I’m currently an administrative assistant at a PR firm.

9 Comments

1. Emily JNovember 21,2024 at 3:14PM UTC

   My first question would be - do you like the industry? If so, have you considered moving into a managerial position?

2. AnnieNovember 21,2024 at 3:51PM UTC

   This would depend on your background and skillset.

3. AnonymousNovember 21,2024 at 4:34PM UTC

   Sounds like you're ready to grow. Suggestions depend on if you like the industry, city, some of the work, if you want to manage or just take on a different role (like a creative contributor). Do you want to make a plan for growth (learning, taking on projects, etc.) while in current job or "fail up" by getting another job and figuring if you like it? If you don't know, another thing you could do is talk to folks about their jobs/industries. There is power in water cooler/ coffee conversations- a lot of folks learn what they Don't like to do.

   You may wish to read the "Designing Your Life " and "Designing Your Work Life" book series by Burnett and Evans. They really help you parse out your skills, desires, plans, what makes sense, etc.

   Something to also consider is if you want to be a virtual assistant (building your own hours) while you pivot. Job market is a bit rough for many folks if they're out of work (in case you were thinking of leaving to explore).

   There's also a lot to be said about the people. I've had jobs where people were lovely, people were okay and people were awful. The first two, you can build a life on. The last, while you may stay in the job, it destroys you.

   Good luck!

4. AnonymousNovember 21,2024 at 4:48PM UTC

   I was also an admin asst in a full-time role while I went back to college. I knew I could do more. Thankfully I learned about the Occupational Outlook Handbook that led me to many roles based on my interests. Take a look. And look at the different industry verticals and see if any spark interest. Each time I took the assessment, it led me to customer service driven roles and counseling roles. Which I have been in within my entire working career. Some days we feel we are all in thankless roles, but many times it's the people you help that make it satisfying, not the people who provide the paycheck. Take a look here and see if this helps: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/

   I went from an admin asst. to a technical recruiter and loved it! Now I'm in higher ed helping employers engage and hire students. Sometimes it takes an assessment to see where our interests are that can help guide us to a starting point. Hope this helps some!

5. AnonymousNovember 22,2024 at 4:53PM UTC

   From OG Poster: Thanks for sharing your journey and assessment link! I have a background in the arts, education, marketing, and now PR. So I feel all over the place lol

6. AnonymousNovember 21,2024 at 5:56PM UTC

   Get some training to do what you want next. Take an aptitude test for deciding what might work. As an alternative the natural next thing is Customer service which can get you in the door for other things. Be prepared though for tough situations where people are not always happy. In a support role which is often thankless you have to teach those you are supporting to show gratitude, perhaps your current situation is fixable by doing this? Let them know what you need in return for upholding their needs because you have needs too. Good luck.

7. AnonymousNovember 22,2024 at 2:40PM UTC

   I started my career a million years ago as a receptionist (back when they had phones and things) then became a secretary for a large famous insurance firm in their sales department. I got promoted to project assistant and handled all manor of special projects. Then I went back to college and got my degree in economics. My first couple of jobs out of college were administrative to get my foot in the door. Those skills are so transferable. I worked in the executive area of a large financial firm and was promoted to account manager which I loved. I did that for many years for several different financial firms and continued to be promoted through the ranks. I kept my admin skills sharp and didn’t use my assistant staff for anything clerical because I was good at it and kept up on all the technology. My assistants got to do lots of other things. Then the world changed and the craziness happened in my field. Too much travel too many hours moved into banking as an asst VP executive assistant. Grateful for my admin skills. Was able to ride out the horrible Econ crises using my admin expertise and left that world a vice pres exec asst/proj manager. Then laid off took time off and now in my 60s had trouble finding work. Didn’t want to retire yet, didn’t want the big jobs anymore and eventually found great work as an exec

   asst in a non profit and I love it and my age is an asset not a hindrance. So keep that in mind as you move through your career. The admin skills can take you many places while you gather your other skills and they will be good for the lean times. Good luck to you!

8. AnonymousNovember 22,2024 at 4:51PM UTC

   From OG Poster: Thanks for sharing your journey! I realize that my admin skills can serve me in any direction I choose to go. I’ve been thinking about project management for a bit

9. AnonymousDecember 2,2024 at 4:03PM UTC

   If you know what you want (industry/ role/ etc.), go in that direction. If you don't, you could be an administrative assistant in another industry/ company to learn that way.

   Focus on companies/industries that have paths for learning (either learning on the job or benefits like tuition reimbursement).

   I recommend the "Defining Your Life" and "Defining Your Work Life" books by Burnett and Evans- to help you focus on your path and build it. Keep talking to folks. Hear their stories (the highs and lows) to see what you want. Good luck!