Last month, we looked closely at the differences between administrative and executive assistants. Now, we want to share some insight on how to advance your career as an administrative assistant. How do you climb the career ladder in this field? With every industry and organization needing administrative support, there are more opportunities than you might think. Here is a quick look at your prospects and how to advance.
Set Your Career Goals
The first step is to determine what you want your career path to be. Do you want to become an executive assistant? Or would you rather grow your skills and advance as an administrative assistant or office manager? Once you know what you want, you can create a plan to help you reach your goals.
Try a Little of Everything
Administrative and executive assistants do a little of everything within an office environment, so learn as much as possible. Try everything from answering phones to helping with accounting. You can even work with technology to better understand your workplace’s inner workings.
Network
Sometimes it’s not about what you know but who you know. Every company and every industry needs administrative support, so join organizations and attend functions in everything. Expand your LinkedIn profile and grow your network to tap into that robust online community. You never know where a new opportunity can come from.
Ask Your Boss for More Responsibility
One way to begin your advancement plan is to talk to your boss about giving you more responsibility in the office. What tasks can you take on that will provide you with the necessary experience and help your workplace succeed? Talk to your boss about what things they can use your help with and make yourself indispensable.
Improve Your Skills
You can also work on your own to improve your skills to make you more marketable as an administrative employee. Improve your skills with major software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Learn the ins and outs of Google Drive and Google Docs. You can teach yourself many of these things on your own.
Are you looking for your next administrative assistant career move? Contact NRI Staffing today.
