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Career and School Info for Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

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  School and Career Overview

Degrees and Schools

Many community colleges, vocational schools, state colleges and universities offer associates degrees in office administration.

Classes

Coursework in office administration usually combines classroom and lab practice. Areas of study often include:

  • computer and software skills
  • organization and filing systems
  • researching and reporting
  • operating office machines
  • typing and dictation
  • human resources and ethics

Online Classes and Programs

Online courses and degree programs in office administration are plentiful. When evaluating online programs, look for those that are part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).

Employment Requirements

Most employers prefer to hire executive secretaries and administrative assistants who have a college degree, especially if it is in the field or industry in which they will be working. For additional career advantage, candidates can pursue certification through professional organizations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals or for specific software applications such as Microsoft Office Specialist.

How to Evaluate Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant Schools

Consider the following when comparing office administration degree programs:

  • Career goals - Will the prospective student be specializing in particular field, such as technology, finance, legal or medical? Choosing schools that offer classes in these areas too will allow for convenient additional training.
  • Class size and experiential learning - Are classes or labs crowded? Does the school have a well-developed internship and job placement assistance program? Are there plenty of interesting opportunities?
  • Tuition and financial assistance - Does the school provide resources to help students take advantage of scholarships, loans and grants?
  • Graduate success - How many students successfully complete the program each year? What is the program's track record for placing graduates in jobs?

Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant Job Description

An executive secretary (also called an administrative assistant) fills the demanding role of providing administrative support to organizational leaders in companies, government agencies, legal offices, schools and hospitals. Their responsibilities are more information management-oriented than clerical, and require a high degree of organization, detail management and professionalism. Required tasks often include:

  • supervising other administrative staff
  • planning and scheduling high-level meetings
  • arranging travel, catering and agendas
  • managing executive calendars
  • screening and distributing important memos
  • managing paper and electronic file systems
  • researching via the Internet and other channels
  • creating and setting up presentations
  • answering phones and emails
  • faxing, copying, scanning and transcribing
  • solving minor software or computer problems
  • publishing reports, memos, correspondence, newsletters, etc.
  • gathering information from other departments and generating complex reports
  • assisting in HR-related tasks such as policy writing
  • attending meetings and recording minutes

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants primarily work for larger organizations in any industry. Some have additional training, specializing in legal or medical support.

 

Career Profiles

To help career searchers evaluate their options, BrainTrack has asked hundreds of workers to profile their jobs with a review and ratings. See below for a summary of this career compared to all rated careers and for detailed reviews.

CategoryThis CareerAll Rated Careers
Career Satisfaction
Opportunity for Promotion
Career Flexibility
How Cool Is The Career
How Stressful
Social Orientation
Earnings Potential
Task Variety
Job Security
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Job Title: Secretary Senior

Attended: The Evergreen State College • Olympia, WA
Studied Ethnography And Culture, Liberal Arts (completion in 1995)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"Being an administrative assistant is a highly flexible job. It can be as creative, challenging, lucrative or fulfilling as you are willing to make it. However, you really have to challenge yourself to make it rewarding, and the path of finding the right administrative job can be wrought with all kinds of frustrations."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10Evergreen is a liberal arts institution that focuses on a well-rounded education. Its graduates are capable of working in multicultural environments and are very conscious of power structures and diversity.
Opportunity for Promotion7If I want to leave my job level or my current position, there are all kinds of opportunities in my institution to move to more professional positions. However, I am at the top of my job class within the union I belong to. So I'd have to leave the unionized job and take a professional class job, which would sacrifice security.
Job Security9I work in a state institution. My job is union-protected.
Earnings Potential7The salary is steady and reasonable. However, nobody's going to get rich being an administrative assistant unless they're some kind of super executive personal assistant to the Queen or something.
How Stressful9Multitasking in a busy environment while working on highly important projects on a tight deadline is stressful to begin with. When you add in the personalities of the people you support, the stress level can go up or down significantly depending on your relationship with those people. One misconception is that secretaries have to take a lot of guff from people. I've found that's not true. The stress level of my career went down when I discovered that I could set boundaries and refuse to be treated without courtesy.
Task Variety9There is about an hour of routine in the morning and half an hour of routine at the end of the day. Other than that, I almost never know what I'm going to be doing from day to day. Work varies significantly in my public sector job, and when I worked in the private sector, it varied even more.
How Cool Is The Career3There isn't a lot of glamor to being an administrative assistant, particularly at a state institution. When I was temping I got to attend top secret meetings at large corporations, see projects unveiled before they became public, work on documents involving famous names, and et cetera. Once I settled into my current position, though, the cool factor definitely plummeted.
Career Flexibility8Administrative assistants are needed everywhere. If you're willing to be specific about what you want and need from a career and willing to work to find the right context, you can have just about any set of circumstances that you want. If you're willing to do temporary assignments, the flexibility factor explodes.
Social Orientation10I support 14 faculty and sit at a front desk. Interacting with a lot of people is a big part of my day.

Job Title: Associate Research Administrator

Attended: Central College • Pella, IA
Studied Theater / Communications (completion in 1999)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"It's not a terrible field and it can be satisfying. However, it is not what I want to do with the rest of my life."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating4Central College is not well known for any of their degrees. I took some classes that have been relevant but wish I would have had more options.
Opportunity for Promotion7Within universities, there are several opportunities to work in research administration. I live in a large city and there are several universities.
Job Security9I provide a specialized skill: research administration, which is the administration of sponsored projects, or grants. It is a growing field and I've made myself somewhat invaluable.
Earnings Potential7There is potential for me to increase my salary by around $10,000 per year at each step I make. I think that's promising but tends to be ultimately run by people that want to talk about policy for research administration rather than actually work in it.
How Stressful8Research Administration is deadline driven for at least 50% of the job. Grant proposals have hard deadlines and the job entails supporting investigators in getting their materials correct and on time.
Task Variety8Tasks vary but are in the same realm every day. One day might be forcing a proposal through to the deadline and another day might be spent writing letters for grant extension or auditing an account. The tasks vary within a small pool of duties.
How Cool Is The Career3Grants administration is not very cool, glamorous or exciting. It is fairly boring. Every year or so, the University might pay for attendance at a national conference, so it's better than some, I suppose.
Career Flexibility2Pretty inflexible. I can take days off but I need to give at least a week's notice. I couldn't go part-time.
Social Orientation7I work in a team environment so there is a good amount of social interaction. We have regular "debriefing" sessions and some after work functions. I would rather have a higher paying or more flexible job that didn't have as much social interaction though.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant/Guest Relations

Attended: Lake Superior State University • Sault Sainte Marie, MI
Studied Liberal Studies (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I do love what I do. I get to interact with customers, and being employed by a seasonal employer it also allows me to fill in at other areas of the business when needed during the busy months. That way I don't get stuck in ruts. I also LOVE the relationship that I have with my boss. He makes me feel respected and that my opinion actually matters. It makes you feel important when the Vice President of the company is asking for your opinion on business decisions."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7I feel like I had gotten more attention and input from a counselor at a community school where I had done a few classes.
Opportunity for Promotion8I do have a few opportunities for promotion - I consider a promotion a pay raise. I have currently applied for a Freight Manager position which would double my current salary. I have also recently been appointed to the Marketing Group, so that has been a promotion.
Job Security8I believe in my company, but right now we have a city government who is imposing a franchise fee of 7% on us, thus controlling our schedule and rate fares. This puts a strain on our business and reduced profit by about one million dollars. We are in the process of working with the other boat lines and the government so we don't all end up broke and there are no boat lines servicing the island.
Earnings Potential4I think my earnings are fairly normal. I did take a pay cut, however, when I took this job, so this is why I rate it below average. I feel like I should earn a bit more.
How Stressful5I have previously worked at a financial institution and I will give this job a normal rating. I find this job much less stressful than the banking job, as I don't have to deal with as much money or as many federal regulations as I did at the financial institution. So I see this job as having just normal business stress.
Task Variety8I have things that I have to do everyday, however there are also tasks that are not included in my everyday chores. During the summer months, I am in many places besides my office to help elevate some of the pressure on my other co-workers.
How Cool Is The Career8I have a pretty good job, I make a decent amount of money, my job is flexible, and my job changes every day so I don't get bored. Since my job is with a seasonal employer I can take about a month to a month and a half off in the winter without issue.
Career Flexibility7My husband and I are discussing starting our family and we have talked to my employer about work possibilities. One option we have come up with is me working part time in the office and then coming home to work the other 20 hours on billing and other tasks as needed. My boss is also very flexible if I need any time off for any reason. I just need to ask.
Social Orientation8Being an administrative assistant, I am frequently interacting with customers and employees on the phone, through email, and in person. In the winter months there is not quite as much interaction.

Job Title: Graduate Assistant

Attended: University Of Central Florida • Orlando, FL
Studied Political Science (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I know I have more potential. I just need to find the opportunities."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7It wasn't too bad. It just wasn't challenging enough.
Opportunity for Promotion1There is no room for promotion. That's it.
Job Security7When I am done with my Masters I don't know If I will retain my Admin Assist job. Maybe I could get an extension.
Earnings Potential5It is probably better experience than pay, because the pay is not that great.
How Stressful6It's not crazy. It's also no walk in the park.
Task Variety5Nothing too special.
How Cool Is The Career5I'm an instructor. Kinda not that cool.
Career Flexibility7I could flex my career a number of ways. I am looking for the one with the best pay.
Social Orientation5I talk to people occasionally, but it's nothing to write home about.

