I discovered IAAP some time ago through LinkedIn. I can’t recall how but it came across my radar, and I started researching the organization. Up until then, I didn’t even think you could be a certified administrative professional. I was an admin, I did my job and went home. I never really considered it a career. But one day I was in a meeting, and one of the senior leaders needed something done. Another leader said, “Oh just have one of the admins do it.” That bothered me because it wasn’t what he said; it was the way he said it. We were nobodies who had no choice but to do your dirty work. It was at that moment I knew I needed to do something. So I started researching IAAP and found out that the test price was way above my budget. So I decided to back-burner it until later, but I put in motion a plan to get myself into a new role. I left the organization and started as the EA for CMO. Not only was she great but she was totally in support of my finding ways to better myself. It took a couple of months to get the approval, but I was so over joyed when she said yes. All I kept thinking about what how much I hated the word “admin” and that I needed to do something to change it. So here I am, back in “school” for the first time in a VERY long time but it’s working toward a goal, and that’s what makes me most proud.

Sherise,

Thank you for sharing your inspirational message with all of us on SocialLink. I am glad to hear you are now in a role where you are valued for our contributions and have a supporting executive who encourages you to grow and achieve goals that are important to you.

Congratulations for take the step to pursue professional certification.

Passing the exam and achieving professional certification was one of my proudest accomplishments and I know it will be for you as well. We are all rooting for you so be sure to post your success story after you sit for the exam. Remember, you know more than you think you do.

You go girl!

Sharon

It's very difficult to work for a company that doesn't treat you like a full member of the team. I'm so glad to see that you recognized where they fell short, and took steps to make changes to get where you are valued. That alone is an awesome journey.

Now you have the chance to step up even farther and really demonstrate to your supportive boss that you have what it takes to achieve this certification and increase your skills and value to the office.

You can do this!!!

Marie

Sherise, congratulations on your decision to sit for the CAP exam. I empathize with your experience with an employer that perceives admins as part of the furniture rather than part of the team. I admire your decision to set a goal and take each step toward fulfillment. I have no doubt you will succeed in your CAP journey. Remember, be nice to yourself, as it's been a while since you've had to study for an exam; always remember you know more than you think you do; and whatever the outcome you are a success story. Best of luck on your journey, Pearl