Topic: My first solo IT consulting engagement
Anonymous A started this discussion 15 years ago #1,117
Straight after finishing University I landed a job at a software company as an IT consultant. I've been working for 4 months now; after two weeks of basic training I was sent on-site to work on a large project with a team of colleagues. It's been difficult at times, but I've always been comfortable in the knowledge that I can always get help from other people.
Today I was sent on my first solo consulting engagement, helping to install a product I had experience with, but had only seen one use case of (due to being on a single project from the beginning).
I'm really glad I can be completely honest here. I was completely out of my depth! The client treated me as if I was an expert with the product and asked me so many questions that I just didn't know the answer to. I managed to install a basic configuration of the software after getting help directly from the Product Manager; I can't thank him enough.
I felt so scared, so stressed, and so anxious. I thought they would see right through me and get angry for not being competent with the software.
I really want to know if this is common for an IT company. I didn't even have training in the software I was meant to install and was expected to go on-site and install it on my own. I have to go back to work on the installation sometime next week and would appreciate any tips to get through this.
Today I was sent on my first solo consulting engagement, helping to install a product I had experience with, but had only seen one use case of (due to being on a single project from the beginning).
I'm really glad I can be completely honest here. I was completely out of my depth! The client treated me as if I was an expert with the product and asked me so many questions that I just didn't know the answer to. I managed to install a basic configuration of the software after getting help directly from the Product Manager; I can't thank him enough.
I felt so scared, so stressed, and so anxious. I thought they would see right through me and get angry for not being competent with the software.
I really want to know if this is common for an IT company. I didn't even have training in the software I was meant to install and was expected to go on-site and install it on my own. I have to go back to work on the installation sometime next week and would appreciate any tips to get through this.
The Continental !!+bfOgzYS+ joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 6 minutes later[^] [v] #21,508
It is common. In almost every job, most new employees are not qualified. Just "fake it until you make it," so to speak. It is very common. No worries, mate!
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 12 hours later, 12 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,281
What product are you working with? Is it a specific product that your company makes and installs, or something I may be able to help you with?
Also, the first 8 months or so in the field can get stressful, every problem is new and you have that fear that "I COULD FUCK EVERYTHING UP OMG". It'll pass, eventually fixing most problems becomes second nature, and you'll be browsing minichan while you work.
edit:
> I didn't even have training in the software I was meant to install and was expected to go on-site and install it on my own
This is what I find interesting, If this is your company's product (say you work for Trend Micro and you are installing an officescan suite) then that is pretty fucked up, and it's the company's fault. If it's just random X product your client happened to need and you were asked to install, your company can't train you on every product, but you'll learn over time.
Also, the first 8 months or so in the field can get stressful, every problem is new and you have that fear that "I COULD FUCK EVERYTHING UP OMG". It'll pass, eventually fixing most problems becomes second nature, and you'll be browsing minichan while you work.
edit:
> I didn't even have training in the software I was meant to install and was expected to go on-site and install it on my own
This is what I find interesting, If this is your company's product (say you work for Trend Micro and you are installing an officescan suite) then that is pretty fucked up, and it's the company's fault. If it's just random X product your client happened to need and you were asked to install, your company can't train you on every product, but you'll learn over time.
(Edited 2 minutes later.)
henn !NePD4JH0HI joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 56 minutes later, 13 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,296
@previous (Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k)
Pretty much this.
> This is what I find interesting, If this is your company's product (say you work for Trend Micro and you are installing an officescan suite) then that is pretty fucked up, and it's the company's fault. If it's just random X product your client happened to need and you were asked to install, your company can't train you on every product, but you'll learn over time.
IT in a corporate environment is not about knowing everything. Fixing problems and creating solutions comes over time. It's not fucked up that he couldn't figure something out. Maybe if he was given proper documentation or training it would be. But generally, for any profession, it takes experience,
Pretty much this.
> This is what I find interesting, If this is your company's product (say you work for Trend Micro and you are installing an officescan suite) then that is pretty fucked up, and it's the company's fault. If it's just random X product your client happened to need and you were asked to install, your company can't train you on every product, but you'll learn over time.
