Exploring the Available Career Opportunities for Admin Professionals

Whilst business leaders create a company’s long-term goals and objectives, it’s the Administrative Assistants and Receptionists that help to turn that rhetoric into reality. Behind every great business is a fantastic administration team, and that’s why skilled admin professionals are some of the most sought after people across every industry.

Countless people have forged excellent careers by starting out in administration. In a few cases, with the right skills and attitude, some have even ascended all the way to CEO. However, if you’re an Administrator who is unsure of what career paths lay before you, or you’re not clear on what you need to do to move your career forward, this guide is here to help.

Career Path: Within the Business

Administration can provide you a huge opportunity to learn new skills, including communication, problem-solving and time-management. With the right mindset, your options are truly endless. Many talented professionals have gone from administration to customer service, finance, human resources, marketing, events or even recruitment. If you decide that this career path is your next step, then it’s a great idea to make your manager aware. Your manager can shed light on any internal career and development opportunities to help you move to other areas of the business. Alternatively, you can have a private conversation with a recruiter who can help you identify what skills you need to acquire to get where you want to go, and connect you to fantastic career opportunities outside of your current employer.

Career Path: Personal & Executive Assistants

If you’re a person with the drive to help others, moving into a Personal and Executive Assistant role is an excellent career path. There are no strict requirements to become a PA but undertaking a business administration course can give you an edge over your competition. On the other hand, it may take a few years of experience before you can provide specialist support to a key executive, however for those willing to step out of their comfort zones, securing an EA role can be immensely rewarding. Great Executive Assistants who work tremendously hard can have limitless opportunities, including going from EA to business partner.

For some Assistants, the next step in their careers is to become a specialist. To do that, many people choose to move into sectors such as legal or medical. Whilst there will be opportunities for on the job training in both areas, some industries may require expert training before you can really progress your career. For example, an Assistant working within a legal practice or department could take an office and legal training course to better prepare themselves to move into a Legal Secretary role.

Career Path: Management

Management is a clear career path for administrative professionals who want to progress their career. The skillsets of a great Office Team Leader or Manager include communication, planning, organisation and prioritising tasks, decision-making and problem solving, working to deadlines, and confidentiality. Whilst the majority of these skills are essential for roles within administration, many Leaders and Managers are also involved in other business areas, such as human resources, finance, payroll, IT, and office health and safety. So, if you’re looking to step up into a management role, it’s a good idea to do some research on the role first and find out what areas you need to gain experience in. There are several courses available to help you close these gaps, but asking for more responsibility in your current role is a great way to help you gain exposure in these areas and stand out the next time an opportunity for an internal promotion comes knocking.

Most people who become Office Managers often find that they have reached the top of the administrative career path. As people progress in their career and start to target those highly competitive, many Managers instead choose to move and manage other areas of a business. If you’re highly dedicated to becoming an executive, then the key is to expand your business acumen and acquire a complete understanding of how an entire business operates. For most, this means obtaining a Master of Business Administration to take their management careers to the next level.

Summary

If you’re a skilled Administrator who has mastered the arts of communication, organisation and problem-solving, with the right attitude and a little research, your career opportunities are endless. We see success stories all the time so if you need a little help deciding where to take your office support career next, get in touch for a confidential chat today.