Job Title: Administrative Accounting Assistant

Attended: Florida State University • Tallahassee, FL
Studied Finance And Administration (completion in 2012)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I love my job and all the people I work with. I couldn't see myself doing anything else."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9FSU is a great school. They have a great finance department.
Opportunity for Promotion7I've already been promoted twice and I've only worked for my company for three years.
Job Security8My bosses love me. They would never want to lose me.
Earnings Potential6My pay rate is higher than most, I know. I am hoping to get a raise soon, though.
How Stressful4Most of the time my job is peaceful. Sometimes it can get a little hectic, though.
Task Variety5Mostly I do the same tasks every day, but sometimes they vary.
How Cool Is The Career5Administration is hardly what you'd call cool. It's a simple career.
Career Flexibility4I have a set schedule for when to work and I can't work from home.
Social Orientation7My coworkers are very nice and interesting people. We chat and things like that.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: University Of Oregon • Eugene, OR
Studied Business (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"Being an administrative assistant is more of a entry level job. I plan on moving up in the business world. This is just a foot in the door type of job for me."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8The school of business in Eugene does a pretty good job of preparing you for the real world. They offer excellent courses such as Finance, Business Law, Corporate Finance, and Business Comprehension and Training.
Opportunity for Promotion7I think the local business here in Eugene has good opportunities for me to advance in this sector. I would like to advance within the next year or so.
Job Security7My job, I feel, is pretty safe. The company I work for needs an assistant like me. I get along with everyone in the company and the business is doing fairly well.
Earnings Potential5The career earnings for assistants are just average. Nothing special about it. They don't make as much as other positions in a company.
How Stressful7It can sometimes be quite stressful for an administrative assistant, especially when everyone is busy. And scheduling everyone's appointments, taking phone calls, and dealing with customers can sometimes be tough. You have to be a great multitasker.
Task Variety5I'm going to say day-to-day tasks can vary slightly. But it's mostly filing paperwork, making appointments, taking calls, and doing the grunt work. Sometimes the boss will give you a different task then what your use to it. But it's more interesting that way.
How Cool Is The Career5Being an administrative assistant does not necessarily exude the "coolness" factor. Not like a financial analyst or CEO, Director, or CFO or Financial consultant. But they basically do the dirty work for the company.
Career Flexibility7My employer is pretty lenient with my career flexibility. I don't have to be at the office the whole time. I have a computer and I can sometimes be at home doing computer filing or scheduling appointments. They also have plenty of sick days to offer me.
Social Orientation8I interact with people on a daily basis. You have to be socially interactive as an administrative assistant. They constantly deal with higher ups and as well as people's emotions all the time.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Edison Community College • Piqua, OH
Studied AAB - Microcomputer Information Technology (completion in 1994)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I like my job because I enjoy the atmosphere of my workplace. The people I work with make my job interesting and fulfilling. I am a computer person, so working at a computer is a pleasure for me and this helps immensely with keeping things from getting boring."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating3The technology provided at the time I attended was severely behind the norm. Most of the software platforms I am proficient in are self taught.
Opportunity for Promotion1I work for a small firm with only a few employees. There is simply no other job available above what I do now, in my field at this company. For other companies it really depends on your knowledge base and work ethic. If you put in the time you may have the opportunity for advancement in a larger company to Executive Administrative Assistant or even Office Manager.
Job Security9As jobs go, my job is about as secure as can be expected in this economy. Unless the country goes into a complete depression my job will be safe.
Earnings Potential2That is one of the down sides of this job. Although starting pay is not bad, there is not really much room to advance in pay after several years. The company I work for is small and continually raising pay is just not an option. At some point you reach a cap.
How Stressful5It really just depends on the work schedule. We do seminars and there are times when it can be very stressful, and there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. During those times the work load is double, with normal day to day duties compounded by seminar preparations and reservations.
Task Variety4Of course there are always the daily tasks that remain the same that must be completed. I am lucky that the business I work for does different seminars and productions often, so I get to work on many different things in addition to the day to day things.
How Cool Is The Career5There is really not much glamor or prestige associated with my position. Just being employed in a professional setting does provide some sense of prestige and accomplishment.
Career Flexibility8The flexibility of this position is very dependent upon travel schedules and seminar schedules. When we are not on a crunch, things can be very flexible. When we are on a crunch there is usually still some time that can be flex, hours just need to be shuffled.
Social Orientation5We deal with many people through our seminars, so I meet new people on a regular basic. We also have many long time clients who I see often and know by name. Some of our clients are several generations of families, so it can be very rewarding working with them.

Job Title: Farm Loan Program Technician

Attended: Western Governor's University • Salt Lake City, UT
Studied Human Resource Management (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"I am satisfied with my work because I enjoy doing administrative tasks. However, I know my job so well that there is no longer any challenge in it."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10I was able to go to this school online and complete it at my own pace. I didn't have to waste my time or theirs sitting in class. I was also able to pass a certification exam for my major that over half of the students that take it do not pass. I passed in the top ten of my block.
Opportunity for Promotion3I do not have a lot of chances for promotion at my job because I do not want to become a loan officer. I enjoy the administrative side of the job. I could change my job and title, but I would have to move to do so.
Job Security7My job is fairly secure because I work for the federal government. However, with recent cuts, there could be changes.
Earnings Potential6I am almost at the top of my pay scale. In a few years, unless we get cost of living raises, I won't make anymore in this job.
How Stressful5There are times that my job is busy. However, after loan season is over, I'm not busy and the workload is not stressful.
Task Variety5Some days I do different tasks. However, for the most part, I do the same tasks every day. I may file papers in files for different people, but I am still just filing.
How Cool Is The Career3It is a good job, but it's nothing glamorous. I am basically a secretary for the loan officers and I help them get their jobs done.
Career Flexibility7My job is fairly flexible because I can have every other Friday off. There really aren't any part-time opportunities or work-at-home for me because what I do requires me to be there.
Social Orientation5I chat with fellow employees and customers, but nothing really outside of work. I do run into customers outside of work, but not a lot. Sometimes it is better to not have personal relationships with those you work with to avoid complications at work.

Job Title: Program Coordinator

Attended: University Of Washington • Tacoma, WA
Studied Liberal Arts (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"I'm somewhat satisfied because while I believe that I do my job very well, and have lots of administrative experience, I find myself often bored. I would like to find another job that has more purpose."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8I believe that I was given an excellent education at the University of Washington. It was a comprehensive education with an excellent-quality faculty and an overall great learning experience.
Opportunity for Promotion5I don't foresee many opportunities for promotion and career growth as I work at a public university that is currently experiencing budgetary issues. I also work for a boss that is not really supportive of promoting her staff.
Job Security9I believe that this job is very secure as there will always be a need for people like me in this role. Managers and others often need administrative support and thus will always need someone like us to assist them.
Earnings Potential5This type of position is somewhat valued in the workplace, so I gave this an average rating. However, it is often overlooked and taken for granted, which is why I didn't rate it higher.
How Stressful8My position can be very stressful because it can be very demanding and inflexible at times. I also know that my workload has tremendously risen over the years, which is also making it very stressful.
Task Variety3I find that in my position, I am pretty much doing the same thing, day to day. There may be an occasional difference, but pretty much it's the same mundane work.
How Cool Is The Career5I don't believe administrative professionals like myself are really seen in a positive manner. The only time I've seen this job portrayed in the media it was negative, like the movie "9 to 5."
Career Flexibility4I don't see much flexibility in this position, and I have been doing it for almost 20 years. I have worked in a variety of office settings and the hours have been the same. There also some other non-flexible conditions.
Social Orientation5I gave this question an average rating as I don't have as much social interaction as I would like because I am so busy. Social interaction is also very frowned upon in my office.

Job Title: Program Assistant

Attended: Excelsior College • Albany, NY
Studied Business Administration (completion in 1995)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"My career has served me well over 35 years. I have never been unemployed. I have worked for larger institutions so my benefits have been good. The pay has not always been good, but now I have a good paying job with great benefits. The work is somewhat repetitive and boring so I find creative outlets outside of work."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10Excelsior accepted all my previous credits from a few different schools. I was able to take CLEP exams for 6 courses which saved a lot of time and money. They helped me tie up all my loose ends and get an A.S. degree.
Opportunity for Promotion6In my career I was promoted twice: to buyer, and to supervisor. I did not like either promotion. Being a supervisor was a particularly bad experience because I was young and female and not respected by the older workers, especially the males.
Job Security9I work for a public school system and our state government has budget problems. It is possible my hours could be cut back or I could be laid off. I think I am safe because my boss is a top director and I don't think they would cut her assistant.
Earnings Potential4Currently I earn the national average, but that has only been in the last few years. I have topped out and will only get cost-of-living raises from here on out. I am paid well for my area and I don't think I could do better.
How Stressful5I have had volatile bosses and mellow ones. Every boss can get wound up if they are under stress, and they will pass that on to you. You can't take anything personally. That can help with the stress.
Task Variety5As the school year cycles there are certain reports and tasks that become due. Most tasks are repetitive: answering emails, creating purchase orders, filing, etc.
How Cool Is The Career3This job is not glamorous at all. You make coffee, make copies, run errands, etc. at your boss' whim. You are dressed nicely in an office, not digging a ditch in the weather, so there's that. If your boss is high up the ladder, you have residual prestige from being his/her assistant. The job itself is boring and repetitive.
Career Flexibility3I have not found this type of work to be flexible. You are needed to be present at the same time and place as your administrator. You could work part time for a small operation. You can specialize some, in legal for example.
Social Orientation8My work space has typically been in an open area with varying degrees of traffic. I have many opportunities to socialize with coworkers and some with the public.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant/Personnel Assistant

Attended: SUNY Oneonta • Oneonta, NY
Studied Mathematics (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"Satisfied with the job, but it is below the standard I thought I would be at with my degree."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7High quality for the things that were covered, however there was no program for topology, which is a major topic in math.
Opportunity for Promotion4There are only 2 positions I can move up to, and it would take a person quitting for me to be considered. They are very happy in their jobs and have been there for a very long time.
Job Security9I work for a reputable tutoring program, so it is a good market. I am also great at my job and have become an asset that I do not believe they can afford to lose at this moment.
Earnings Potential5Started with the lowest they were offering in the job ad, which I still had to negotiate for regardless of how well my qualifications matched.
How Stressful7When we are busy, it's very stressful because it is constant work all day long. More relaxed when we are not busy, but that gets very boring.
Task Variety2Tasks are always the same! Very repetitive.
How Cool Is The Career6I am only considered an assistant, however my responsibilities have grown into more than that and I can say that I contribute a large portion to the success of the business.
Career Flexibility1Basic time off and only a 30 minute break in a 10 hour day.
Social Orientation10I work with people all day long, in person and over the phone.

