Current job title: Executive Assistant
Industry: Drug Discovery & Development
Department: Executive
Years worked in this industry: 4
Years worked in this department: 4
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): No.
I had worked for [another company] which has a reputation of hiring the best and training
their people.
Resume and communication skills landed the job
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: Executive Chairman, President and CEO, Director of HR
On a typical day I might also support other managers who need a PowerPoint
presentation formatted or meetings scheduled, etc.
Typical work hours: 7:30 am – 5pm
Weekends or overtime hours: Yes on
overtime – No, on weekends - Not paid for 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.): $45,000 -
$53,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Monetary
benefits are below standard – health, dental, salary etc.
On plus side – support managers who appreciate my contribution to the
company
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
CRO - Contract Research Organization - contract drug development company
which provides IND enabling services (both biology and chemistry) post
discovery
IND – Investigative New Drug – to gain approval to begin human studies
through and IND drug manufacturers must demonstrate a compounds safety in
animal models
Pre-Clinical - first phase in process of drug development
A typical day on the job:
Responsible
for daily management of CEO’s office
Manager – administrative support function
Act as liaison with executive and senior staff, Board of Directors,
employees and external customers
[company] travel coordinator
Support [company] web site team – update internet / intranet
United Way coordinator
Maintain highly confidential information – CVs; HR database; RIF Pkg.,
ESRs; Update Personnel Files
Responsible for planning and implementing special events - Board of
Directors’ meetings
Prepare PCS Proposal /Award breakdown weekly
Coordinate Internal Meetings: OPS Review; Board visits; International
visits to [our company;
Provide support to human resources
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
Assume a wider range of new
responsibilities once reserved for managerial and professional staff.
Provide training and orientation for new staff, conduct research on the
Internet
Operate and troubleshoot new office technologies.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
Not being recognized as a
professional / team player
Supporting a number of managers that do not understand/or ignore your
time constraints
Type of workspace/office:
office
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Responsible for daily
management of CEO’s office
Manager – administrative support function
Act as liaison with executive and senior staff, Board of Directors,
employees and external customers
[company] Travel Coordinator
Support [company] web site team – update internet / intranet
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Leadership abilities, organization and planning skills
Ability to work independently; apply sound judgment; maintain office
decorum & confidentiality
Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate work activities
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
PC, scanner, fax, printer
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Conduct research on the Internet and operate and troubleshoot new office
technologies
Critical soft skills:
Communication and
negotiating skills - supervising other clerical staff
Verbal and written communication skills - Act as liaison with executive
and senior staff, Board of Directors, employees and external customers
Organizational and planning skills
Pace of this position: Fast
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™