IT in a corporate environment is not about knowing everything. Fixing problems and creating solutions comes over time. It's not fucked up that he couldn't figure something out. Maybe if he was given proper documentation or training it would be. But generally, for any profession, it takes experience,
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k replied with this 15 years ago, 4 minutes later, 13 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,298
Don't know if OP checks minichan often, but if you do please update us =-).
(Edited 3 minutes later.)
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 3 minutes later, 13 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,301
@OP
Also, feeling like that is common. I've felt it, colleges of mine have talked about that feeling too. Don't let it get to you.
Working in IT, you're supposed to be matter-of-fact and know everything but it's not that easy. Just think what else you know about IT and all the hard work you put n to get the job. Should you be feeling anxious? No. The field as IT is too broad.
Also, feeling like that is common. I've felt it, colleges of mine have talked about that feeling too. Don't let it get to you.
Working in IT, you're supposed to be matter-of-fact and know everything but it's not that easy. Just think what else you know about IT and all the hard work you put n to get the job. Should you be feeling anxious? No. The field as IT is too broad.
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 13 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,302
@previous (henn !NePD4JH0HI)
> Working in IT, you're supposed to be matter-of-fact and know everything but it's not that easy.
> The field as IT is too broad.
Very true!
> Working in IT, you're supposed to be matter-of-fact and know everything but it's not that easy.
> The field as IT is too broad.
Very true!
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 11 minutes later, 13 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,306
@previous (Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k)
I remember when me and the CIO did an email migration. It's so stressful. Not because of the work you have to do, but because the expectations of the company (everything should work right away with no problems) and IT as a whole.
I remember when me and the CIO did an email migration. It's so stressful. Not because of the work you have to do, but because the expectations of the company (everything should work right away with no problems) and IT as a whole.
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k replied with this 15 years ago, 10 minutes later, 13 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,309
@previous (henn !NePD4JH0HI)
Yeah definetly. It's never the work that is stressful as much as the the expectations, and when you are new, the fear. I might be looking for a new job this summer and I'm not excited about it. I'm very comfortable where I am now, I've worked here for a while and the job has become easy because I know all of our software, our network and server needs, and our users very very well. Being the new guy in an organization again is going to suck balls.
Yeah definetly. It's never the work that is stressful as much as the the expectations, and when you are new, the fear. I might be looking for a new job this summer and I'm not excited about it. I'm very comfortable where I am now, I've worked here for a while and the job has become easy because I know all of our software, our network and server needs, and our users very very well. Being the new guy in an organization again is going to suck balls.
(Edited 49 seconds later.)
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 11 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,312
@previous (Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k)
Only take it if they pay you more, which you probably know already (just saying because I don't know your situation). You can handle being the 'new guy'. It suck the pride out of you at first, but everyone goes through that. Just make sure you tell your employers about your decision and put in a two weeks notice when you get offered a new job.
Only take it if they pay you more, which you probably know already (just saying because I don't know your situation). You can handle being the 'new guy'. It suck the pride out of you at first, but everyone goes through that. Just make sure you tell your employers about your decision and put in a two weeks notice when you get offered a new job.
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k replied with this 15 years ago, 8 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,313
@previous (henn !NePD4JH0HI)
Haha my employer will need a few months advance, I'm the head network administrator right now, two weeks would be hilarious. YOU'RE FUCKED BAI
Haha my employer will need a few months advance, I'm the head network administrator right now, two weeks would be hilarious. YOU'RE FUCKED BAI
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,314
henn !NePD4JH0HI double-posted this 15 years ago, 32 seconds later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,315
henn !NePD4JH0HI triple-posted this 15 years ago, 50 seconds later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,316
Anonymous E joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 8 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,323
What course did you take?
Computer science?
Or is that "reserved" for developers and would be overkill for such a position?
Computer science?
Or is that "reserved" for developers and would be overkill for such a position?
(Edited 20 seconds later.)
