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Original poster

How on earth can I increase my earning potential?

38 replies

caddywally · 26/12/2017 20:35

I graduated from university in 2014 and found a job as an admin assistant. Not my dream job, but I took whatever I could find as I needed the money and the experience. The pay is poor (I'm on £17000 3 years on), the work is very stressful and the hours are long, so I'm looking for another job, preferably something that pays more. The trouble is, I haven't a clue how to move into something that pays better. The other admin jobs in my area pay around the same - not that I particularly want to stay in admin, but I would consider it if the earning potential was there. I very, very rarely see any jobs advertised that offer training in any other sort of role, and I only got a 2.2 in my degree so graduate schemes generally don't want me, though there aren't many in my area, anyway. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best way to increase my earning potential? I feel a bit stuck as the opportunities don't seem to be there, unless I'm looking in the wrong places.

OP posts:
Katescurios · 26/12/2017 20:43

Does people management interest you? With 3 yes experience you could start looking at team leader roles, as your current manager for development opportunities mentoring new ten members, delivering feedback and so on as that will help with competency based interviews and your CV.

If you decide that you prefer not managing then could you do a part time course to specialise in admin, look at medical/legal administration.

Public sector/council/civil service admin roles pay better than private sector typically.

I started as a call centre worker at 17 on minimum wage, moved through quality support, team leader, mid level manager now senior management now in excess of £40,000 per year so it is possible to stay with the same kind of company/sector in the same subject area but progress.

Plentyoffishnets · 26/12/2017 20:48

I would echo local government. you could fairly easily get an entry level admin job on similar or higher pay, but from my experience there are lots of opportunities once you are "in". Lots of people I know who started on this 5 years ago are is in quite senior positions paying £40k plus.

Blankiefan · 26/12/2017 20:52

How about moving into field sales? There are lots of roles in fmcg sales - either working for agencies (CPM, McCurrach, REL, etc) or direct for a manufacturer (like Coca Cola, Kellogg,etc). Probably easier to get into agency. Probably start around £20-24K plus bonus and very clear progression paths into either people management and/or account management/ more commercial paths. Generally decent training offered.

It's not hugely complex and often more about the right attitude - proactive, hard working, always looking to get better, giving a shit about doing a good job, etc. You'd want to have decent basic communication skills / flexibility/ self management but these can be built on.

Reallytired17 · 26/12/2017 20:54

I’ll get flamed but your best bet is probably teaching tbh.

TimbuktuTimbuktu · 26/12/2017 20:58

Or look at University admin. Similar to local authority, the pay and holidays are good and there are lots of opportunities to work your way up and get professional training.

Original poster
caddywally · 26/12/2017 21:08

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. I've considered university or local government as options before, so I think I'll keep my eyes open for any positions that open.

I'm not sure how I'd fare with people management as it's not something I've got any experience with, but it is something to think about.

Field sales - I'm not completely sure what that involves, but I don't have a very sales-y personality. I'm not very outgoing (though it doesn't get in the way of what I do at the moment), but I think I'd be better off working behind the scenes or with people in my office/working environment. Same goes for teaching. I have considered it, but think I would be absolutely knackered by the end of the day from all the talking - I also don't fancy taking a year out for my PGCE and not earning!

OP posts:
Polarbearflavour · 26/12/2017 21:09

Civil Service - you can move up and they offer training courses. Does you current workplace provide training you could do?

What about being a personal assistant / executive assistant somewhere else? They normally get paid more.

Amatree · 26/12/2017 21:11

PA roles can be well paid, or have you considered HR? You can work your way up from a support role and study alongside working.

Original poster
caddywally · 26/12/2017 21:23

Polarbear I currently work for a fairly small business so there's not really much room to progress. I will look into the civil service and being a personal assistant, though I think whether or not I'd enjoy that would depend a lot on who I was an assistant to.

Amatree I've considered HR but don't often see any entry level roles! I'll keep looking.

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 27/12/2017 08:36

For an HR role, you could look at getting some qualifications under your belt through day release/ night school especially if you can find an employer willing to fund your development.

IT (account administration entry level) is also an option, especially if your degree was in an IT or computing subject.

Woodman03 · 27/12/2017 08:45

What degree do you have?
What did you want to do?

LadyLapsang · 27/12/2017 15:17

Where are you based geographically, how far would you travel and are you willing to move?

Original poster
caddywally · 27/12/2017 21:13

Woodman My degree is in maths. I wasn't ever really sure what I wanted to do. I just did a degree because I was told it was necessary (though looking back I disagree!) and was hoping some sort of graduate job would jump out at me. Not helpful, I know.

LadyLapsang I'm in Exeter and wouldn't really want to work outside the city, though there aren't really many hubs of employment within a reasonable commuting distance, anyway. I would consider moving to certain areas for the right job.

OP posts:
Buck3t · 27/12/2017 22:58

have you considered cyber security? There is currently a shortage. It wouldn't take long to get some qualifications, the only problem would be getting experience, but I dare say with the shortage, you could make yourself useful somewhere.

daisychain01 · 28/12/2017 05:14

A degree in maths is a great foundation for a career. Having an aptitude for logic has many possible uses. You could definitely top up your current knowledge with technology, teaching, maybe even programming. It seems such a shame having that qualification without putting it to good use.

Could you contact your Uni and leverage their careers advice and guidance. They are normally amenable to supporting alumni.

Toomanycats99 · 28/12/2017 05:18

Accountancy training. Good prospects and regular pay increases as you progress. Probably better to get first exams under your belt then look for job with training contract.

brizzledrizzle · 28/12/2017 05:21

A 2:2 won't get the op a place on a pgce.

Pradaqueen · 28/12/2017 05:26

I also came on to say Cyber security. My DD is 11 and has already attended a course to understand what jobs are available when she leaves school. This was run by GCHQ and various agencies owing to the fact that by early in the next decade There is projected to be 1.5 million vacancies in this area so they want to get kids thinking about this already. Look up Cyberfirst online and see what is open to you in your area. You don't have to be a teenage hacker or a computer buff to understand what is necessary for many of the jobs, just a willingness to learn. The money is very very good once you have mastered the skills (which I dare say being in admin you will have already). One of the parents I met on the day is head of IT for a bank, he was telling me they are desperate and paying mega bucks to attract graduates in this area...Good luck to you in your search!

ohamIreally · 28/12/2017 06:29

Pay is generally higher in male dominated industry such as technology so focus your efforts there.

VivaLeBeaver · 28/12/2017 07:00

Ministry of defence commercial graduate scheme? They ask for a 2:2 and I reckon would take someone who interviews well with a 2:2 above a poor interviewee with a first.

Money is good, great prospects and pension. A family member is currently in the scheme and loves it, it’s mainly purchasing, but interesting stuff, contract negotiations, lots of logistical stuff. You’d have to move to Bristol though.

VivaLeBeaver · 28/12/2017 07:01

I reckon a 2:2 in maths would get her a place on a pgce if she wanted.

SaturdaySauv · 28/12/2017 07:31

Of course depends where you live but lots of entry level HR roles on Guardian jobs.

Agree with PA suggestion. We offer 30K plus with no experience required (obviously you need transferable office skills).

StealthPolarBear · 28/12/2017 07:34

Op look at entry level data analyst or data manager jobs at NHS digital. They have an office in Exeter.

StealthPolarBear · 28/12/2017 07:35

Never worked there but have worked alongside them and it seems like a great place to work with loada of opportubities