Executive Secretary At The Federal Election Board
Career review from a person working in the job
How I Got The Job
My Education: Paralegal Certificate
My Prior Experience: I have worked in the administrative field for over 15 years. I managed a small construction company for many years before going into government service.
My Job Profile
My Company: Federal Election law
Job/Career Overview: My primary responsibility is to my manager who is at the executive level. On any given day, I do research for a case file that he (or she) may need for a meeting with opposing counsel. I also ensure that the routine administrative functions are completed by administrative staff. To serve my supervisor best, I have to stay up-to-date on all current events that could affect campaign finance laws. Maintaining close ties with our staff attorneys ensures that they'll be quick to assist me when I am in doubt about changing legislation. I utilize Word and Excel to complete assignments. I also use the web-based software and Google searches from time to time. Organization is the key to being on top of my everyday responsibilities. Once you have found a good system to keep track of files and pending items, things just seem to flow.
Love It? Hate It?
I rate this career 8 out of 10.
What I Love or Hate
The best part of my job is its flexibility. I have a very understanding supervisor who believes in the "family first" ideals. The worst part of my job is the commute. I commute to DC everyday from the suburbs. I find that I cannot secure a job making the type of salary I can make in the District. I have excellent benefits working for the government and every year we receive a cost of living increase. It's not much but it sure helps.
My Career Tips
It is beneficial to get to know who you are working for and ask the questions of how that person likes their assignments. My current supervisor loves everything color-coded and likes to be kept abreast of details. My former supervisor hated details of an assignment's progress and just wanted updates after an assignment was completed. The best way to get this information is to keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your supervisor.
