With so much expected of administrative professionals today, it’s critical that we periodically take stock of our career satisfaction and desire for professional progress. In doing so, it's useful to consider the company's growth and whether additional training or professional involvement might help us contribute to making our teams more efficient, productive and successful.
If you're like most administrative professionals who have been in a job for awhile, you're ready to advance in your career and take your administrative skills to the next level, but you may not be sure about what steps you might take.
Here are six tips for setting out on the right foot:
1. Pursue training
- Investigate your company's training offerings. Even if your firm doesn't provide access to internal training programs, it may offer tuition reimbursement for external options. Just be sure to research professional development opportunities carefully so you can select the most effective ones.
- You want to be able to make a persuasive case to your boss as to how a particular training program will improve your administrative skills, on-the-job performance and contributions to the firm.
- Also visit your local adult education center or community college and inquire about affordable courses that might fit your work and household schedule.
2. Choose a mentor
Find someone whose strengths are in the area you wish to improve and ask if he or she will assist you. If your employer doesn't have an in-house mentoring program, look for individuals inside or outside the organization whose administrative skills you admire.
3. Take on new challenges
If you feel stagnant in your present role, ask your manager about ways you can assume more challenging assignments. Most supervisors will welcome initiative from staff; clearly, it will add value to the team. Showing motivation and ambition also may help you stand out as a candidate for promotion.
4. Help a nonprofit
If you can't do more at your employer, consider possibilities outside the office, such as through charitable organizations. These groups may be receptive to your interest in supporting them, and you might find mentors who can help you expand your abilities and knowledge. By volunteering on committees or for leadership roles, you can develop administrative skills that not only benefit the organization but also are applicable to your paid job.
5. Join industry associations
Become active in organizations like the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Participate in committees, attend seminars and other educational events, and talk with your fellow administrative professionals at meetings.
6. Participate in diverse projects
Listen up during meetings for colleagues requesting assistance with special initiatives. This may be your opportunity to expand your skill set by getting involved in other areas of the department or company. Also offer to help if your boss or colleagues seem overloaded with projects.
It is up to you to cultivate your marketability. Thoughtfully evaluate any weaknesses in your set of administrative skills and commit to making improvements. Also stay on top of trends by reading industry research such as the OfficeTeam Salary Guide that discuss developments in the administrative field. You'll help ensure you're staying ahead of the curve rather than scrambling to keep up.
