I was a business major in college and was also in Army ROTC. When I graduated in 1979, I was commissioned into the US Army as and Administrative Officer. At 21, I was assigned to Germany, and thrust into a managerial role, supervising a Word Processing Pool (haha) the awards program, the reproduction room, command publications, the post office, functional files, and suggestion program for a 2,000-member command. I was terrified, but it was a great experience. I was later a Personnel officer (like HR), then a command Protocol officer for Fort Dix, NJ. While in that job I had my second baby, and worked on an MBA at night school. After serving as a company commander, the Army selected me for a second master's degree, this time in journalism. I was then a public affairs officer and communications instructor. All this was very hard to manage with two small children, so I got out of the Army in 1993 as a Major. I stayed home with those two children and had 3 more! After 22 years at home, I returned to the work force as an executive assistant/senior administrative coordinator for an Assoc VP at Texas A&M University 3 years ago. That was quite a time-warp/culture shock! I am so glad I kept up my computer and technical skills. I do not feel overqualified for my job. It is a perfect fit for me in this stage of my life (61). But I do want to keep my mind sharp and give the best I can to this organization, so I've decided to become CAP - qualified. I'm very excited to be back in the "thick" of learning!

Congratulations on being back at it!  Best of luck!

Congratulations on taking this next step in your personal and professional development, What a fascinating work history you have. I'm sure it will give you a very unique perspective as you prepare for the exam. Best wishes with your studies!

Welcome back to the working world! I'm at Texas A&M College of Nursing at the HSC Campus in Bryan. Contact me if I can be of any help. Would love to meet up with you at some point. It's been a while since I sat for my CAP but I have two friends that recently passed the test.

Thanks for sharing.  Best of luck in your certification journey.

Thank you!

Thank you for your service and for showing the legacy of an administrative officer! Rock CAP!

What an interesting life you have led! You probably have some great insights to share and I look forward to reading them.

Preparing for the certification designation is a great learning experience and keeps your mind sharp.


Linda L. Rolfe, CAP (OM), Ret.

Correction: Linda L. Rolfe, CAP (Ret.), OM - My fingers moved too fast on the keys.