2. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW 2
Administrative Assistant
For this assignment, I research about becoming an administrative assistant. According to
the search conducted on the ONet OnLine website, the job outlook for Executive Administrative
Assistants will increase to about 2% or about 105,200 potential job openings within the next 10
years. Now two percent may not sound like a significant increase, but as of 2012, there were
874,000 employees working as administrative assistants. One of these administrative assistants,
which I interview, is Robyn Reaves. She is the Administrative Assistants to the President of
South Plains College.
Both Mrs. Reaves and the online search indicated the same knowledge, skills and abilities
are need for this position. Based the ONet website the knowledge I would need to possess is
clerical, proper grammar, customer and personal service, computers and electronics, and
Administration and Management. With my current job as an admission clerk for South Plains
College, it has given the ability to learn and improve my knowledge in each of these areas.
As far as skills and abilities, being able to communicate effectively both verbally and
through written word is necessary. When it comes to work values, the two that are a good fit
with me are Relationships and Support. I am an introvert and I like making long-term
relationships with individuals. In addition, one of my strengths from the StrengthsQuest
assessment was Harmony. I am a strong believer that if you build a good work relationship with
someone it helps to create a better working environment and reduces unwanted stress.
Both Mrs. Reaves and the ONet web search confirmed the work activities of a typical
day, which consist of answering phones, keeping up with a schedule, responding to emails, greet
everyone that comes in to the office. One point that Mrs. Reaves emphasize was to be polite to
3. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING 3
everyone that walks into the office. As an administrative assistant to any company, you are the
first impression most people will have of that organization and if you are uncooperative or rude,
that looks poorly on yourself and the company.
When speaking with Mrs. Reaves, one issue that surprised me the most about this job was
the quick and unexpected changes that happen at moment’s notice. One of Mrs. Reaves
responsibilities is to have everything prepared for meetings with President Sharp and the Board
of Regents. She stated that information changes may occur minutes before a meeting starts and
she has to adjust accordingly. She also stated when things like this happen, to do your best have
everything prepared and keep your cool. It does not help anyone to become angry or frustrated.
What I like about the idea of becoming an administrate assistant is that it is a career that I
can envision myself doing and enjoying. I like working with people and interacting with them,
being able to have a set schedule and helping in any way possible. Another aspect that I like
about this career is it is versatility and that most industries are always in need of a good assistant.
I am not sure if there is anything that I would not like about this career. It would depend on the
company and the working environment.
After conducting the online job search and speaking with Mrs. Reaves, I still have a high
interest of becoming an administrative assistant. This position aligns very well with me as far as
personality and interest. The interest code from the ONet search was Conventional and
Enterprising. These two interests were part of my work interest profile when I took the focus
assessment.
Meeting the requirements of this job is something that I feel confident in being able to do.
Although the ONet search stated administrative assistant positions only require an Associate
4. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING 4
Degree, Mrs. Reaves stated that she has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. I have an
Associate Degree from South Plains College already, but obtaining my Bachelor’s with my
concentration in General Business, Media Strategies and Spanish gives me an advantage as it
shows my dual capabilities in three different fields of study.
In addition, past work experience is a plus because it shows that you have the basic skills
needed, are capable of doing the work that is expected and will be a good fit the company. I
have worked at South Plains College for about two and half years. This job has given me the
opportunity to develop and improve many of my works skills, such as written communication,
becoming accustom using an online filing system, interacting with the public and greeting
individuals as they come into the office; and helps me to understand the dynamics of how a real
office environment functions.
