An Evolution of Duties

Comparison Shows How Administrative Support Role Has Expanded

Administrative professionals hold a broader range of responsibilities today than ever before. While the administrative assistant has always coordinated information and communication in the office, today’s assistant often serves at a much higher level.

Technology has empowered administrative professionals with timesaving systems and tools to process information and create a wide range of both electronic and print communications. Management relies on administrative professionals to organize the office, contribute on project teams, and solve problems.  To be successful, the job demands top-notch interpersonal communication skills, a mastery of the latest office software, and advanced knowledge of key business functions.

The following is a comparison of typical duties that show how the profession has evolved during the past two decades

                                            Then                                           Now

                      Take phone messages             ►         Coordinate communications, handle calls

                        Handle clerical details             ►         Manage projects

                                Identify problems             ►         Solve problems

                        Support one manager             ►         Work as partner and team player

               Assignments are delegated             ►         Leads the improvement process

                    Good interpersonal skills             ►         Excellent interpersonal skills – oral, written, virtual

                 Is given constant direction             ►         Self-starter

  Take minutes at business meetings             ►         Participate in meetings

        Types dictated correspondence             ►         Mastery of integrated computer software applications

                           Collects information             ►         Researches, organizes and displays information

              Considered a low-level clerk             ►         Is a contributing part of the management team

Administrative Professionals Week is April 20-26, 2008, with Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday, April 23. Further information is available from the IAAP Web site,
www.iaap-hq.org/APW/apwindex.htm.

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