Job Title: Elementary Secretary

Attended: University Of Maine • Presque Isle, ME
Studied History (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I had worked as a student aid for the main office in high school and realized how much I enjoyed the work. I actually gave up another job to take the job I currently have."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8I enjoyed the hands on approach of the program. While it was not directly related to my profession, I learned many valuable clerical skills through the research required in the program.
Opportunity for Promotion1Because I am the only secretary in my building, that means I already am doing all the jobs that would require my skills. This is common among education admin. asst.
Job Security5I'm the only secretary in my office, so my job is relatively secure. On the other hand, our school recently lost a large amount of funding and that always makes people nervous.
Earnings Potential8I received a raise after my first year and it is in my contract that I will continue to receive a raise at different stages in the time with the district. I also put in a significant amount of overtime.
How Stressful8I'm responsible for 100 children and where they are going after school, allergies, parental guardianship issues, and much more. On top of the students, I also must preform all the normal secretarial duties, such as paperwork and meeting deadlines.
Task Variety9Every day is different and unique. I learned not to make a plan for the day because it will often change. Instead I focus on tasks and not a full daily plan. I love the change from day to day
How Cool Is The Career5It was a highly sought after job among community members. Although the position is highly coveted, it is demanding and requires a variety of skills, some of which are not "glamorous."
Career Flexibility4I am required to be in the building before anyone and after almost everyone else leaves. I am able to be extremely flexible in my hours during school vacations and can basically come and go as I please.
Social Orientation10My office is the main office for the building and the district, so I'm in constant contact with the public. Also, there is a staff of 30+ teachers as well as administration and staff that come to me for work and personal issues. I have very good friends because of my job.

Job Title: Technical Office Assistant

Attended: Clinch Valley College • Wise, VA
Studied English Literature (completion in 1999)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"I enjoy working steadily, and the nature of our Engineering firm causes our workload to range from extremely busy to very slow. I would prefer a steady pace at all times. I also would prefer more direction from our management."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8Clinch Valley College provided me with a good, sound education. Because we are in a rural area, however, I feel that we were not able to participate in more cultural diversions.
Opportunity for Promotion7We are a small firm located in several different locations. Promotion opportunities are limited at my current location.
Job Security7Due to the economy, all jobs are expendable. However, I feel that my job performance ensures good stability.
Earnings Potential7I have a steady income with room for increases. There are no extra incentives (such as sales, etc.).
How Stressful7A heavy workload and deadlines often contribute to stress. However, downtime averages out the stressfulness.
Task Variety5There is not a great variety of tasks. However, I am open to new opportunities.
How Cool Is The Career5I have a steady income and nice benefits. I would consider it an average job.
Career Flexibility9Management has a hands-off approach. We have a great deal of flexibility, if needed.
Social Orientation6In my position, I deal with an average amount of people. Much of the interaction is with the same internal employees, however.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Maplewood Career Center • Streetsboro, OH
Studied Real Estate (completion in 2006)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"I think I could be making more money at another company. I really like the company I work for though."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9Most classes are very thorough and informative. The school is close to where I live.
Opportunity for Promotion4I work in a real estate company. Promotions are not in the foreseeable future.
Job Security7I work for a real estate company. I have already been laid off once.
Earnings Potential5Again, my son will soon be making as much as me working at Subway. I do get benefits.
How Stressful9I work in a fairly busy office. I am responsible for much of the office operation.
Task Variety4Generally, I have certain tasks that I must make sure get done daily. However, you never know which one of my Realtors will need me to help them with... it can get interesting.
How Cool Is The Career8It's better than working at Subway. However, my son does work at Subway and will probably make as much as I do in a year or so.
Career Flexibility9I am blessed with a fairly flexible schedule. I can lunch whenever I want and arrive a bit late or leave a little early if necessary.
Social Orientation7There are a lot of Broker's opens to attend and various events throughout the year in the real estate business. I don't go to all, but I do go to many.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Manatee Community College • Bradenton, FL
Studied Registered Nurse (completion in 2008)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I love my position because I always have something to do. However, sometimes it can get a bit stressful doing administrative work for various agents. Assisting more then one agent at a time can make it feel as if you are in a game of tug o' war."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9College was a wonderful experience and very challenging. I have always loved challenges and the feeling of accomplishment.
Opportunity for Promotion7I believe promotions come with knowledge. The more I learn in the insurance field, the sooner I can obtain my license and become an agent.
Job Security9I believe my position is very secure. Insurance does not seem to be going out of business anytime soon, and since my job covers every insurance you can think of, we stay extremely busy.
Earnings Potential8My company provides for their employees very well and is not frugal about raises and bonuses. There is always room for advancement financially as long as you show your full potential on a daily basis.
How Stressful8When season hits in Florida, with the northerners coming south, we are extremely busy. The stress level can get extremely high.
Task Variety7Insurance throws curve balls at you regularly. There is always something new and interesting popping out at you. However, the day to day work is repetitive with the processing of paperwork.
How Cool Is The Career6I don't think insurance is a very "cool" job. However, I would like to think I work with some of the "coolest" people around.
Career Flexibility1My position is not very flexible. I am needed almost more then 40 hours a week.
Social Orientation6We socialize between huge rushes of work to do. We laugh and smile while we do our work, tell jokes, and catch up on at home family life.

Job Title: Assistant Property Manager

Attended: Middlesex Community College • Middletown, CT
Studied Business (completion in 1977)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"The office politics can be tiresome when you can't get ahead because of someone's inferiority complex. Confidence is often mistaken for a 'bad attitude.'"

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8I actually attended two different colleges to prepare for the business world. The first was an Executive Assistant training school and then I added the Associate's Degree to tie it in with the office procedures classes.
Opportunity for Promotion5At a time when I should have been moving up, companies started downsizing for one reason or another. Long breaks between employment can raise questions or doubt in long-term employment.
Job Security3Admin. assistants or assistant managers for some companies are just glorified secretaries with no real value or potential for moving too far up the ladder. Often important information is not shared on a regular basis.
Earnings Potential8One must be willing to take on more responsibility than what's listed on the job description and be the reliable go to person who knows their stuff. Consistency pays off eventually.
How Stressful10Managing an office with 5 or more managers plus other staff can be very hectic. The go to person has to be able to handle more that one person and one task at a time.
Task Variety7Most paperwork and database work is the same. Handling a different set of unexpected problems everyday is challenging.
How Cool Is The Career7Depending on the company, the more laid back, the better. The pay may be slightly lower than some corporate salaries, but it's better to work and have some fun.
Career Flexibility1As the first point of contact with most companies, the office wouldn't open without the Assistant. It is usually this person's responsibility to handle voice mail, do equipment checks, and, in some cases, make coffee.
Social Orientation5I interact with many different vendors during the day. This definitely makes some days better than others.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: University Of North Carolina • Chapel Hill, NY
Studied Sports Administration (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"I enjoy the company I work for, but do not necessarily enjoy the day to day work. However, I make enough to earn a living while searching for other jobs"

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9I want to work in the world of sports and UNC was a great place to learn about that world. I am still trying to break into that field.
Opportunity for Promotion8Since I have a Bachelor's, I am qualified for higher positions. I do not intend to stay in this career forever, but could be promoted if I put my time in.
Job Security8My friend's father owns the company and has promised employment for as long as I need it. I am overqualified for the job so don't feel insecure about it at all.
Earnings Potential6There is good earning potential, but it comes with experience. Having a degree helps this potential.
How Stressful5There is plenty of work to be done, so I do feel challenged. This does not mean I am stressed.
Task Variety6Some tasks are daily, but there are always variations as well. I have a good amount of variety in my responsibilities.
How Cool Is The Career3It is not a glamorous career, but it is a necessary one. I do get to understand how other parts of the company are run though.
Career Flexibility8Being an admin assistant can be done from anywhere. There is a need for it in every profession.
Social Orientation9Since I am the admin assistant, I socialize with everyone on a regular basis. I have to be in contact with them to do my job.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Loyola University • Chicago, IL
Studied Psychology/Human Resources Focus (completion in 1980)
Highest relevant degree: Master's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I enjoy many of the same perks that the executives have. I travel to interesting places 2-3 times a year for meetings. I am very respected in our organization."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The professors had business experience. The school allowed me to select targeted classes that would be of very specific use to me in my work.
Opportunity for Promotion5I would need further my education/specialization to be promoted in this organization. That education would include technical/medical training. If I were to comply with these requirements, then the chances for promotion would be very good.
Job Security9I provide on-site services for my supervisor. These can not be outsourced. The field I work in now, medicine, is one of the few that continue to show growth.
Earnings Potential9There is an upper limit to my earnings, I am sure. I am already earning more than most midlevel managers are in our organization. My job is specialized, and that fact is appreciated and that appreciation has been shown through fairly regularly raises.
How Stressful8My job may be stressful, but I don't feel it. I love the excitement and challenge of not always knowing what I will be doing or where I may be traveling in 6 months.
Task Variety10My daily work depends on what my boss is doing, and he is basically the trouble-shooter in our organization. We go where there are Human Resources problems and "fix" them. This makes for a challenging and stimulating work day.
How Cool Is The Career10Not all administrative assistant jobs are cool, but mine is. I get to travel to cool places, I am put up at the best hotels, and I meet the top people in their respective fields.
Career Flexibility1I am needed on-site, and can not do my work from any satellite location. I am needed at my desk all the time that my boss is at her desk. You can not goof off or be absent a lot in this job.
Social Orientation10I am interacting with many people within and outside of our organization on a daily basis. It is up to me to make sure that these interactions are pleasant, smooth, and productive.

