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Admin Your Way to the Top

By Dawn West
dawn.west@careertrainingdirectory.com

Administrative jobs aren't always the most glamorous positions in a company, but they are often one of the best ways to gain an understanding of how a business really works. If you're looking to break into a new field or to get a foot hold in a new company, don't rule out administrative support positions.

Who wouldn't want to start at the top? Unfortunately, starting on the other end of the ladder is a little more common. But get your foot in the door with an administrative support position, and with these tips, you'll be climbing in no time.

Let Your Goals Be Known

It's important, both during the interview phase and once you're on the job, to let your (potential) supervisor know that you're hoping to grow from your administrative job into a non-administrative position. In some companies that transition is common. In others, it's unlikely. Make sure you're choosing a company that understands and supports your goals.

Exploit Opportunities

Sometimes in an administrative job the best opportunities to learn and prove yourself only come when you're willing to go above and beyond. Volunteering to work on projects that will give you exposure to different parts of the business, taking the time to meet managers you may not work with directly, and otherwise proving yourself to be ready and able at every turn will help you make the most of what an administrative support position has to offer.

Sell Yourself

Sometimes it's easier to jump to a non-administrative job by switching departments or companies altogether. Be mindful of the skills, both administrative and non-administrative, that you've developed and adapt your resume to land your new-and-improved self a new-and-improved position.

With the right approach, administrative support positions can get you started on a great track in the business world. Know where you want to go, find the right administrative support position, and you'll be heading up, up, and up.

About the Author

Dawn West teaches writing at Oregon State University. Her previous experience includes working for the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, a not-for-profit in New York City, and serving as the director for an educational program for at-risk youth in Boston. Dawn holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University

Posted on: October 10, 2005