Current job title: Administrative
Secretary
Industry: Educational/Technology
Department: Administration
Years worked in this industry: 5
Years worked in this department: 5
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Strong
software skills, strong organization/attention to detail, excellent
references
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: One director, 26 staff
members
Typical work hours: 8:00-4:30;
7:30-4:00 summer; 1 hour lunch
Weekends or overtime hours: No
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): $27,000 -
$29,000
Benefits (direct or indirect):
13 paid holidays
3 personal days
Accumulated sick time (appx. 1 day every 26 days worked)
Section 125 cafeteria plan (with partial employer contribution)
Health insurance or rebate if plan not used
3 Bereavement days
3 weeks paid vacation
Employer contribution to retirement plan
Attendance incentive plan (paid to not use personal or sick leave)
Calamity days if applicable (close in the event of inclement weather)
Paid life insurance
Paid training
Tuition reimbursement ($500 limit/yr)
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Smartboard
(A device that looks like a white board but is actually an interactive
device that educators use to create/demonstrate lessons. Written/drawn
images are able to be saved to a computer and posted to a website.)
LAN/WAN (Local area network/wide area network; refers to a network of
computers both in-house and at outside locations.)
Video bridge (Refers to the computer connections/switch used to support
video conferencing.)
A typical day on the job: I usually
start my morning by checking email and then moving on to ongoing tasks
(reports, filing etc…) or handling a request from the director or other
staff member. Tasks include ordering supplies, entering/creating purchase
orders, copying/collating, prepare documents for meetings, coordinate
schedules, work with vendors, light building maintenance (kitchen cleanup
etc.). I will also work on setting up, shopping for, and cleaning up
meetings (we have food and beverages at all meetings) if it pertains for
the day.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
Usually not high stress, can be hectic at times though
Positions are held for a number of years
Professional atmosphere
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
Not extremely challenging
Difficult to advance
No authoritative power
Type of workspace/office:
office
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Receptionist, answer phones (mostly automated though)
Customer Service (answer general questions/direct questions)
Supply procurement for entire staff
Meeting coordinator (catering, preparing documents, scheduling)
Correspondence, some financial document preparation
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Highly organized
Ability to get along well with others
Strong software knowledge/knowledge of latest technology trends and uses
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer/DVD burner/laptop/USB devices
Copier
Fax
Printers
Scanner
Phones
Typewriter
Projectors
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Technical troubleshooting
Some software support
Repair office machines (fax, copier)
Critical soft skills: Good
communication skills. (To provide excellent customer service. Also, to
promote good morale to staff.)
Pace of this position: Varies. Our work
revolves around the school year so it is usually extremely hectic in the
fall and very slow in the summer.
Geographical region: Northeast U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™