Job Title: Office Manager

Attended: Metropolitan State College • Denver, CO
Studied Marketing (completion in 2000)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"The company I work for is in the oil and exp;oration business. These are very exciting times with all the drilling going on in the Rocky Mountain area. We are expanding rapidly and I report to the CEO and have a lot of responsibility for doing initial screening of new employees. We are hiring in a lot of different areas so I am very busy and feel like I am making a big contribution to the growth of the company."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5The schooling in the marketing area was good, but what I am doing is more a result of on the job experience over the past 15 years than my education. I learned a lot of job skills in general, but not those specific to my current job description.
Opportunity for Promotion10The company is in an exciting area of growth. The oil and gas industry in Denver is exciting and people are looking to hire and my company is growing, so there are a lot of chances to advance.
Job Security10As I mentioned, the company is growing rapidly and my job is very important to the success of the company. I have also had good reviews and have a good relationship with the CEO.
Earnings Potential10The company I work for has great benefits. We have a profit sharing plan that participates in all our successes in the drilling and production of oil. I have a very competitive salary and expect nice raises.
How Stressful10The stress is there, but I strive in this kind of situation. I would rather be in a high stress environment than a boring one. With all the people we are hiring, I am responsible for a lot of the initial screening, and getting the right people is critical.
Task Variety10Every day is a new challenge and I get to work on my regular work load which covers a lot of different areas. In addition, our company always seems to be on the cutting edge of exciting things.
How Cool Is The Career7The industry I work in is exciting and growing. Unlike a lot of industries that are in decline, the oil business is booming and it is great to be working in an area that can help get the country away from Middle Eastern oil.
Career Flexibility10The experience I have now has given me a lot of avenues to pursue both within my company and in the industry. The job market is improving and my salary is increasing. I see no need to look for a job now.
Social Orientation10Being in charge of office management and reporting to the CEO, I have dealings with everyone in the company and get to be involved in a lot of major decisions. The new hiring requirements keep me in touch with a lot of potential employees.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: University Of Notre Dame • Notre Dame, IN
Studied Joint Philosophy And Theology (completion in 1998)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"I am satisfied with my career because it fits my family schedule and lifestyle at present. However, I look forward to utilizing more of my education and skills as a manager or executive in the future."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The University of Notre Dame is an internationally recognized Catholic university with noteworthy Philosophy and Theology professors. The Bachelor's of Arts and Letters program provides a rich, well-rounded education from excellent scholars.
Opportunity for Promotion8There are frequent opportunities to demonstrate my worth and skills to my employer that earn bonuses and acclaim. I view each task and assignment as an opportunity to earn a promotion.
Job Security8Once established as an effective part of a team, the Administrative Assistant can be such a vital asset to her or his manager that it would be difficult to eliminate the position. Administrative Assistants are utilized by many organizations in a variety of capacities, so there are a lot of employment opportunities in the position.
Earnings Potential5Including performance bonuses, I can earn a decent amount of income and benefits. The non-monetary earnings of stability and flexibility are equally important.
How Stressful8There are frequent last-minute deadlines and constant efforts to organize. Most of the stressors are from sources beyond my control as an Administrative Assistant.
Task Variety6While there are many routine tasks, my organization projects change and so do my day-to-day tasks. Almost everything involves being connected to a computer or phone, but that is pretty common for an office career.
How Cool Is The Career3There is not a lot of prestige that comes with the title “Administrative Assistant.” However, some amount of excitement and glamor can be achieved by being an executive's trusted "right hand."
Career Flexibility10There are many opportunities to work a variety of schedules and levels of employment. Administrative Assistants are employed by many different companies in a variety of locations.
Social Orientation9I am frequently contacting or receiving contact from my employer's clients, colleagues, and business contacts. From ordering business cards to handling contract invoicing, I have almost constant social interaction in my career.

Job Title: Paralegal

Attended: Delaware Technical & Community College • Wilmington, DE
Studied Business Management & Marketing (completion in 2003)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I am good at organizing the office's clerical needs and supporting the attorneys. I prefer to have a law degree myself though, so I am not fully satisfied."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9I had excellent teachers who had good jobs in business and were able to teach based on experience. The school was also just the right size to provide diversity, yet give a lot of individual attention.
Opportunity for Promotion8Room for advancement is possible only if I become an attorney. The only other opportunity for advancement is if the office grows and they needed to hire someone below me.
Job Security10My job is secure because I do an excellent job. My bosses are also happy.
Earnings Potential5 Earning potential increases as the size of the office increases.
How Stressful7The job can be stressful at time as attorneys produce a massive amount of paperwork. As an administrative assistant, I am responsible for filing and I have implemented numerous systems in the office to make this easier.
Task Variety5I can expect relatively the same type of paperwork and interaction with the types of law the firm practices. We do take on different types of cases sometimes, and the rules of court change sometimes, so things do change. As stated above, I have also implemented new interoffice systems to make things more efficient.
How Cool Is The Career7My bosses are in high demand so by association, I am important because I work with them. I also tend to impress people by saying I am an administrative assistant/paralegal and want to be an attorney.
Career Flexibility4Although I do work from home at times, I need to be in the office as well. It is my responsibility to open the office in the morning and even though I do most of the administrative work, I also answer the phones.
Social Orientation8I am the primary person who answers the phones, so I have initial contact with clients and other people calling the office. I also greet people when they arrive and deal with other firms.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: SUNY Plattsburgh • Plattsburgh, NY
Studied Child & Family Counseling (completion in 1994)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I love my job in the sense that I have a wonderful boss who pays me well for what I do and who allows me a lot of flexibility. Both of these are very important to me seen as I have two young kids. The reason I'm not very satisfied is because sometimes I feel like I'm not challenging myself enough."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5I don't think the school is known for their counseling courses. I originally went there for business and switched halfway through.
Opportunity for Promotion1There are no opportunities for me to advance here unless I get my CPA license because it's an accounting firm.
Job Security9I feel pretty secure at my job. Our office has been running pretty much the same the past few years. There hasn't been one year in which I haven't received a raise.
Earnings Potential9Considering what I do, I get paid quite well.
How Stressful6This time of year it's more stressful because this is an accounting firm and it's tax season. The rest of the year, though, it's pretty quiet and very low stress. Even on the most stressful days, though, it's pretty low key compared to a lot of other offices or jobs.
Task Variety7There are some days in which we do the same thing for the most part throughout the day, but those days are few and far between. For the most part it's a highly varied job.
How Cool Is The Career3Not a very glamorous place to work. We are a small office too, so there's not a lot of prestige.
Career Flexibility10I am allowed to come in later every day than my actual 'core' hours because I bring my son to school and can not get here any earlier than that. If I need to leave for appointments or because one of my kids is sick, there are no questions asked. I am allowed great flexibility at this job. No complaints.
Social Orientation10The office is small, so there's a lot of interaction. No one sits in cubicles. We also have a steady stream of traffic coming and going. With clients and delivery men, there's really never a dull moment.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Kean University • Union, NJ
Studied English (completion in 2014)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I like the business of administration, however I have always worked for people who want your maximum and pay you the minimum. I have copywriting and editing experience among other things, because I have worked in small companies where I had to wear many hats. But to find work in those fields without having a credential on a resume is difficult."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8They have a very complete English Department, and they are very helpful with assisting the students. When a student does well, they encourage the hardest workers to volunteer as student advocates and in other areas to help build experience and confidence.
Opportunity for Promotion6Much of this depends on where you work, and whether or not your company will train/promote from within. There is not as much advancement in small companies.
Job Security8Although this economy is shaky, and the pay isn't the most fantastic, I am sure that there is no way that I would ever be unemployed as long as I can be flexible with pay and distance. Administrative help is always needed somewhere, and this is also the day of the virtual assistant--when much of what admins do can be done from home, and your 'office' can be anywhere in the United States, not necessarily close to your job's location.
Earnings Potential9If you are the second income earner in the house, this is a good profession--you can find work around kids' schedules, etc. If it is a primary profession in the household, and if you can travel, then you can be paid more to work in larger firms/bigger cities.
How Stressful6This is always going to depend on your boss and the management. If you like the work and are good at it, even a busy office and lots of demands don't have to cause too much stress. If your boss doesn't appreciate you, or uses you far more than they compensate you, you tend to become unhappy, and that can indeed contribute to stress.
Task Variety7In the companies I've worked for, my tasks varied. Some I did like very much, others not so much at all. But again, since I liked the work, the subject matter really didn't matter. I was bored at times, but most times didn't mind the work.
How Cool Is The Career5I would not think of this as a 'cool' profession, however, to rate it in the middle is ok, because it's not 'uncool', either. It's normal, regular, dependable, and can be fulfilling if you like what you do.
Career Flexibility10Although limiting financially, the kind of work admins do is in demand in every industry. There is always work available to suit YOUR needs if you can be flexible enough.
Social Orientation7Depending on the company you work for, there's plenty of opportunity for social interaction. In a larger company, there's much more potential. I have enjoyed close friends in a small company setting, too, however.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Miami Dade College • Miami, FL
Studied Business (completion in 2000)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"Even with a college degree, it's hard to get a good job. You always have to start low and work your way up."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9Very good! Not too expensive and I learned a lot of useful information, not just for my career but for my personal life as well.
Opportunity for Promotion3No way to go up in my position because the next step would be sales, and I don't like to sell. But if the company keeps on doing well, I might get a raise.
Job Security4In these economical times, no job is 100% secure. As an assistant, if the company need to make cuts, it will cut me first.
Earnings Potential3Barely enough to survive. It's hard to get everything paid on time. And I make twice as much as minimum wage. I could not imagine how people who work for $8 per hour survive.
How Stressful8When there are deadlines it gets stressful. When I have someone looking over my shoulder, it also gets stressful!
Task Variety6No two days are alike. The basic tasks stay the same, but each day brings new challenges.
How Cool Is The Career2Nothing cool about answering phones and doing paperwork. No prestige at all.
Career Flexibility6Depends on the company if they let you work at home. Mine does not. The career field itself is flexible in that I can find a job as an admin anywhere.
Social Orientation7The best part of my job are the friends that I have made. Although there is not a lot of time to talk or hang out, when we do we have a great time. A lot of laughs.

