Current job title: Secretary
Industry: U.S. Army
Department: Office of the
Commander/Deputy Commander
Years worked in this industry: 22
Years worked in this department: 6
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Not
initially, except had to pass a typing test.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 2 managers; 5 staff members
Typical work hours: 7:30-4:00
Weekends or overtime hours: Few
weekends (unless traveling with supervisor); some overtime (usually
unpaid)
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.): approx. $50,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Yes;
retirement, medical, dental, etc.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
U.S. Army; we are in support of the war fighter
A typical day on the job: Busy,
stressed; there are over eight secretaries that worked directly under me; and
over 35 under them. All of them call, e-mail, stop by, etc., at some point
regarding questions pertaining to their work, policies, etc.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Hours are flexible (usually),
vacation time accumulates quickly, interesting people to work with and
for, lots of regulations and guides to assist in getting my job done.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Not much room to move up
(without me leaving my organization).
Type of workspace/office:
Office with windows and glass door (fish bowl). Share with one
other secretary.
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Maintaining my two managers’
calendars and arranging for all of their travel
Maintaining the budget for my managers
Composing, typing, editing correspondence
Mentoring, guiding and overseeing the work of the junior secretaries
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Organizational skills
Ability to bend without breaking, delegating without micromanaging, an
understanding of personalities
Technical skills (typing speed of at least 90; shorthand; training classes
in filing, writing, grammar, etc.)
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
The usual (computer, fax, copier, typewriter, scanner, shredder, coffee
pot, etc.)
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Shorthand (even though it is a dying skill), all of the Microsoft programs
Critical soft skills: Good
communication and the ability to negotiate different personalities. There
are numerous phone calls and congressional correspondence that must be
handled with diplomacy; we have visitors from all over the world and I
have to know proper protocol, etc.
Pace of this position: fast
Geographical region: Southeast U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™