Administrative Assistant's Update

FEBRUARY 2017 6 6 Bree Austen Career paths Becoming an administrative pro: A passion for some, evolution for others By Bree Austen What are you passionate about? Whatever the chosen career path, a person would be remiss to discount passion as a key factor in the decision-mak- ing process. The element of passion for a specific role or industry is more obvious for some professions. For example, the career aspirations and industry contributions of a law- yer, accountant or teacher are more definite than that of an administrator. So, what are the key motivators that draw individuals towards an admin- istrative career path? What are the skills and traits that an effective career administrator possesses? First question first. I wasn't specifically motivated to become an administrator. I think that, through a series of seemingly unrelated decisions mixed with a bit of divine intervention, administration chose me. A "generalist" in career path I have always been a generalist but I wasn't always aware of it, other than to feel embarrassed that I didn't know for certain what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was interested in many things but was never specifically passionate about any one topic, and certainly not passionate enough to be willing to dedicate four years or more in obtaining a post-secondary degree that would lead me down a direct path to a specific industry. My post-secondary education began with a business administration diploma from a technical school, chosen mostly for its broad applica- tions and, in truth, for lack of know- ing what else to take. It continued with the completion of a bachelor's degree in English, but I didn't use either of those certifications directly in the early days of my career. I spent the first several years of my career path in the service end of the hospitality industry before I realized that I had an affinity towards administration. It has taken me many years to fully embrace my generalized-interest na- ture. But, I think that this might be the root of who I am and why I'm so well suited to administrative roles. Exploring new tasks, skills I enjoy being helpful in many different areas. I enjoy opportunities to explore new tasks and to learn new skills. I enjoy variety and embrace change. For those who are more self-aware than I was at the beginning of my journey, choosing administration as a career path would seem considerably more obvious at the outset but we all find our paths through different meth - ods and at different rates. Administrators are vital contribu- tors to the success of the organization in every office environment. And that is where I found the source of my passion for the role of administrator. Administrators possess the adapt- ability to join an organization in any number of different industries and contribute broadly to the success of the team. So, armed with the understanding that administrators are generalists, what skills and characteristics do they bring to support their executive team? Changing priorities in real time Administrators call on their natural ability to jump in and be helpful, build effective and positive relationships (and smooth over sour relationships), adjust to changing priorities in real-time, bring big-picture perspective to any discus- sion, and utilize technical skills to organize any office, task or project. One of the most important skills of an executive assistant – an administra- tor who is dedicated to the service of one or more executive leaders in an organization – is the ability to observe, understand and react appropriately to meet the immediate needs of his or About Bree Austen AAU interviewed Bree Austen for our coverage on mentoring and collaboration (Aug. 2016). Shortly after that Ms. Austen accepted a position as Manager, Operations and Facilities, at Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, where she had been EA to the Haskayne dean. AAU thought Ms. Austen's career path would interest readers who are looking down the road at the potential for their own careers. So we asked her if she would describe that path from her entry into the office professional field up to her present position in management. Next month: The professional and personal growth she experienced as EA to Jim Dewald, Dean of the Haskayne School of Business. Continued on page 7

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