Hmmm... well, I suppose the company knows why they restrict most accounts, since a bunch of newbies could do some damage if given the wrong permissions. I'm not saying you would, but I know plenty of people at work where I'm glad they can't do much with their profiles.
Anyway, I would try talking to the admin, have some good arguments ready why you should have certain permissions. If that doesn't get you anywhere, I'd drop it, and under no circumstances would try to increase my permissions myself. If they'd find that out, you'd probably be in deep trouble.
Welcome aboard.
Cheers,
Ronald