Job Title: Principal Administrative Specialist

Attended: Rutgers • Camden, NJ
Studied History (completion in 2002)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I am content not to be in management. I prefer performing the tasks than directing them."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9Rutgers is a well-known university. The classes were just small enough to keep a fairly intimate atmosphere.
Opportunity for Promotion6There isn't very much in the way of moving up in my department or my job. I would have to cross train and move to a different department to move up.
Job Security8I am very good at my job and my boss loves me. But things can always change in today's climate. I know I would not be the first to go if downsizing occurred.
Earnings Potential7I believe I am on the high end of the pay scale. It pays the bills and then some.
How Stressful1I have a set of tasks to perform. They may increase in scale but the task is the same and is therefore rote.
Task Variety3Very rarely do my tasks vary. They only increase or decrease in amount.
How Cool Is The Career4It's administrative work. We are looked down upon as peons. We are never given great respect except from those who work with us directly.
Career Flexibility3My job is only in one place and has a set schedule, but my boss is flexible if time off is needed.
Social Orientation3There are only 4 people in my whole department. There is not much chance for interaction with anyone.

Job Title: Customer Support Representative

Attended: Armstrong Atlantic State University • Savannah, GA
Studied Economics (completion in 2006)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I am not satisfied because it is not what I went to school for and I do not get paid very much. Everyone thinks I am uneducated because of my position."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5Although this career was not my choice, my school did prepare me for it. I learned a lot about working with computers and even people. That's what makes me a good CSR.
Opportunity for Promotion1There is nowhere else to go in this company with my experience. The job doesn't provide a lot of opportunities.
Job Security10The company is very stable and has been around for a while. I get good reviews.
Earnings Potential5The pay is good for the job title, but the raises are small. You never make more than your salary (no bonus or overtime).
How Stressful8Organization and time management are the keys to success. If you fall behind for one minute, or if you are sick, work piles up and becomes so stressful.
Task Variety2I do the same thing every day. The only difference is that it's with different people.
How Cool Is The Career8The career itself is not very "cool," but my company is awesome. I am proud to work for them, even if I am not happy about the career choice.
Career Flexibility1I have a set schedule that is not flexible. I can not work at home, or make up time on the weekends. There is only 1 center where I can work.
Social Orientation10I am always meeting new people from around the world. I have met some great life-long friends.

Job Title: Office Administrator

Attended: Great Bay Community College • Portsmouth, NH
Studied Business Management (completion in 2008)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I love helping people that come into the office. I absolutely love making a new filing system and organizing it all."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10My teachers were a huge help in teaching me about real life situations that would pertain to my job profession. Just learning about computers, marketing, business law and accounting was a lot of fun for me.
Opportunity for Promotion5I do not think I will get any promotions beyond administrator, but I do get annual raises.
Job Security8I hope I do my job well enough that they will keep me. I do not think the business will close in the near future.
Earnings Potential5I will receive a raise once a year and that was explained to me very clearly when I was hired. So there's not much potential to get rich but loving what I do certainly matters for me.
How Stressful4I do not have much stress as long as I do my job on time. I haven't had a time yet when I couldn't complete my work.
Task Variety7My daily tasks are not different all the time, but there is a great variety in what I do, so I may not do the same thing twice in a day.
How Cool Is The Career5To me it is cool, but to others it is not real glamorous to work in a office pushing paper around all day. I really love what I do, so I have no problem with it not being cool.
Career Flexibility5I am able to take off pretty easily if I have appointments as long as I have someone cover my duties. There is no flexibility in terms of working at home or changing locations.
Social Orientation7I have most of my social interaction on the phone with clients. I have quite a rapport with a lot of our clients. I do see some in person, but that is rare.

Job Title: Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Attended: Clarion University • Clarion, PA
Studied Biology (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Master's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I got a Master's degree in Biology, but my job is sorting papers, stapling, filing, and answering the telephone. It is not what I intended to do."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5I majored in Biology, but I have extensive coursework in English and public relations, allowing me to qualify for this position. There isn't much more to teach one about answering the phone.
Opportunity for Promotion2There are no opportunities for advancement. Maybe if I switched companies, but currently there is no where to go. There is no lower position, no higher position (except owner of the company).
Job Security3Administrative work will always be around. However, it is not always something I want to do. That is why it got a 5.
Earnings Potential6In the area where I live, my salary is decent, but only slightly higher than minimum wage. With no chance of increase, it only gets a 6.
How Stressful4During peak seasons, it's busy, but nothing drastic. The only stress is when the boss is angry, but that isn't based on the job itself.
Task Variety2Very mundane, repetitive tasks. While the material may change, the task never does.
How Cool Is The Career2Cool is the least likely description I'd ever use for this job. Khaki pants, fancy top, uncomfortable shoes, stuck in a box all day - none of the above is cool.
Career Flexibility6There is flexibility in hours, such as leaving early for appointments and coming in early to make up for it. There is the option to work at home, but not for more pay, just to try to keep up. No opportunity to relocate.
Social Orientation6Working in a small business, I'm constantly interacting with coworkers, and make many phone calls per day with customers. I'm constantly talking to people, but none of it is in a casual social setting, so it got a 6.

Job Title: Office Manager

Attended: Daytona State College • Daytona, FL
Studied Arts (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I enjoy my job and the responsibility. I do feel I have gone as far as possible at the company I am with."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5I went to a community college and the classes I took were general arts classes.
Opportunity for Promotion1I have made it as far in this company as possible. It is not a large company.
Job Security9My boss would be lost without me. No one knows how to do everything I do.
Earnings Potential8I earn a very good salary. I am indispensable.
How Stressful1I could do this job blindfolded. I have been working here for many years.
Task Variety1Same stuff every day. Nothing changes.
How Cool Is The Career5I work at an average company where there is no sense of coolness. I'm probably the coolest thing there.
Career Flexibility1If I am not in my office, then nothing seems to get done. I never take sick days.
Social Orientation5There are not too many people I interact with at my job. I'm stuck in my office all day.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Sacramento State • Sacramento, CA
Studied History (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"My job is stable but very boring. I do the same simple tasks everyday, and I feel like my degree is wasted."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8I loved my school. They had great teachers and wonderful classes.
Opportunity for Promotion3There is little chance for upward movement. There are no promotions or raises.
Job Security6I would say that the job security is pretty good because there are a lot of jobs out there in this field.
Earnings Potential3Unless I get promoted to another position, there is very little chance to make good money.
How Stressful5Most of the things that I do are simple, but if I overlook something then it is stressful.
Task Variety1My tasks are consistent every day. This makes the job very boring.
How Cool Is The Career1The things that I do are very boring and repetitive. As a result, the job is very uncool.
Career Flexibility2This job is very inflexible. Most admin assistants work in offices, and it requires you to work 5 days a week at the office.
Social Orientation7I work with a lot of different types of people. My office has around thirty people working in it.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant And Sales Assistant

