Here is a little blurb about myself in an article that I wrote recently:
Being a male administrative assistant in a predominantly female profession is
something everyone asks me about. It feels like I have broken new ground by
entering this profession.
I have been an admin for about five-and-a-half years and have worked in a construction company, an investment firm and for a large publishing firm. From my unique perspective, here are some things I've experienced:
- Being treated in a different, but positive way, by staff members.
Since our department is mainly made up of females, I seem to help the office balance in a more serene way.- Clients seem to be surprised that I am in this profession, but take a liking to it. They realize that a male admin can do the job just as well as a female.
- The world has become more liberal and accepts male admins now with greater enthusiasm than before.
- I feel as if I am part of the in-crown, but I'm still the new kid at
school. I feel as if I have created a historic moment within the company, by (most likely) becoming its first male administrative assistant.At first, I was a little worried about becoming an administrative assistant. Although I did have the skills and experience, I wasn't sure employers would view the move as a social disconnect. I had to prove to them that I was just as good as anyone, and I have been successful in my career. Being a male administrative assistant has its ups and downs, but the ride is definitely exiting and fulfilling.
This article was originally published in Administrative Assistant’s Update newsletter.
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Until next time,
Take care - of your clutter!
5 comments:
Hi, I also have a similar blog I started. I think it is great to share these sorts of articles. They are a great help, especially to assistants just starting out. Here is my blogspot: http://secretaryhelpline.blogspot.com/
I am looking forward to reading your articles. And especially am interested in reading this one about being a male admin. I have only met one other in my years as an assistant.
Take care,
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
I agree! I've been working as an assistant for quite a number of years, but there's always something new to learn.
As for male admin assistants, it is rare, but I have met a few in my time as well. It's nice to see that this profession is coming out of its shell.
I will definitely check out your blog as well for more ideas.
Take care,
Richard
Seems like having a male assistant is fashionable. I notice male admin's more and more on TV shows and movies. Perhaps the world will accept the fact that everyone has talents no matter what gender they may be.
As a male, I have worked as a admin several times throughout my career. I enjoyed the position for the same reasons that you mentioned in your blog post. I found that my job transformed into a sudo management position with a great amount of responsibility. I never found it weird or uncomfortable. I always viewed it as a chance to learn first hand from experienced professional's in the business world.
Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for the comment. It's true. At first, I thought that it would feel odd to do such a role, but over time, I've grown acustomed to it and love it now! I really can't see myself in any other role.
Thanks,
Richard
Hello~
I'm glad to have found articles and comments like these. My name is Ivy, I am male, and I'll be enrolling in an Administrative Professional/ Assistant degree program to start this fall, at a local technical school. I think this profession will be a great fit for me; I enjoy this type of work and it makes use of all my best skills. It should be interesting to see how it goes -- in-college and after (especially with having a feminine name too)...
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