Starting a career in administration can be both challenging and rewarding. Administration professionals handle a broad range of tasks, such as managing schedules, organizing data, and overseeing daily operations.
Regardless of your industry, having a guide to help navigate the ins and outs of your new career can help achieve success.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at several ways to approach the ins and outs of a new career in administration.
The Ins and Outs of Starting a Career in Administration
Know Your Path
Before pursuing a career in administration, it’s important to be clear about the role you wish to fulfill. Administration includes various positions, including administrative assistants, executive assistants, office managers, and more.
Each profession has differing responsibilities that require specific skills and experience. Knowing which path you’d like to take will help you focus on training and education that aligns with your career goals. One option to consider exploring is trying a public administration career program to clarify your path. With the right guidance, instruction, and support, you can choose the perfect path for your new career.
Build Your Skills and Experience
Administration jobs require a wide range of skills, including communication, organization, and time management. Gaining practical experience and developing your skills is crucial to standing out in a competitive job market.
Consider pursuing internships or entry-level administrative roles while you’re still studying. Volunteering for nonprofit organizations can also be an excellent opportunity to build your skills while giving back to your community. You might be surprised at how many of your existing skills can be transferred over to your new career.
Research and Network
Researching potential employers and networking with other professionals in the industry can help you build valuable relationships and gain insider knowledge. Attending job fairs, contacting recruiters, and joining professional associations are excellent ways to learn more about potential employers and connect with other administration professionals. Keep in mind that the most successful administrators often have strong networks and pursue professional development opportunities throughout their careers.
Consider the Organization and Culture
When starting a career in administration, it’s important to find an organization that aligns with your values. As a support to other departments, administrators are responsible for maintaining a positive workplace environment and fostering teamwork. By reviewing the mission and values of an organization, you can get a sense of the company culture to decide if it’s a good fit for you. You can also do some research to find employee reviews online, as well as speak with current employees if that’s an option. To be successful in your new role, you’ll want to pursue work that reflects your values.
Update Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are your first opportunity to make a great impression on potential employers. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements clearly and concisely. Customizing your cover letter for each application will demonstrate your sincere interest and knowledge of the company, as well as why you’re the best candidate for the specific role you’re pursuing. Since these items are often quickly scanned by hiring managers, you’ll want to spend the time making sure they are polished, professional, and catchy.
Prepare for the Interview
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Preparing for an interview is crucial to impressing potential employers and standing out among other candidates. Research the company and job position thoroughly and practice responding to common interview questions. You’ll want to be well prepared to discuss your relevant experience and achievements as well as ask insightful questions about the role.
Starting an administration career can be a great way to gain valuable skills and experiences along your career path. By focusing on your goals, gaining practical experience through internships and volunteering, networking with other professionals, and preparing for the interview process, you will set yourself up for success in this dynamic field.
