Current job title: Program Assistant
Industry: Higher Education
Department: Business Research Bureau
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): college
education
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 13
Typical work hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Weekends or overtime hours: Yes, comp
time only, not paid OT.
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.): $23,000 - $32,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Yes,
excellent benefits package including health, life, dental, eye, flex
accounts and retirement
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
SBA - Small Business Administration (federal program to help small
business owners/entrepreneurs)
SBDC - Small Business Development Centers (state programs to help small
business owners/entrepreneurs)
A typical day on the job: A typical day
on the job for me is extremely varied. I could be making travel plans one
minute, updating our website the next minute, then compiling a large amount
of data after that - my days are usually not similar in content.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: It is extremely rewarding to
hear of the successes of our clients.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: I do not usually get to
interact with many people during the day - other than by phone or email.
It is sometimes labor intensive to keep up with technology.
Type of workspace/office:
office
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: All AR/AP Accounting
functions, website management, file management, travel arrangements,
Federal reporting.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Polished organizational skills, professional communication skills
including both verbal and written, exceptional computer skills
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Laptop computer, scanner, laser printer, copier
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Laptop computer with Outlook, Excel, Word, ACCESS, PowerPoint, and PDF
writer; and the telephone
Critical soft skills:
Excellent communication skills to portray a professional image and
foster good relations with clients.
Excellent follow-up skills to enable staff to do their jobs well and for
the success of clients.
Excellent computer skills as e-mail communication is a heavy basis to my
job.
Pace of this position: Usually fast.
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™