Administration jobs open doors to new career opportunities
- In the U.S. in 2010 there were over 3,082,000 secretaries
- 96.1% of these jobs were held by women
- In the U.S. 2010 there were 1,281,000 receptionists and clerks
- Women account for 92.7% of receptionists and information clerks
- In the U.S. in 2010 there were 994,000 office clerks and general clerks
- Women account for 84.2% of these positions.
(Source: Catalyst Organization )
The word secretary or administrator may bring to mind the Mad Men TV show portrayal of women with steno pads, serving coffee, and taking care of their boss's laundry.
For the most part, it suggested that these were women who were seeking to meet an executive man to marry so they could drop out of the workforce and raise a family. Not true in today's economy. While women still predominate the secretarial sector the responsibilities have changed and can range from simple tasks to complicated organization coordination and can open doors to other career opportunities.
"Administration salaries today can range from $30K to over $100K." says Gary Daugenti, Gent & Associates "Many of these positions require advanced skill sets in technology and project management. Frequently they lead to other opportunities in the firm."
Where are the jobs?
My book, Women Lead, notes that careers today are like a labyrinth and that no two women will forge the same path. Many women will collect skills and experiences that will benefit them by helping create future opportunities. For example, after the economy downturned, one restaurant owner transitioned to become a virtual assistant and then developed that opportunity into a thriving virtual administration business that today includes social media services.
"There are many opportunities for part time administrators", says Anne Angelopoulos, senior manager, JustStaff. Many women and men enjoy the variety that administration jobs offer and the ability to work with teams. Work can range from general receptionists to specialized receptionists in the legal and health fields, people who have foreign language skills or people who are willing to travel with work teams. Also individuals should decide if they prefer to work for a startup and wear many hats, a small specialized office such as a physician practice, or a large firm. Each area offers a different experience.
The tech sector has a number of administrative positions that require technology skills and these skills can lead to other positions. For example, many tech firms will require skills such as electronic calendar management, email lists, social media groups etc. Often one administrator will support a team or division so an adept knowledge of technology is the way to save time and be efficient. In small tech firms that are growing many administrators can progress with the firm and move into other positions such as event planning or marketing communication positions.
If you are an administrator or are considering the position think about how this can lead to other career opportunities and make a long term plan as to how you want to maximize the role and skill development.
Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti is a leading thought leader on women, the workplace, and careers. She is the author of ten books, a regular media contributor, and global speaker. Her most recent book is Women Lead. Tracey is a visiting scholar at Stanford University Media X program. Follow Tracey on, Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook, and visit her website here.