Advice for Management

Why Become MOS Certified?

September 14, 2015 by Stacy

When I began my career as an administrative professional, the technology I used was simple—a typewriter. The recognized certification at that time was a typing certificate. I remember working with college faculty to obtain a typing certificate to verify my speed and errors on a 5-minute timed writing, which I later used as evidence to demonstrate to a potential employer my typing speed.

With the advances in technology, administrative professionals in today’s workforce need to become more technology savvy. While my typing skills are still relevant as I key text on a keyboard, administrative professionals are using software programs today such as: Microsoft Office, Adobe, QuarkXPress, Visio, WordPerfect, QuickBooks, WordPress, Google Docs, FileMaker Pro, and more. [Read more…] about Why Become MOS Certified?

In Honor of Labor Day

September 7, 2015 by Stacy

What is Labor Day? It’s a day that honors the American labor movement and the many contributions made in honor of working people. Established in 1887 Labor Day is recognized as a public holiday on the first Monday in September in the United States.

My sisters and I decided to spend Labor Day weekend relaxing in Las Vegas, NV. We each hold two or more jobs and look forward to occasions when we can set work aside and vacation with one another. We absolutely believe in the value of hard work and planning for the future, but we also value spending time together and taking a break.

Some of the highlights of our trip this year included: [Read more…] about In Honor of Labor Day

Dear Stress, Let’s Break Up!

August 27, 2015 by Stacy

Are you feeling overcommitted, overwhelmed, or distracted? You are not alone. Men and women from around the world are feeling just like you—stressed!

Juggling home and work commitments can be a circus act all in itself. When you add community (volunteer efforts, time with friends, religious or social groups) and self (exercise, enriching your mind, hobbies, and spirituality) into any typical day, you end up with a compelling reason for wanting to stay under the covers when the alarm clock goes off.

While traveling earlier this year, I picked up the Spring 2015 edition of the Harvard Business Review OnPoint at the airport. There are nearly 100 pages of articles dedicated to the topic of stress. Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to read this publication, and it has been very empowering. Here are some of my takeaways from this reading. [Read more…] about Dear Stress, Let’s Break Up!

Back to School (Isn’t Just for Kids)

August 19, 2015 by Stacy

I love this time of year when students are preparing for a new school year. It’s an exciting time filled with anticipation, discovery and learning, and school shopping to pick out new school clothes and supplies.

Since the age of five years old, I can only account for two years that I was not in school as a student or teaching on a college campus. Education has played a significant role in my life both as a student and as an educator.

Over the past year, it has been an exciting adventure to step out of the traditional classroom setting to launch Admin to Admin and A Great Day’s Work, accept speaking engagements and writing assignments, conduct onsite trainings, and serve as a subject matter expert in the way of consulting and coaching. As much as I enjoy working with employers, associations, and administrative professionals, I do miss working with students throughout the academic year. [Read more…] about Back to School (Isn’t Just for Kids)

Work for a Purpose, Not a Paycheck

August 15, 2015 by Stacy

Take a moment to reflect back upon your entire working career. What positions have you held? Which job was your favorite position? Was it the job that paid the most? Maybe not!

My parents would be the first to tell you that I have always enjoyed going to work. In fact, I enjoy working as much as I enjoy being at home or on vacation. If you don’t believe me, I encourage you to leave a comment, and my mother will be happy to respond. [Read more…] about Work for a Purpose, Not a Paycheck

TheLadders: A Resource for Your Career

July 29, 2015 by Stacy

It wasn’t until recently that I learned about the career resource TheLadders. This resource can help grow your career. The following blog post has been provided for your benefit. Check it out!

TheLadders is the ally of happy, successful careers. Their services are designed to put professionals back in the driver seat, providing them with the right tools, insights, and connections they need to thrive. Up for a promotion? They are here to support with best-in-class salary insights and negotiating tips. Looking to change jobs? They will leverage recruiters’ search patterns to get an ‘Inside Lead’ on exclusive job listings—often before they’re even posted. No matter what stage professionals are at, TheLadders is dedicated to assisting them in any way possible. [Read more…] about TheLadders: A Resource for Your Career

Should an Administrative Assistant be on LinkedIn?

July 23, 2015 by Stacy

I recently reached out to Sandra Clark, a workshop facilitator and coach, to ask her about the importance of using LinkedIn. A BIG thank you to Sandra for sharing the information in this blog post.

Should an Administrative Assistant be on LinkedIn? If you don’t have time to read the full blog, I’ll just answer that here–yes, yes and yes!

You are not your job title:

Administrative Assistant at XYZ Inc.
Administrative Assistant to the CEO

Sisters on the Go: Traveling to Historic Places

July 15, 2015 by Stacy

I recently had the opportunity to spend 10 days with my sister Michele visiting Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to learn and become more appreciative of American history.

During our travels, we joined organized tours, visited historical sites and monuments, toured buildings and museums, listened to lectures, and walked more than the recommended 10,000 steps per day. This travel experience helped to bring to life stories I have read in textbooks and pictures I have seen over the years. America is a land rich in history and filled with opportunity!

Believe In Yourself…You Are Worth It!

June 19, 2015 by Stacy

In my parent’s home there is a large Rodney White canvas print hanging in the dining area. It reads: We tend to seek happiness when happiness is actually a choice. (Author Unknown) I firmly believe that life IS about choices. Every day we get to decide and choose for ourselves if we see the glass half full or half empty. I choose to see the glass half full by acknowledging what I do have, not what I do not have or what others perceive I should have. I would rather live a life being true to myself every day.

Those who share my same career as an administrative professional know we have a multitude of duties to perform and worry about in the workplace (e.g. getting meetings scheduled, making travel arrangements, preparing documents, and making the impossible possible).

Graduation: A Time To Celebrate!

June 15, 2015 by Stacy

I love this time of the year when children and adults are sharing in the accomplishments and hard work that lead up to high school and college graduations. As a college graduate and educator, I have had the opportunity to attend nearly 40 graduations. These joyful graduation celebrations are a delight not only for the graduates but for family and friends as well.

On Saturday, June 6, 2015, I had the opportunity to attend a college graduation with my colleagues and friends. This graduation was especially memorable as it was held within the community I work and serve each day as an Executive Assistant to the City Manager’s Office for the City of Rancho Cordova. I’m grateful for the voluntary efforts of the team that worked miracles to host a graduation ceremony for college graduates. I’m appreciative of our elected officials, Mayor Robert McGarvey and Council Member Linda Budge, who were able to participate in the program. [Read more…] about Graduation: A Time To Celebrate!