Attended: UMass Boston • Boston, MA
Studied English (completion in 2008)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I work with difficult people and some (not all) of my work is boring. I HATE the commute, and I don't get paid very much at all (less than $10 an hour after taxes, health insurance, and gas are taken out). It is very frustrating."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating4I didn't graduate from a very good school. Most other students I went to school with were not very intelligent. I got accepted to a better school but couldn't afford it.
Opportunity for Promotion1It is a small company and there's not much room for growth. I was considered for a promotion a few months ago but was passed over because my boss is a jerk, so even if such an opportunity opened up again (very unlikely), the same thing would happen.
Job Security10I am not afraid of being fired because they need me. I wish they would fire me so I could collect unemployment.
Earnings Potential1I make around $20K a year (pre-tax) and I pay FOUR THOUSAND of that for health insurance. Also, I have no health problems! It's ridiculous how little money I make. My boss does not pay well. I see no reason this will improve.
How Stressful10I HATE my boss and coworkers. I feel extremely unfulfilled. The work is boring and I am constantly stressed about finances because I make so little money.
Task Variety4Most days are spent doing the same things over and over again. I am able to take brief trips out of the office to interact with potential new clients. These trips generally involve the same type of work each time, but it is a break from the office monotony.
How Cool Is The Career1My job isn't very cool at all. It's a lot of boring and tedious work, I get almost no positive feedback, and I feel like I'm constantly being monitored so I can't even take short breaks online.
Career Flexibility8I asked for a reduction in hours to give me more time to work on my own projects, and potentially take more classes. My boss agreed because the workload is not really overwhelming and they didn't need me there five days a week, so I only work four now.
Social Orientation5I share an office with several other people. There is time for small talk throughout the day. I do not have much in common with them so we don't have any meaningful conversations.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA
Studied Hospitality Management (completion in 2005)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"It is a very stable position I am in, yet there is little room for growth. It is also hard to find new/different jobs that pay as well in the same industry. It seems as if these jobs are reserved for students fresh out of school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9It was a very challenging yet fun major. The staff made almost all the courses interesting and used a hands on approach to learning within the hospitality field.
Opportunity for Promotion1As explained earlier, there is no room for growth at my current position, and there few comparable jobs on the market. To further my career I would need to relocate which I am unable to do at this time.
Job Security7My particular job, I feel, is very secure and I know there will always be a need for admin assts, but with all the technological advances, maybe one day the position will be threatened by automation.
Earnings Potential7Compared to the national average, I would consider it a good salary, but again, there is little room for gains in salary other than the appropriated reviews we receive once a year.
How Stressful5It's usually not too stressful on a day to day basis. But when it gets hectic, it seems to get a lot more stressful than it needs to be.
Task Variety2Usually it's a very repetitive job day to day, but with additional clients and vendors there is some variation. Daily work never changes, and our organization has set strict requirements on our work flow.
How Cool Is The Career1It is not a very glamorous position. In fact, I believe admin assts are often overlooked for the work they do and are viewed as little more than secretaries.
Career Flexibility5I am relied upon to be at my desk/phone for the entire day, M-F 9-5, but there are ample opportunities to take vacations and sick leave.
Social Orientation10From vendors to insurance companies and sales calls, I talk to over a dozen different businesses a day, and also field calls from customers and members.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Drury University • Springfield, MO
Studied Business Administration (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I find my position very rewarding. Sometimes the supervisors are demanding and complex, but all in all I love my job."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8The University I attended was in my home town and it was very close. I loved getting to know all the teachers and the schedule was enjoyable, but if I had to do it again, I might have tried to study more of the English language.
Opportunity for Promotion1Well, working for a government contractor does have its draw backs. There are no higher levels to get promoted to - we are hired for a job and that is all.
Job Security5Well, I work for a Federal Contractor and it is very difficult sometimes to not be stressed when a contract is renewed. Overall I really do enjoy being an Administrative Assistant for my company.
Earnings Potential5Like I said, there are no promotions. But there is a wage determination change that happens and most of the time it is an increase, but not always.
How Stressful9We have deadlines that we must meet everyday so that we can report what the government wants us to report. These reports are very important and they must be correct.
Task Variety5I have a lot of average daily tasks. I enjoy it when there is something new to change it up.
How Cool Is The Career10The job is very cool, I get to work with many diverse and challenging people. Sometimes I get to travel and that is the coolest.
Career Flexibility1The contractor does not have any place for flexibility. We must be at work or we are on leave - simple as that.
Social Orientation10I must work with external and internal customers all the time. Sometimes I wish I could find a hole to hide in, but I have made some really interesting friends.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Georgia Institute Of Technology • Atlanta, GA
Studied Mechanical Engineering (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I like the work, and I like my boss. However, the pay is rather low and there isn't much opportunity for movement within the company."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8Georgia Tech has excellent engineering programs. Quality of life can suffer because of the intensity of the work that most professors require, but the degree itself it fantastic.
Opportunity for Promotion2It is a very small company. Unless I become a mortgage broker, there is nowhere for me to get promoted to.
Job Security7I perform a variety of tasks and it would take a lot of time and effort to train someone else for my position. The only way I'd lose the job is if the company started failing.
Earnings Potential2I am making just a little more than minimum wage. It's very unlikely that they could afford to give me a decent raise unless business picks up substantially.
How Stressful6The job itself can be stressful, especially with the variety of tasks I am asked to perform. On the other hand, my boss is wonderful.
Task Variety8There are a few tasks that I perform every day, such as filing. There are some tasks that vary widely, such as pre-screening applicants for loans and helping to re-wire the attic.
How Cool Is The Career1This is not something that kids want to be when they grow up. It's not something where people are interested enough to ask follow up questions after I answer, "what do you do?"
Career Flexibility3My employer will work with me if I need to adjust my schedule a bit. I gave this a low rating because I cannot work from home, or in other locations, and must work a set number of hours per week even if I shift my schedule.
Social Orientation3We never have clients come into the office. At most, I will sometimes make phone calls or answer the phone.

Job Title: Corporate Client Sales Assistant

Attended: Utah Valley University • Orem, UT
Studied American Sign Language (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"My job is ok. I mean I like what I do, it's just not what I went to school for. I would like to use my degree for interpreting sign."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10I love UVU. It has the best ASL/Interpreting program.
Opportunity for Promotion4They value what I do there, but the head bosses don't really value my input in the industry. I think I might be able to get promoted if they weren't worried about losing me as an assistant.
Job Security8I feel very valuable. I have a lot of skills that others might not have. I've been here for a year and a half now.
Earnings Potential5For my age (25), it pays fairly well. However, for future earning potential, it's not so great. It's in a sales environment, but I don't sell, so I do not make any bonuses.
How Stressful8I get handed a lot of work. Sometimes it piles up and is really stressful for me to deal with.
Task Variety8I run most of the same paperwork, and a lot is data entry. However, I work with over 500 different corporate clients, so the actual data and other tasks I run for my bosses vary all the time.
How Cool Is The Career6I don't think it's the coolest job. I work with really cool people, but the industry itself isn't particularly cool.
Career Flexibility8I need to do my job and be there on time. They work with me for time off and if my kids have stuff going on.
Social Orientation4I don't go out much, just in the office. I mainly socialize with the people I work for. I don't have too many "peers," just bosses.

Job Title: Salon Coordinator

Attended: Ivy Tech Community College • East Chicago, IN
Studied Human Services (completion in 2013)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: (Satisfaction rating not available) • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"While I do enjoy my position, it is not where I want to remain my whole life. I enjoy being with the public but this is just a job to help pay the bills while I'm in school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10Ivy Tech has a great program for human services because they have diverse classes and professors who work in their fields. At this school, you can focus on elderly, inmate, children or family counseling, which are great options.
Opportunity for Promotion5There are higher titles, such as office manager, general manager, etc., but there are more opportunities for additional responsibilities rather then titles. This way, you can be responsible for more and get a higher wage but still not be a salaried manager.
Job Security10People will always need social workers and psychologists to help them through their issues. Being that social workers work for the government, their jobs will always be safe.
Earnings Potential4The pay is very basic for the amount of work you do. There is more earning potential if you become a manager.
How Stressful6Dealing with ringing phones, cranky clients, and prima donna hairstylists makes this job extremely stressful. Add to that closing one night and opening the next and you get a very stressful experience.
Task Variety3The daily tasks rarely vary. Usually any variation comes from a problem or obstacle in the day to day tasks.
How Cool Is The Career3While it is great to deal with the public and be the first person clients see when they visit, you don't have a lot of heft in the business. Administrative assistants are usually looked at as the lowest on the totem poll.
Career Flexibility10Being that a lot of places are open for longer then from 9 to 5, you can choose either morning or evening shifts after you have been working for awhile. Also, in my position, my manager works around my class schedule to assign my shifts.
Social Orientation10From answering phones, talking to clients, and dealing with the stylists and the other girls at the desk, there is constant interaction with others. You are the first person people see when they come in and therefore you talk the most.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Attended: Cleary University • Howell, MI
Studied Business (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I did not go to college to be an Administrative Assistant. However, the pay and benefits with this employer are worth it."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5The business program at Cleary University works well for people who continue to work full time and would like to go to college. There are classes available online and in person which allows students to work the classes into their schedules.
Opportunity for Promotion1I work at a window sales company as an administrative assistant. The only other position available in my particular location include sales, which I have no interest in doing.
Job Security1Michigan is an at-will employment state. Employers can fire an employee for any reason, at any time.
Earnings Potential2Most employers do not reward administrative assistants with much earning potential. In my last two positions I have had to ask for pay raises. The work done is often not appreciated!
How Stressful9Administrative assistants have to have stress in their positions. Most stress is from meeting deadlines. The stress I encounter is from deadlines and having so much responsibility for one person.
Task Variety5An administrative assistant job consists of many tasks that have to be scheduled daily, weekly, or monthly. The tasks must be completed - even mundane filing!
How Cool Is The Career1An administrative assistant is a pretty "uncool" position. Children do not grow up saying they want to be administrative assistants. Furthermore, the jobs you complete are all behind the scenes and there isn't much recognition.
Career Flexibility1This particular position does not allow for flexibility in any aspect other than taking unpaid days off when your vacation time is all used up. Most of my current position would need to be completed in office as I also take phone calls.
Social Orientation7As an administrative assistant I get to interact with many businesses and employees as I process billing and payroll. While I am not the face of the company, I work on some of the most important book work and am usually the first to be asked when a problem arises.

