Changing Jobs can cause a lot of frustration, as there's much to consider.
And whether you've notched up 25 years on the job, or you're on the lookout for your first real career, we've whipped up this comprehensive website with 15 different career paths to start an investigation off.
It's so easy - just click on the job option to get going...
Well organised administrative workers are an asset to any company or government sector. They require a variety of skills, and so the work is varied and interesting. You may not have any admin experience yet, and are just starting to do your research for training courses. You might have some experience, but from several years ago. Or are you progressing well in your career and want to add extra skills to your CV? You'll find a terrific range of training and re-training options are available to fulfil all these needs.
Businesses need administrative support at all levels. The office junior may start at sixteen, but a senior administrator may have been building her career for many years.
Excellent keyboard skills and knowledge of various user programs will be vital. Therefore you'll need to show you can use various packages such as Word and Excel, and handle emails professionally.
You'll find a great number of adult retraining companies supply courses in computer user skills if that's where you need to start. It can get a little long-winded, but it's worth taking your time to do some training course comparisons. Companies often feature on this page, so why not start here? (Bookmark this or any other good reference page that you might like to refer back to - a handy shortcut for this is to simply type in 'Ctrl D').
As well as computer-based skills, an entry level admin clerk will need to learn how to handle office communications, where good organisation is key. Consider courses in speed-reading, minute-taking and teamwork for example.
If you wish to progress your career quickly, then it's advisable to retrain for additional certifications alongside building your work experience. Think of which courses will most enhance your skill-set. Managing your time efficiently can be a problem - but there are first-rate training courses that can teach you new techniques. You'll also be expected to produce clear and concise written work, (most often written on behalf of someone else) and there are many short courses available which cover this.
People in high office require highly talented and skilled Personal Assistants to manage many of their affairs. If this type of work appeals to you, you must be prepared to offer more than most. Have a browse around the training companies and look at which disciplines other people are becoming skilled at. That way you'll know what your competition is, and how to match it. If you're able to cope well with a diverse range of situations and challenges, you will always be more generously recompensed financially.
"If you don't climb the mountain, you can't view the plain." - Anon.
On-going advanced studies should be considered a pre-requisite for the ambitious administrator. Start by considering the following training options:
Study proven systems for handling on-going pressure and working to tight deadlines. Gain more knowledge on how to resolve problems that repeatedly occur, and thus save hours of un-productive time.
Become an expert at managing your time, and cutting out all unnecessary interruptions. Ascertain the best working methods for both your everyday tasks and random assignments. Furnish yourself with tools for prioritising and delegating work, and for assessing when not to accept certain assignments.
Get involved in practical, hands-on exercises for managing difficult customers and work colleagues. Discover proven methods for turning a disgruntled colleague or client into a happy and trusting promoter of your business. Master the win-win situation.
Learn specific methods to radically improve your presentation techniques to small groups and large audiences. Be an effective listener. Learn how to create an impact with your audience. Learn how to write in an organised and succinct manner.
You could focus your attention into one specific area as your career develops. You'll find a wealth of commercial courses and certifications are on offer, such as: HR, Accounts and Finance or Legal Administration.
So why not get actively involved in your training research NOW. If you have a willingness to learn and are not daunted hard work, you could enjoy an interesting and rewarding career in administration. Read more about how you can become (or continue to be even more of) a fantastic asset to a great number of people in today's commercial world.