Current job title: Executive Assistant
Industry: Broadcasting
Department: General & Administrative
Years worked in this industry: 21
Years worked in this department: 3
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): When I
started in television I was hired due to my personality and ability to
interact with the public. My "people skills" have kept me in the business
for two decades, and now I'm familiar with many of the contacts in the
business.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 1-2 (manager level)
Typical work hours: 8:30-5:30 unless
there's a special event
Weekends or overtime hours: No weekends
unless I'm at a station event, but I'm here late about every two weeks
(sometimes as late as two hours, but that's unusual). And I don't get
overtime.
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.): $30,000 -
$40,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Parent
company does have good insurance benefits, a 401K, flex spending accounts,
stock purchase, etc.,
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
ROS (Run of
Station) -broadcasters are at liberty to air a show or commercial whenever
they feel like it.
A spot - a commercial
Master or Master Control --- the
place where switchers program what viewers see on air.
A typical day on the job: I answer lots
of phone calls, assist in the mailroom, make sure the kitchen is stocked,
plan events if needed, and generally try to keep things running smoothly.
My boss is very self-sufficient and does most of his own emails. There's
very little typing in this office.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: I work around creative people;
It's rarely repetitive; it's a fun environment
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Because there are lots of
creative folks, egos can get big; the industry is downsizing and people
are getting laid off; stations have less independence, which leads to more
frustration
Type of workspace/office:
desk in open area (outside of manager's office)
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Answering phones; keeping
things running smoothly; corralling department heads quickly (kind of like
herding cats)
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Interpersonal skills, organization, good writing style
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Typewriter (believe it or not-but just for labels) computer, fax, copier,
phones
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Word processing
Critical soft skills: Good people
skills-I'm the "face" of the boss and must reflect him in a good light;
organization-there's usually several things happening simultaneously; good
phone skills; good writing skills - to assist in composing letters et al.
Pace of this position: slow
Geographical region: Southeast U.S.
roduced by Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™ and Founder and President of The Effective Admin:
"My specialty is
serving administrative professionals like you with job performance and career
management advice. I have 24 years experience interacting with the 'real'
workplace and working administrative professionals."