Job Title: Customer Service Specialist

Attended: Community College Of The Air Force • Maxwell Afb, AL
Studied Information Management (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/25/2012

"I have been manager and superintendent at other jobs, but I am not that now. I need to get back to where I was."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8The style of learning includes much hands on work and on-the-job training. Also, there are group projects and other tasks that enhance learning.
Opportunity for Promotion5Like any field, it will depend on performance. You should always be looking for the next opportunity.
Job Security5It's not hard to find administrative personnel. I will only feel secure once I am in civil service.
Earnings Potential5This career has decent earnings potential. One can earn more as a manager.
How Stressful7Working in a fast paced operations office can be stressful. I am doing the planning and keeping track of the statuses of our jobs.
Task Variety7I have certain things that are done every day and other things that vary. Customer needs and unforeseen events can change things minute to minute.
How Cool Is The Career5The career itself is not out of the ordinary. I have performed my job in the Air Force, which was cool, but at this time I don't find it to be any better than average.
Career Flexibility5Flexibility depends on your employer. Where I work, they are open 24/7, so there are all different hours to work.
Social Orientation10I have interactions with others as a norm. I deal with customers all day as well as coworkers.

Job Title: Admin Asst

Attended: American River College • Sacramento, CA
Studied Business Admin (completion in 2012)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I enjoy what I do very much and feel that I have natural abilities that enable me to excel. But, it can get very busy and sometimes it is stressful."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7The school is good, but it's not the best. Some professors aren't very challenging.
Opportunity for Promotion10In my organization, it is not difficult to move up in the company. My field opens the door for greater opportunities.
Job Security9There are a lot of openings in my field.
Earnings Potential10Since my current field opens up new opportunities, the earning potential is very promising.
How Stressful3Stress level is very low since fellow employees are extremely helpful and friendly.
Task Variety6Tasks don't change much from day to day. It is easy to master the required skills to get the job done.
How Cool Is The Career8My employer is very cool. Whenever I tell someone where I work, they are quite impressed.
Career Flexibility7My work options are somewhat flexible, but not totally. I am careful to do what's best for my family and me. I don't make decisions based on my own desires.
Social Orientation9Most workers are friendly and interactive. It is easy to meet new people and spark conversation.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant/Receptionist

Attended: University Of South Carolina • Columbia, SC
Studied Geography (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I am very thankful to have a job, and I like the work that I do because I'm good at it. I also wish that I could do a little more work that seems more important."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5I feel like classes basically taught me how to work. I feel like it didn't really prepare me too much for what I'm actually doing, though.
Opportunity for Promotion5I have a few opportunities to get promoted to a few other positions, but the company isn't very large. There isn't really much other than moving up a few levels because my job isn't really related in any way to other people's position.
Job Security9Most places are always going to need receptionists, so I feel like I should always be able to find a job somewhere. I also feel secure at the place I work because even though I don't do the most important work, the place wouldn't run efficiently without my position.
Earnings Potential5The earnings aren't going to be that promising in the long run. I am making more money that some people who have jobs, but I could be making more and I don't think any raises that might come would be huge.
How Stressful5There are certain points of my job where it gets overwhelming and stressful. Compared to other jobs, though, it can be pretty easy-going.
Task Variety1I do basically the same things every day. I don't really have many new tasks that differ from the days before.
How Cool Is The Career5I think that my job wouldn't be someone's ideal job description. I also thing that my job is considerably cooler than people that work in fast food places, or other low paying jobs.
Career Flexibility5My schedule is pretty flexible for when I work and when I am off. It's also really flexible with vacation time and picking the hours I would like to work.
Social Orientation10There is always a point in my job where I am talking to someone, whether it is a co-worker or a patient. Even when I'm answering the phones, I'm always having some kind of interaction with people.

Job Title: News Desk Clerk

Attended: West Tennessee Business College • Jackson, TN
Studied Business (completion in 2014)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I feel like my part time position and title limits me compared to my abilities. I see many areas where I could be of valuable service to the company I work for."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5The school I attended provided very little beyond the basic information that one would acquire through two years of on the job experience. Most of my courses were little more than brief introductions to the subject matter. There was no in depth learning in obtaining my business certificate.
Opportunity for Promotion1We have in our office a publisher, an editor, a bookkeeper, and myself. None of the aforementioned are apt to leave anytime soon, so my opportunities for promotion are bleak at best.
Job Security10I work for a hometown newspaper with strong ties to the community. Because of that fact and the fact that our staff is so small already, my job is secure.
Earnings Potential5I have a job that pays very little above minimum wage. I have asked for a raise, but do not think it will be approved. Our home office has us on such a tight budget, that there is little hope for great earning potential.
How Stressful1I work for a newspaper in a small town. There is nothing exciting going on in the community and that translates to a job of a very routine nature.
Task Variety5In assisting everyone in our office, most of my duties are routine and I handle out of the ordinary things generally before I'm asked. Nothing at my job is hard and anything "out of the norm" is dealt with quickly and without incident.
How Cool Is The Career1There is nothing cool about my job because I sit at a desk and complete routine tasks. Nothing exciting happens.
Career Flexibility8Within certain constraints, I am able to be off work when I want. I can come in late, stay late, work through my lunch, or be off when my children need me to be at home or at school with them.
Social Orientation5Within my office there are four other people. One of those is a family member. There is some, but limited, talking throughout the day, but no social interaction outside of work.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant To Director Of Indirect Loans

Attended: DeVry University • Pittsburgh, PA
Studied Business Administration With Specialization In Finance (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I am currently satisfied with my career, but I do have hopes to move forward. I love the company I'm working for. I would like to move up in the company into an accounting position or something similar that would utilize my expertise more."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9I am very happy with my education from DeVry. They had flexible hours and class options including doing some classes from home. I was able to fit my degree into my schedule.
Opportunity for Promotion10There are many opportunities to get promoted within my organization. The organization as a whole has hundreds of small and large offices, many located right in my city. I actually just applied for a promotion about a month ago and I am waiting for a decision.
Job Security10The company I work for is doing very well. I have no worries about the company going under. The department that I am located in is doing exceptionally well, and is extremely busy. My department is the biggest money maker for the company, therefore I have no worries about job security.
Earnings Potential8The organization I work for pays very well. I am currently about a third of the way up the pay scale, and have a long way to go. They give a large and broad pay range, and it is fair for the work.
How Stressful4I would say that the stress in my position would be a little below average. Although we are busy, it is a quiet, friendly working environment. Everyone is professional and I am able to get a lot done with few distractions.
Task Variety3Much of my tasks are the same or nearly the same every day. My duties include speaking to dealers and customers about their loans via our automated system to help with customer issues, speaking to loan officers to bring issues to their attention, scheduling meetings and tasks for my supervisor, writing form letters, copying, etc.
How Cool Is The Career3My career is not very glamorous or prestigious. It is a regular, average office environment. I work here 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, doing many of the same tasks daily.
Career Flexibility9Again, the company that I work for has hundreds of locations, including many in my city; but many in others as well, spanning from New york to Florida to Texas. As far as hours, I can start any time I want between 6:30am - 9am, as long as I work 8 hours, so my company is extremely flexible. I can also make up hours as opposed to using vacation time.
Social Orientation4I have a little below average social interaction in my position for a usual AA job. The reason being is because we use an electronic system to speak to the dealers and customers, so much of the interaction is done over the computer. Interaction with most employees is done via instant messaging.

Job Title: Community Banking Officer

Attended: Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville • Edwardsville, IL
Studied School Of Business - Finance (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I like the field I work in but the economy has made it very difficult. I like working in a bank, but the bank I work at is not competitive in my market."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9SIUE is a great school. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. The school of business prepared me for my career.
Opportunity for Promotion5I was recently promoted. There may be opportunities for promotion in the future, but not immediately.
Job Security9I was recently promoted from Administrative Assistant to Community Banking Officer. I do the ag and commercial loans for 4 different branches, so I feel that my position is secure.
Earnings Potential10Bankers are usually well compensated. After I get more experience as a banker, I should be eligible for a pay raise.
How Stressful10I always have deadlines to meet. I also have to keep the customers and my superiors happy.
Task Variety7My tasks vary daily, because I deal with different customers and loan requests. I also travel to different branches. But, I have to complete the same forms for each loan request.
How Cool Is The Career9Working as a banker is usually considered a prestigious career. I have to dress up every day for work, so I wear cute clothes and high heels all the time.
Career Flexibility10I work in 4 different branches in my market area. I also have the capability to work from home.
Social Orientation10I interact with customers in the office and when I make sales calls. I also interact with other business professionals via Chamber of Commerce functions.

Job Title: Part-Time Administrative Assistant/Literary Intern

Attended: University Of North Carolina Wilmington • Wilmington, NC
Studied Film Studies, Creative Writing, Asian Studies (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I just graduated from college in December, so I am just now starting to get work. While my ultimate career goals are much different than the work I'm doing now, assistant work is generally the entry point into my chosen field."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7The film program is small and relatively lacking in resources compared to larger programs. On the bright side, though, smaller classes meant more time and attention from professors. The creative writing program is one of the few BFA writing programs in the country, and was a really enjoyable and beneficial experience.
Opportunity for Promotion5As a part-time position, my job doesn't offer much room for advancement. There is, however, a slim chance that I may be able to move to full-time in the next few months.
Job Security5I have been accepted to graduate school for the fall. This, along with a variety of other factors, mean that my situation is highly unstable at the moment and will continue to be unstable for the next seven or eight months, at least.
Earnings Potential3Because of my graduate school situation mentioned above and the fact that my position is part-time, I earn little more than is necessary to keep my bills and rent paid. The relatively limited prospects for advancement mean that this probably won't change soon.
How Stressful6My intern work requires me to be able to work from home, which my roommates don't respect, at all. There is never a chance to work at home in an environment that allows me to concentrate like I should. At work, when things get really busy, it can easily be overwhelming if I let myself get effected.
Task Variety6In my internship, my work is incredibly varied and gives me plenty of different opportunities. There are the relatively mundane generic tasks that need to be performed in every office (answering phones, taking notes, data entry, etc.) but these opportunities make the job interesting. In my regular work, however, I mostly do the same basic office duties every day.
How Cool Is The Career4Neither position is as cool as others perceive them to be. Although there is an occasional exciting project, most work varies from monotonous to exhausting, especially once business picks up in the afternoons.
Career Flexibility5My work schedule has been pretty flexible, but the lack of jobs that I'm qualified for in my area led me to stick to a mid-range rating. My intern work is mostly done from home, and provides much more flexibility than my more traditional office work.
Social Orientation7My workplaces tend to be rather social and laid-back, at least when business is slow. Because I'm still relatively new, I still don't know the others very well, but the atmosphere is really welcoming/inclusive.

