www

Reasons to be Glad You’re an Administrative Professional

Here are some reasons why you should be glad that you’ve chosen the administrative profession, courtesy of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

You have a skill set that is broader than most managers and other professionals. You can more easily move from industry to industry, from one department to another.

It is easier for companies to “upgrade” the admin position by increasing salary as responsibilities enlarge, as opposed to “downgrading” a manager’s position by reducing pay, status, and duties and maintaining accord.

Because technology is the basis for most all admin tasks today, support personnel are considered primary technology users and often asked to teach new software techniques and troubleshoot computer glitches. It’s a great spot to be in.

As technology pervades the admin field, those with the best skills will rise to the top. High skills, high pay. Many lower-level jobs are being phased out. Go-getters have a definite leg up.

Keeping pace with technology provides admins a perfect argument for continuing education/training. Other positions have a harder time rationalizing corporate-sponsored learning as training budgets are cut. Companies recognize how much well-applied technology can increase productivity.

Even if your computer skills are a little rusty, people skills have also risen in importance with so many new forms of communication available today.

Perhaps even more important than your present-day skills is your willingness to adapt, grow, and keep learning new things. A can-do attitude will overcome many shortcomings in today’s workplace.

Admins have been taught to use diplomacy, tact, and influence to get a job done. Most other workers have to learn these interpersonal skills the hard way—by trial and error. You’ve already mastered them!

Every office would be more effective with a high-powered admin—and execs are finally realizing this as their workloads dramatically increase with more do-it-yourself tasks coming through their computers.

So, know that throughout the world, many employers are recognizing your contributions, dedication, and unique skill set. Hats off to all administrative professionals!

Return to IAAP Research and Trends