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 6 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,329
henn !NePD4JH0HI double-posted this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,331
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,333
@22,314 (henn !NePD4JH0HI)
Well I might, might not. I work in the public sector, so while I get amazing benefits, pension, ect. The bureaucracy involved with any change is pretty bullshit. This summer when the new budget gets approved I'll decide whether or not I want to stay here long term or just leave.
Well I might, might not. I work in the public sector, so while I get amazing benefits, pension, ect. The bureaucracy involved with any change is pretty bullshit. This summer when the new budget gets approved I'll decide whether or not I want to stay here long term or just leave.
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 4 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,337
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,339
@previous (henn !NePD4JH0HI)
Yes. The actual job is awesome, I would work here for the next 40 years if I could.
Yes. The actual job is awesome, I would work here for the next 40 years if I could.
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k double-posted this 15 years ago, 11 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,346
@22,337 (henn !NePD4JH0HI)
Hilarious semi-related note, henn. My finance director JUST NOW came into my office and gave me a big raise ahahahahaha. That's hilarious.
Hilarious semi-related note, henn. My finance director JUST NOW came into my office and gave me a big raise ahahahahaha. That's hilarious.
(Edited 20 seconds later.)
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,349
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k replied with this 15 years ago, 8 minutes later, 15 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,355
@previous (henn !NePD4JH0HI)
Like $200 a week more dude. I was blown away at how funny that was, I had this thread open (bitching about the budget) in a tab while she spoke to me. ahahahahahaha.
Like $200 a week more dude. I was blown away at how funny that was, I had this thread open (bitching about the budget) in a tab while she spoke to me. ahahahahahaha.
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 3 minutes later, 15 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,357
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 2 hours later, 17 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,525
Thanks for the replies; it's very reassuring. I'm installing my own company's products and there is no help at all online. Is it common to send just one consultant onsite? I would feel much better with someone else, even if they were inexperienced like me.
I don't think this high-pressure job is really for me. I'd much rather work with a team of people to share the pain with.
I don't think this high-pressure job is really for me. I'd much rather work with a team of people to share the pain with.
Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k replied with this 15 years ago, 4 minutes later, 17 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,530
@previous (A)
Hmmmm, it's hard to say what is common. Any time I've ever had a consultant come in for a particular software vendor, it is always one person. It is upsetting that after a few months of working there you don't feel up to speed yet, but don't worry man. Do you have any friends at work who are in the same position as you? Maybe someone else feels the same way.
Edit: How good is your company's support system? Whenever I've asked an install guy a question that was over his head, he usually either gets the information from someone above him, or gives me their information so I can contact them directly. Also, do you mind if I ask what kind of software it is/what it does?
Hmmmm, it's hard to say what is common. Any time I've ever had a consultant come in for a particular software vendor, it is always one person. It is upsetting that after a few months of working there you don't feel up to speed yet, but don't worry man. Do you have any friends at work who are in the same position as you? Maybe someone else feels the same way.
Edit: How good is your company's support system? Whenever I've asked an install guy a question that was over his head, he usually either gets the information from someone above him, or gives me their information so I can contact them directly. Also, do you mind if I ask what kind of software it is/what it does?
(Edited 2 minutes later.)
AC !tyLmN8C16E joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 18 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,533
@22,281 (Deckard Cain !xhERPesk0k)
> Also, the first 8 months or so in the field can get stressful, every problem is new and you have that fear that "I COULD FUCK EVERYTHING UP OMG". It'll pass, eventually fixing most problems becomes second nature, and you'll be browsing minichan while you work.
OH GAWD THIS
> Also, the first 8 months or so in the field can get stressful, every problem is new and you have that fear that "I COULD FUCK EVERYTHING UP OMG". It'll pass, eventually fixing most problems becomes second nature, and you'll be browsing minichan while you work.
OH GAWD THIS
henn !NePD4JH0HI replied with this 15 years ago, 32 minutes later, 18 hours after the original post[^] [v] #22,568
@22,525 (A)
You're going to have to deal with pressure like that one way or another.
Might as well stick through it and learn.
You're going to have to deal with pressure like that one way or another.
Might as well stick through it and learn.