My Education: BA American University International Studies
My Prior Experience: I worked in two lobbying firms and opened two small businesses.
My Company: Defense Contractor
Job/Career Overview: I manage the daily functions of the office including answering phones, ordering supplies, and making sure the office runs smoothly. I also open letters, organize the office, and coordinate meetings.
I am the person who is primarily responsible for all travel arrangements for the people in my office. This often includes last-minute arrangements and quite a bit of logistical planning.
I tend to the individual requests of a half a dozen or so executives and twelve additional employees when they require some administrative assistance.
I also do research and project work per assignment, such as background memos and briefings, articles, and the editing of work written by my colleagues. I am also the main tech support contact for the immediate office, such as fixing printers, televisions, and computers, as well as installing software.
More Insights: A misconception about this position is that it is a low-paid position. There are firms who are willing to pay up to $70,000 annually for administrative help. It can be a very dull job if you don't ask for opportunities for exciting assignments.
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I rate this career 7 out of 10.
I feel a bit overqualified for the job, despite being well-paid (more than my classmates). I am excited at the prospect of moving up within the company, as it is a major global corporation that is within the field that I studied for my undergraduate degree.
I am pleased, however, that I am able to work in an industry that I know so much about. At this point, being an office manager is only the entry-level part of my career. I hope to move on from this position very quickly.
Be picky with the company you work for in this position.
Look for opportunities for jobs within the company once you have your foot in the door.
Do not be discouraged by the long job hunt.
Be sure to make the most of your resume-- do not only list the tasks you executed, but also mention briefly how they were beneficial to your firm.