Book Learnin' and Stuff Like That.....Do I Need It?

Short answer: Maybe.

Okay, perhaps that isn't helpful. Here is a more detailed perspective.

The position of secretary, administrative assistant, executive assistant and so on is so open-ended at times that it is a matter what industry you might want to work in and also in what city you live that may determine the educational requirements you want to pursue.

I learned how to type, how to work a "word-processor" (don't laugh), English grammar, and "speedwriting" (yet again, don't laugh). Thankfully, I had common sense too. Nowadays, you may want to know more than that. In metropolitan areas, it is natural to see requirements for a degree, although a degree in what may not be detailed. Experience counts for a lot. In fact, a high school diploma can go a far way if you have 5 to 7 years of progressive administrative experience. Ultimately, they are looking for common sense. The hope is that if you don't have it naturally, maybe you got it in college.

But suppose you lack the experience? What to do, what to do.... My suggestion is to look for a certificate course at your local community college. Quite often you will find it under titles such as Office Administration or Office Technology. Some vocational colleges offer this as a two-year degree. There are quite a few for-profit schools out there that provide an administrative curriculum. Be cost conscious. Is it less expensive to learn to type at a community college vs. a for-profit school? Most likely the answer is Yes!

Now don't get me wrong, there is quite a bit to learn to be a productive and valued administrative professional, but if you are just starting out, you are probably not going to bring in a salary of $50,000 or more. You don't want to pay back students loans for years to come because of a one- or two-year program. The key is to avoid exorbitant school tuition. Shopping around is extremely important when it comes to your education.

Whatever choice you make on your educational journey, some classes that are instrumental to a successful administrative career in my opinion are:
1. Microsoft Office software
2. Basic bookkeeping/accounting
3. Knowledge of bookkeeping software
4. English grammar and proofreading
5. Typing (of course!)
6. Website management
7. Database management
8. Internet knowledge (blogs, podcasts, etc.)

Really, education comes in many forms and fashions. You have to be able to pull it together to get the desired result: A JOB!

Next post: Does a title mean anything?

Why Would I Wanna Do That?

Over the years the idea of being a secretary has made people think that the admin role is invisible and often unappreciated. In my years of working as an assistant, I have often felt part of the team, appreciated and respected. In life, if you respect yourself and your position whatever it may be, it makes it harder for people to put you in a position of disrespect without fear of offending you and destroying your professional relationship with them. So now here is why you might want to enter the Administrative Field:

1. JOB PORTABILITY - You can work just about anywhere. In a world of layoffs and relocations, its important to have skills that allow you to work in a variety of settings. I've never been out of a job more than 2 months and part of that was because I was picky about the type of job I wanted. While there are trends in the workplace, just about every type of industry needs someone to manage the staff. In reality that is what we do:, we manage data, people and things ("The copier is broken...") on a daily basis.

2. POSSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH OR WITHOUT A UNIVERSITY DEGREE - I have a H.S.D. - high school diploma. People assume I went to college, but uh, no. And it has never stopped me from getting interviews. Of course, my experiences listed on my resume have put me in the running for certain opportunities, but I still believe I could get my foot in the door even without all my experiences. Education is important, but the TYPE of education out there for administrative professionals is so vague, that many times it is Who You Know and What Skill You Have that makes the difference.

3. YOU GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR - If you are a recent college graduate, this can be a way to get into a company and learn about it without committing to an actual department or industry right away. I've worked with non-profits, major accounting firms, and a oil giant. The experiences at each taught me what I was good at, what I hated, and what I was lousy at. I could easily use that information to determine my next step.

4. A COMFORTABLE LIVING - This is the most important of all. We all have to eat, keep a roof over our heads, etc. An administrative job can do that. The more experience and skill one has, the more comfort you can enjoy within this arena. No, we're not talking millionaire status here, but not many jobs actually offer that, do they? A good salary and benefits are possible if you do the legwork to make it happen by picking the right industry, engage yourself in the right skillset, and do some research for what is "hot" in your geographic location.

"You'll Always Have a Job if You Can Type"

That's what my mom said when I was trying out what to do after high school. College didn't necessarily interest me, but my education didn't really prepare me for anything great either. So I took a 9-month course and became a secretary. I've never looked back. If has been a great stepping stone for a variety of experiences and a step in the door to a variety of industries. Oh yeah, I hardly ever type anymore!

This blog is not to rant about the bad stuff; we have enough negativity. This blog is to let people know what it is REALLY like to be an administrative professional. And if you are already one, it is here to teach you how to grow or change what you do if you so desire. I haven't found a website that does that yet.

I hope to share some laughs too, and just some great content from the internet.

Keep living, loving, and laughing!

Super EA