Are you looking for an entry-level position with the potential for advancement? Starting a career as an administrative assistant could be the solution.
Let us be clear on one point. These are no longer just secretarial or clerical jobs. Many of the routine, repetitive tasks that were previously delegated to support staff are now automated, freeing administrative assistants (and making them expected) to take on more innovative, strategic responsibilities. You'll be able to pick up new skills that will propel your career forward.
The position also allows you to learn the ins and outs of the industry while building a professional network. You'll meet a variety of people, from company leaders to supply chain vendors and get a first-hand look at how decisions are made, problems are solved, and deals are made.
Do you still need convincing? Here are six more reasons why you should consider working as an administrative assistant.
1Administrative work is both interesting and difficult
An administrative professional's typical day is rarely dull. You'll most likely be involved in a wide range of activities, deal with a variety of personalities, and manage shifting priorities.
Administrative assistants are, in fact, taking on a much broader range of responsibilities than they used to. These days, you might find yourself in the following situations:
Budget management
Making purchasing choices
Company events, such as webinars and other virtual meetings, must be planned.
Creating PowerPoint presentations for managers and other members of the team
Assisting colleagues in becoming acquainted with new software and technology
Managing vendor, client, and employee communications
Taking care of social media accounts
Helping with hiring and recruitment
Accounting, payroll, and human resources functions
2Administrative assistants are in high demand
Many employers are struggling to find talented administrative professionals in this candidate-friendly job market. More than half (56%) of senior managers surveyed for Robert Half's 2023 Salary Guide said they would increase staffing levels for administrative and customer support positions in the upcoming year. Furthermore, 64% are open to hiring new hires and providing them with the necessary training. So, if you're a quick learner with a strong desire to succeed, you could quickly rise through the ranks.
What does an administrative assistant earn? Use the 2023 Salary Calculator to learn about salary ranges by location and national comparisons.
3You can work almost anywhere
Employers are likely looking for promising administrative assistants wherever you live (or want to live). Talented administrative professionals are in high demand wherever there are offices of a certain size.
Many companies, though not all, have administrative positions that allow you to work remotely. On our job board, you'll find a variety of remote, contract, and contract-to-hire administrative assistant positions. Flexible work arrangements are here to stay, so if the 9-to-5 grind isn't for you, there are other options.
4You can break into almost any industry
Administrative jobs can be found in almost every region and industry. If you want to work in the advertising or legal industries, for example, you can begin by working as an entry-level administrative assistant while you build your resume and learn the business.
Once inside, you'll be able to observe the industry up close, start building your professional network, and decide if it offers the type of career path you want to pursue.
5It can offer a high level of job satisfaction
Administrative assistants take pleasure in their work for a number of reasons, including the variety of tasks they complete and the fulfillment they experience when helping coworkers perform their own tasks more effectively.
Because of their increasing responsibilities, support staff positions can be extremely rewarding. Employers value professionals who can multitask while paying attention to detail and who can show grace under pressure.
6There is opportunity for advancement
High-level or managerial positions are open to administrative assistants with proven leadership and organizational skills. Here are a couple of examples:
Executive Assistantto the CEO. Working with the most senior executives can be an exciting and rewarding career.
Manager of facilities. In this position, you'll be in charge of teams of administrators, with responsibilities ranging from operations workflow to office relocation planning.
Senior data entry operator. Even in this day and age, the ability to input large amounts of data quickly and accurately is a valuable administrative skill. Data entry specialists at the senior level must have those skills as well as the ability to supervise others.
Manager of medical coding Healthcare is a booming industry, and if you have experience coding for medical practices, hospitals, and insurance companies, your specialized knowledge could help you earn a good living.
As you can see, the administrative assistant role is more than just a rewarding job in and of itself; it can also be a stepping stone to well-paid and high-profile positions.
Want to get your foot on the first rung of the ladder? We can assist.
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