Job Title: Office Manager

Attended: University Of Central Missouri • Warrensburg, MO
Studied Accounting (completion in 2005)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/27/2012

"I like my job quite a lot. I have the freedom to do the tasks I feel are the most important first. However, I do wish I was getting paid more for this."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating6UCM had a very good accounting department when I was there. The teachers were very knowledgeable, always helpful, and actually knew my name.
Opportunity for Promotion5Whether I get promoted or not depends on how hard I work at the job, and how much I learn. If I put a lot of effort in I will be given more responsibility.
Job Security7I'm not really worried about getting fired any time soon. I do my job well and handle my business. The owner would not want to have to find another me.
Earnings Potential4Not the best earning potential when you're an Admin Assistant, but the pay isn't bad. It can get quite high if you're indispensable and good at what you do.
How Stressful3It's not that bad stress-wise. You just have to learn to manage your time properly and stay organized. Focus on what needs done first, and go from there.
Task Variety3Day to day tasks are mostly the same. Organize, file, record things in quickbooks. There just isn't a ton of variation beyond the standard tasks of running a business.
How Cool Is The Career2This is not a cool career. Most people do not think of accounting or office management as cool. Most would call it boring. My boss calls it boring.
Career Flexibility4For most of these jobs I'd imagine they aren't very flexible. However, currently I can come in at whatever time suits me best.
Social Orientation7I get to talk quite a lot, both with other employees and on the phone with customers. It's a friendly environment and there's always people willing to chat.

Job Title: Secretary/Stenographer

Attended: The University Of Michigan - Flint • Flint, MI
Studied English (completion in 2008)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I am not satisfied because I do not feel I am working in a professional enough career to reflect my college education. I feel like a paper pusher on most days."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The University of Michigan is a highly accredited university. The programs are wonderful.
Opportunity for Promotion1I am currently at the top of my pay scale. There are no positions beyond my current one.
Job Security10My job is very secure. I am one of only two stenos. We are also part of a union, which provides extra job security.
Earnings Potential9I am at the top of my pay scale for my job. We do make very good money.
How Stressful10My job can be extremely stressful. I work for nine demanding, elected officials.
Task Variety7There is the potential for variation in my job. There are also days where it can be very mundane.
How Cool Is The Career1It is not glorified, in my opinion, to be a secretary. Most of the professionals in the county I work in look down on the clerical persons.
Career Flexibility5We do have a little bit of flexibility because we have a laid back boss. We are allowed to flex our lunch hours and start and stop times. But we cannot work from home.
Social Orientation8I do have lots of interaction with many people who come in and out of my office. I have a high level of responsibility.

Job Title: Sr. HR Assistant

Attended: National American University • Online,
Studied Business Administration/Emphasis In IT (completion in 2007)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I work for a wonderful boss who encourages me to grow within my job and take on stretch assignments. I am lucky that I have many responsibilities as my day is never boring!"

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8I believe that NAU has an adequate program and it was very convenient. I do know that other schools are more highly rated, but I do not feel like I was inadequately taught.
Opportunity for Promotion6My current boss is trying to get my position reassessed and possibly realigned, which would end up being a promotion. However, overall at my company it is well known that assistants don't get much in the way of promotions, other than becoming an executive assistant, and it is very hard to jump career paths if you start as an assistant.
Job Security9We have a shortage of assistants at our company. In addition, my specific position has several unique responsibilities that would be hard for an average assistant to do (because of my IT training).
Earnings Potential5Since I work in HR, I know the kinds of salaries people are paid and to be honest, assistants are at the low end of the scale for earnings. However, since I work for a very large company I still make more than many assistants in smaller companies.
How Stressful6Overall it's not terribly stressful, but occasionally we are on a deadline or support a type-A boss and the job can be stressful then. Some assistants thrive on the stress while others let it bother them, so it is important to know what your specific position will entail.
Task Variety8I do have a couple of things that need to be checked on daily, however most of my day is not planned out. I often am pulled in different ways throughout the day and have to be able to think on my feet.
How Cool Is The Career3I think a lot of people see us a "peons," even though assistants do a lot of work in my company. Often, assistants know more about things than the execs they support but rarely get recognition - we are looked at as just secretaries.
Career Flexibility5A lot of what I do could be done at home, but many things require me to be in the office. My company does promote flex work options such as job sharing so I would be able to take that type of option if necessary.
Social Orientation8I often interact with people, whether co-workers or executives or vendors. In addition, there are people I am friendly with at work that I only see at work so we will catch up with each other during work hours, though not for extensive periods of time.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator

Attended: Institute Of Technology, Tallaght, Dublin - Ireland • Dublin, Ireland
Studied Media Communications (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/29/2012

"I am satisfied with the job that I have right now as I feel needed, busy, and that I am in a great position for my age. I just think there are other things out there that would be ten times better for me, too."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9My major in media communications was great. It gave me great insight into all fields of the media, including radio and wireless communications, which is the field I am in today.
Opportunity for Promotion9There are many diverse fields in which to gain experience in this business, so I believe that when the time comes, my years here will allow me to be promoted.
Job Security8I believe it is very secure. We are a small company but with a constant flow of projects and work opportunities. The company has been around since 1996.
Earnings Potential8Earning potential is good, I have gotten one raise already and my starting pay was amazing. My husband works for the same firm and has an amazing pay rate.
How Stressful9Some projects can be very stressful as they are lined with deadlines and task completion dates from start to finish, but overall, the stress level keeps everyone going strong.
Task Variety8It can be the same thing over and over with the same projects, but due to the difference in location and work for the projects, you never really know what you are going to have to do that day.
How Cool Is The Career10Very cool as our boss is the friendliest and kindest person there is, as are all of my co-workers. Our line of work in communications is also intriguing.
Career Flexibility8Amazing flexibility. I am able to go home and work out on my lunch break. If I am late into the office, nobody freaks out as I can just make it up at the end of the day.
Social Orientation7Social interaction varies depending on projects. Some require me to meet with people constantly in their offices or at meetings whereas others just require conference calls here and there.

Job Title: Office Assistant

Attended: Riverside Community College • Riverside, CA
Studied Business Administration (completion in 2008)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 3/4/2012

"I feel overworked at times because I am the sole office assistant on my shift, and the pay does not reflect the amount of work that I do."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9This college program gave me the tools to succeed in business by teaching me all aspects of business, from accounting to marketing.
Opportunity for Promotion2There are not many opportunities to be promoted because of a lack of funding. Also, those above me in rank aren't going anywhere.
Job Security4Because of the economy, and because I work at a nonprofit, my pay heavily relies on grants and on the donations of others. If we do not get the needed grants for a year, then I could be fired, or have my pay dramatically decreased.
Earnings Potential1My pay has remained the same for the past 4 years that I have been working at this organization. It has been made clear that I will not get a pay increase, and other organizations pay about the same per hour.
How Stressful10My job is extremely stressful because I have no help. There are no other office assistants and there is much work that I am responsible for. Currently, I do the work of an accountant on top of my regular activities because of reduced funding.
Task Variety8Tasks vary, especially when it is grant time because I am busy maintaining the office as well as doing grant research and data collection.
How Cool Is The Career2There is some prestige when working for a nonprofit because people are aware of the hard work involved, but I would not say that it is a cool job.
Career Flexibility1I cannot work at home, part-time, or in any other location. Furthermore, if I take a day off, then the work piles up.
Social Orientation10We have clients coming in constantly so I have quite a bit of social interaction with others.

Job Title: Zoning & Health Coordinator

Attended: Iowa Western Community College • Council Bluffs, IA
Studied Business (completion in 1995)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/29/2012

"I believe that had I applied myself, I could have accomplished a lot more in my career than I have. I do not feel there is room for growth in my current position."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating4I think to succeed in the business field you need to go beyond the AA that I received. The basic foundation is provided by IWCC.
Opportunity for Promotion2
Job Security8I am employed by the local government. In the twelve years I have been there, I have not seen any employees let go.
Earnings Potential1The Board of Supervisors annually set a budget for all the county departments. The pay raises are a set amount across the board, typically 1% - 2%. Unless other positions open up, I am stuck at the pay scale I am at.
How Stressful8The stress level of my job varies. When a resident has not followed the local code, they typically become very angry, which causes great stress.
Task Variety2The department I work in performs certain services to the public. Unless there are new projects assigned or new developments within the County, the day to day tasks do not vary. This spring there was a local, long duration flood. This was something I had never experienced in the twelve years of my employment. We are still working through that process.
How Cool Is The Career2Government employees are not well liked people. We are not "cool" in the eyes of the public.
Career Flexibility1The hours of my job are set. A few years back a coworker & I presented a proposal to our supervisor and Board of Supervisors to work rotating 10 hour days. Without any consideration, our proposal was denied.
Social Orientation9My job requires repeated interaction with the general public. My department is responsible for issuing permits to county residents. There is considerable interaction among my coworkers as we all perform different components of the work process.

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