategy and delivering presentations, none of which I've done before. My reaction obviously wasn't what she wanted as she said to me 'this isn't an entry level role'. I tend to just keep my head down and do the work but she doesn't want a 'worker bee', she wants me to be involved in meetings and make decisions that impact the team.

I've had a week to brood and cry. I fully accept that I am lacking in confidence, self belief and have quite severe social awkwardness which makes communicating very difficult. I also don't speak very well. But I would like to be better, for myself and my family. My husband earns three times more than I do and because I've always had crap jobs we live in a horrible town as financially it's all we can afford. The role I am in is poorly paid as this company pays about £5,000 under the market rate for all roles but I've just seen the same role and job title advertised for between £5-13,000 more. What I do now is fairly niche and I've been told that future career prospects are good, I just need to get a hang of the job.

How can I feel more confident about this step up professionally?

I think you should be feeling encouraged, as well as (understandably) terrified. Clearly your manager thinks you can do it. Is there anyone you can practise your public speaking with, or someone you trust to give you pointers? It really is a case of practice makes perfect.

You can Google help on how to do good presentations, what to include etc. I think you have a bad case of imposter syndrome but you wouldn't have been hired if they didn't think you can do it.

Try saying yes to the next thing you are asked to do, even if outside your comfort zone. Then either Google or ask on MN for tips - there is lots of help out there.

Good luck. You can do it!

As terrifying as it is, this is actually probably one of very few ways to move beyond the entry level jobs and develop the career you want. Stay in this job for a few years, learn all the skills you can, develop the professionalism and the interpersonal skills, the confidence and then when you’re ready and feel like you’ve outgrown this job - and believe me, it might not feel like it but you will - you can apply for the higher earning and higher responsibility roles.

This is actually a majorly positive step forward. You’re being pushed and it’s wonderful. If you have ambition, which you sound like you do, nothing can stop you. And there’s nothing worse than being in a soul destroying, going nowhere job when you want so much more. It’s time to leave those entry level jobs behind and this is the first step :)

Use it as an opportunity to gain valuable experience. It will feel scary but will be useful professionally in the long term. It will also boost your confidence

Your manager obviously believes in you. Just keep reminding yourself about that!

Perhaps, find a mentor in the organisation, either formally or informally.

I agree, use it as an opportunity to learn and develop professionally!
Your manager has obviously recognised your skills and potential! Head up, be proud and deliver to the best of your abilities. If your manager is any good, then you will have some support. You already have some knowledge and experience confidence will come with time!

In addition to what PP said, the more you know, the more confident you are, so research, read and DO the tasks that stretch your current perceived limits.
Also, practice. The most confident of my colleagues is actually quite nervous but she admitted she practices presentations in front of her family, times her speech and slides, does the body language and eye contact, the whole works, until the delivery is super smooth.