Get the Education to Get the Raise

As with most careers, the acquisition of further education and additional experience is a stepping stone to promotion and higher pay. For administrative professionals, it's no different.

By Robert Elsenpeter, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: July 9, 2008 - 3:07 PM

As with most careers, the acquisition of further education and additional experience is a stepping stone to promotion and higher pay. For administrative professionals, it's no different.

Administrative professionals can find the educational resources they need from a number of in-house venues.

Experiences

"Take advantage of in-house opportunities," says Erin O'Hara Meyer, president of Administrative Excellence, Inc., a Minneapolis-based consulting firm dedicated to the personal and professional development of administrative professionals. "Is there a corporate university - What do they offer, and how does that fit in with your needs?"

The areas that need enhancement and improvement might not always be obvious. As such, it's a good idea to seek outside opinion on one's professional development.

"Really listen to the feedback you get in your performance review," said Meyer. "Take the information from your manager and build on that."

Also, take advantage of others' willingness to help you gain education and experience.

"Let people know you're looking to learn," said Meyer. It is important to enlist the right people in your quest for improvement. The first person to talk to is your immediate manager, then possibly the human resources manager.

"You never know what types of projects they have," said Meyer.

Some organizations are making efforts to help their administrative assistants' professional development by creating special teams. These teams help administrative assistants hone their skills. Meyer helps companies develop and train such teams.

"More and more teams are popping up out there," said Meyer.

External Resources

For some administrative professionals, however, there might not be opportunities in house for professional development. If so, they might opt to go to a community college to pick up additional skills.

Administrative professionals might not have to bear the entire brunt of college costs, however. It's a good idea to check with employers about any tuition reimbursement benefits.

In addition to formalized training, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) - the world's largest organization for administrative support staff - offers certifications for administrative professionals. IAAP offers two certifications - certified professional secretary (CPS) and certified administrative professional (CAP). The certifications require both work experience and a test, administered by the IAAP. CPS and CAP not only can provide an edge for promotions and garner college credit, but they can have a lucrative side, as well. The IAAP notes that a recent survey of its membership showed administrative professionals who hold CPS certifications earned about $2,228 more than their non-certified colleagues.

Ultimately, it is up to the administrative professional to motivate himself or herself. It is necessary for the administrative professional to develop a plan for how he or she wants to grow professionally.

"What it comes down to is the desire of the individual," observes Meyer.

On the World Wide Web:
The IAAP has six chapters in Minnesota. Links to those chapters can be found on IAAP's Web site: www.iaap-hq.org.
Administrative Excellence, Inc., can be found online at www.adminexcellence.com.

Robert Elsenpeter is a freelance writer from Blaine, MN.

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