Is there anything wrong with doing admin work even though I have a degree?
Asked by Hmmm...
I am pretty satisfied earning £20,000 per year. However, my parents want me to go into management as I have a degree. I do want to get into management but I want to start from admin and gain experience so I am confident when I do apply for management posts. Is there anything wrong with that? I just don't feel confident enough to join a graduate position at the moment.

Best Answer:
First of all, many admin jobs pay much better than those which require degrees. I work in a job which requires a degree, and earn £27,000 plus a bonus. However, some of my friends are secretaries and earn around £32,000. Not only are they getting more money, but they're under far less pressure and work much shorter hours. Okay, in the future, it's likely that I will have more chance to progress - ten years' down the line they'll still be earning the same money as they're at the top of the range now, but I'll have doubled my income - but at this rate I will have completely burned out before that. However ... I know from my own experience that once you're in an admin job, no matter how good your degree is, it's very hard to get out of it. If you've been out of university for more than a year then even now you'd probably struggle to get accepted into a graduate role. I'm not sure why that is - perhaps employers think you're not motivated, or perhaps they think you're thick and not capable of anything else. You may find that you need to undertake further study now in order to progress beyond admin.

there's nothing wrong with that, do what you want, dont listen to anyone else i have A Levels and am doing a cleaning job because it pays better than half the jobs that i am qualified for
Answered by Moonstomp

sensible, your parents are just looking out for you....
Answered by jamesdean2002uk

of course not. do what you want to and tell your parents to butt out, it's your life! if you're happy with what your doing don't bother what anyone else says
Answered by gembolatino

Hi Kira, Its your life you must do whatever you are happy with. Plenty of time later to go into management, get your experience first, it will make applying for a management position easier later on.
Answered by Cornish Granny

You do risk being pigeon-holed if you stick too long with any position, especially one that plays to stereotypes. It sits there on your CV, and raises the question "Why did this person do this? Is that what they are really suited to?". Not that you can't get into management from that position, but you are unlikely to rise to the very top unless you start now, and go for it fairly ruthlessly. I wouldn't advise the full on approach unless that suits your personality. Just be aware of the risk, because it is real. Hope that helps.
Answered by GC

I am in almost the exact same situation as you - it's fine, really. It's so hard to join at a managerial level if you are brand new to a company, for obvious reasons.
Answered by Han

I'm sure you are correct. In my 36 year career (Merchant banking) it took me decades to learn all the soft jobs were in admin, accounting, human resources, etc. Because, of course - from their centralised position of control they could fudge the numbers and charge their over-staffed departmental costs to my coal-face work activities. Your parents might have great expectactions of you - try to push you into manaagement - but I'm sure you are correct in believing good management is based on a sound knowledge of the business - inside and out.
Answered by Miss Fit

There is noting wrong with doing admin especially when you feel satisfied. However, you must agree that the context of your expressed satisfaction is directly related to a perceived lack of self confidence rather than the easy sell "satisfaction". Your parents see a greater potential in you and I believe you have the capacity to shoot beyond your self imposed limitation. Please seek professional assistance on how to break away from this dangerous comfort zone which appears escapist by your expression. You must adjust to challenges/opportunities to unleash your potentials and earn a better/unlimited recognition. Good luck!
Answered by me2gojoin