Anyone who becomes an admin professional never sits on the sidelines: you’ve been picked to be a first team player.
Because no matter your line of business, and whether you’re a new office assistant or PA to the CEO, this is a partnership of equals.
To be a good partner requires all of the qualities, skills and knowledge we might normally associate with executive and managerial positions, such as an in-depth understanding of the company and how it operates – and a passion to make this successful.
If you’re in any doubt about this, there are many examples of so-called ‘sidekicks’ in fiction who are, in actual fact, key players in the storyline.
Let’s meet just a few.
Joan Holloway
Loyalty is a must for anyone aiming for the top roles in admin. As head secretary at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, Christina Hendricks’ character in Mad Men is not only methodical in overseeing daily operations but her devotion to the firm knows no bounds. In fact, this ultimately leads her to become voting partner. Spoiler alert: admire and emulate her duty to the firm, but not all of her methods!
Alfred Pennyworth
It’s one thing running around Gotham City with a sidekick in your underwear and capes, but Batman and Robin could not fight crime as well as they do, if it wasn’t for their PA Alfred. He embodies all of the attributes needed to help a manager: a calm and professional manner, the ability to plan ahead and multi-task, oh, and incredible tact – he never mentions the silly costumes! Alfred Pennyworth: worth every penny.
Miss Moneypenny
Talking of many pennies . . . if you thought earning your salary in admin was all about diary filling and staplers, think again. Miss Moneypenny is the private secretary to none other than M – yes, head honcho of the British Secret Service. Of course, she is also James Bond’s PA. Her excellent people skills, unflappable nature and attention to detail, means 007 always has his back covered.
Virginia Pepper Potts
Gwyneth Paltrow’s steely lady is so bold and so brave, she could well have found her position as secretary among the admin vacancies on s1jobs. Such is her mettle she was soon promoted to become Iron Man’s right-hand woman. With Pepper Potts onside, there’s little chance of Iron Man giving an anaemic performance.
Could you be the perfect partner in business? Find out with roles in Admin from s1jobs.