26 Years Ago
I started my career at Manpower as an executive assistant (aka Administrative Professional). I loved that job!
- I knew I was making a difference by supporting the CEO. I was spending my time helping make someone else (and my company) successful.
- Many of the things I did were not easy. Being an admin did not mean I wasn’t smart or capable.
- I learned so much about technology, communication and how to work with people.
- While I was often doing what I was told, I was also given the opportunity to think of new, innovative and creative ideas that could make a difference.
I wouldn’t change a thing. You know that I think my current job at Manpower is the best in the world. But I know in my heart that I will always have the option of going back to my first love — Executive Assistant.
April 21st, 2008 at 6:41 am
Hello Melanie!
Totally agree with your post — administrative professionals have tough but incredibly important (and rewarding) jobs. Personally, my assistant saves me from utter disaster at least a couple of times every single day.
In my mind, every week should be Administrative Professionals Week!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Mark
April 21st, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Assistant’s rock! My favorite position was Office Manager (a fancy name for assistant to the Sr.VP of a major bank) and I loved it! I enjoyed the relationship I forged with my boss an interacting with all levels of management. I saw the significance my role had in the success of the company. I felt connected and vital to function of the daily workload. Admins have a unique balancing act to perform: keeping the office in top order, keeping clients happy and keeping their Manager happy. Not an easy task especially if your Manager tends to shoot the messenger as mine often did. (One Boss enlightened me on the importance of my admin position by saying “You are JUST the Assistant!” Ouch!) Admin Professionals should be honored more and shouted out less.