Being an admin was not my first career, I actually started out as a teacher. When in my mid 20s I moved to a different state but could not land a teaching job, a lawyer friend of the family offered me a position as her secretary. I took the job, fell in love with the work and never went back to teaching.

 

Some of my earlier admin jobs were not entirely positive experiences and I was actually fired twice. Of course this led to self-doubt and I not only wondered if this was the wrong career for me, but at one point even swore I’d never take another admin role again. I ventured off into other directions but eventually I was again drawn to an admin role. However, this time I was determined to succeed and make this my career.  I set some professional goals for myself which not only included developing skills, but also to earn my CAP and eventually finding a role as an executive assistant.

 

I worked in various admin roles with different companies and though none were the ideal situation, I considered each as a step along the path to reaching my goals and regarded the experience as a great value. I learned about various industries while developing my own skills which enhanced my resume. Over the next ten years I grew professionally and eventually I was offered a role as an executive assistant to a great executive with a global consumer products company, a role which I hope to stick with until retirement. Though I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, there is still one goal I have not yet achieved - I still want that CAP. And so now at 53 years old with the kids all off to college, I decided to make this my time to focus on my dream to become a Certified Administrative Professional!

When I sat for the CAP exam (back then the CPS) in 1997, I had a study buddy who was 50 years old with two teenage daughters. I was so proud of her for pursuing this certification, especially when she talked about how important it was for her to set an example of lifelong learning for her daughters.

I'm so glad you have decided to take this critical step in checking such an important item off your bucket list. Who knows where you will go from here?

Thanks for letting us share the journey!

Good for you! I would like to get my CAP certification as well, and I'm 52. The timing hasn't been right just yet though, but hopefully I'll be able to sign up this year. Good luck to you. Way to keep your eye on the prize!