start out as (something)

To begin development from some particular status, condition, rank, etc. I started out as a QA tester, but I was eventually given the chance to be one of the company's software developers. It started out as short story, but I kept adding characters and plot developments until I eventually made it into a full-fledged novel. Hey, don't feel bad—we all start out as beginners. It's only through practice and experience that we get better!

start out as something

to begin one's career as something. I started out as a clerk and two years later I'm still a clerk! I wanted to start out as an assistant manager.