Question: “I have been a senior executive assistant for 11 years and want to transition to an administrative manager. But it seems no one wants to give me a chance without the proper experience. I worked to get my master's degree, which should show I am serious about career growth; however, I keep hearing I don't have the experience needed. I feel so stuck and disappointed. I spoke to my boss about my desire to move up. She listened, and commended me for it, but has done nothing to give me that push that I need (she is very influential). Any suggestions?” — Martha
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I attended a conference call today hosted by FamiliesandWork.org. It focused on women in corporate leadership roles, or lack of, and the problems they face getting there and what to do about it. Speaker Mirella Visser, author of The Female Paradox, indicated she has heard this unfortunately too many times. A women manager or executive not helping other women succeed up the ladder. This is partially due to the hard knocks they went through getting there themselves. Now, instead of paving the way for future women leaders, many are making it very difficult for others to succeed. They are doing to them what they went through. More hard knocks. She said when she sees this in another woman, she confronts her with it.
If you take this approach, I’d suggest reaching out to Mirella on LinkedIn or reading her book first for the best way to approach it. She said she will answer people’s questions. Good luck with everything.
A “Master’s Degree”? Come on, it’s time to move on and look for something else that makes you the leader, not the assistant! You’re probably viewed as the assistant for too long there that you’re better off somewhere else.
Hi Martha:
In what field did you receive your Masters? To be an Administrative Manager, I would presume it would be helpful to receive one in Business Management.
I would also like to start my Masters, but realize it is very "field" specific. In business, you can go into Business Management, Finance, Accounting, or Int'l Management. You really get few classes in "management" in any field except Management. Maybe you need an intense study in a certain area, like management or accounting, if you are going to manage in a certain administrative environment.
While I have a degree in Business Management, I have very little "practical" management experience.
Talk to HR. The Society for Human Resources Management offers Continuing Education classes that outline specific management procedures (in case you got a degree in an unrelated subject).
Have you read a lot of classic business books on management theory, like "Leadership Challenge," by Kouzes & Posner, "What the CEO Wants You To Know," by Ram Charan, or "Execution," by Larry Bossidy. I actually read about 30 business books last year and listed them on a resume addendum.
I vote with others who said "Go in with a plan." "I would like to take on this project for you." "I would like to help Accounting with a special project." "I would like to set up yearly training sessions for the Admins to help them review certain skills, such as grammar. These are the steps I will take."
Check out Mangertools.com's podcasts and their training program for "actionable" steps. I'm trying to get back into the administrative field after years at home. I have currrent, advanced skills in MOS and two new degrees in HR Management and Business Management; however, agencies will not place me because I haven't any "current" experience and there aren't any jobs. The market is extremely competitive, with over 1,200 applicants for one administrative position. So, I believe you are experiencing this market force in your position, too.
Get into a company that has a training program for those who have just received their Masters, such as Intel or Vestas, and they will rotate you in their training program.
BEST OF LUCK! Don't take it personally because you have worked hard and will go forward!
Are you working in any capacity with the person that holds the position you want? Getting a degree is awsome, but what do you know about that job that someone from outside the company that may apply does not? These may be an important steps to take to get what you want. When you are a valuable asset to your boss, it is hard for them to let you go. You make your boss look good and that is who bosses surround themselves with people that will work hard, go the extra mile and that make them look good to others. Is there someone you can train to fill your shoes when you are on vacation or taking a leave? That is something else to consider. If your boss feels that you are the only that can do what you do, it is going to be difficult to recommend you for another position. Put your self in your boss’s shoes, what would you do? I hope this helps. I am in the same situation and the other position I want may be coming up in the next year are so, I am doing somethings to put me in that position.
I think in the end you’ll need to move. In the meantime, you can get meet with your manager on what you need to do to be considered for that position, get involved in projects and work with other managers on training or mentoring issues, but, in the end, even if you do everything, I don’t think you’ll get that shot. It doesn’t sound like she has much initiative to help you advance. Move on and start fresh somewhere else. Don’t wait and let more time pass you by. Before you know it, years will pass and you’ll regret you staid. When you do resign, they may try to get you to extend your last day, don’t do it. Or, they might come back with another offer. If they REALLY wanted you, they would have done that to begin with.
You are the only one that can give yourself the push you need to be promoted. Did you ask your boss to put in a good word or write a letter of recommendation? I didnt see where you mentioned that in your question. You cant assume your boss will do it for you without you asking, they are busy and have other things to think about, she might of thought you were just discussing the position with her not that you were secretly asking for her permission and her influence to be used. Also, you can only put yourself out there so far for another person because your reputation will be put on the line if that person fails. Maybe she has had a bad experience with using her influence to get someone a job. Ask and you shall receive – try asking her and maybe that will be the foot in the door you need.
Sounds to me like you may need to start looking elsewhere. Your boss just might be afraid that you will outperform her! I would NEVER, EVER tell your boss that if you don’t get what you want and feel you deserve at your present company, then you will have to move on. This approach will most likely get you fired before you are prepared to actually leave. Do your homework to see what your earning potential may be with the degree you have and go on some interviews. When you have an actual, real-life offer in hand, give your boss the ultimatum to cough up or else. Good luck to you!
You mention she has not given you that push that you need, but have you specifically asked exactly what push you were wanting her to do? Are there any concrete steps that you can ask her to do for you? I know let her know your general intention, but are there any specific (not general) steps you would like her to take? Perhaps there is a chance that she does not know exactly what you want her to do. Do you want her to talk to others and give a good word on your behalf, volunteer you for more responsibilities, make calls to see if higher positions are available? If so, I would suggest being as specific as possible in your discussion.
Are there opportunities to take on projects inside or even outside of your organization that would help you to develop the skills they desire and experience for the position you are looking to move into?
I like Amber’s and Another’s answers. The other approach that combines the two suggestions, assuming you’d prefer to stay with current company, is to go out and get yourself another job offer elsewhere, and use it to negotiate with your own company for a new position. I’m curious about what kind of masters degree you have. In any case, there must have been teamwork and project management and other class projects that you can cite as experience in leadership and/or management. If there weren’t, take some classes where you can get that kind of experience.
I would not ask her to help you advance – I would set up an official appt time with her, and ask her instead what she feels you could do or change personnally or professionally that would help you move up to the next level. Let her know that you are looking for very honest answers about any shortcomings or faults you might have that need to be changed.
The hard part with doing this is sitting and listening without protest to whatever the answer might be. Don’t try argue any points – simply listen and then graciously thank her or ask for clarification on anything that isn’t crystal clear.
This should do one of two things – either make her more personnally invested in your success (as the person you have gone to for heart to heart ‘mentoring’) ~or~ give you some honest to goodness things to work on.
Remember, even if YOU don’t believe that the things she lists as shortcomings are accurate – SHE has that perception of you (and others may as well), and you will have to change that perception to move forward.
BE GRACIOUS! THANK HER, even if you think you are going to choke doing it. Then go home and do an honest self assessment. What can you change? Why do people seem to be picking up that perception of you?
I’m sorry; I would be disappointed with my boss, whom I’ve worked hard for all these years, as well, and maybe not just a little angry, frankly. But, at any rate, it sounds like either she just can’t been bothered to take the time to help you, or doesn’t want to lose you. If either of these is the case, there’s just no excuse. I’d probably think about looking elsewhere, at this point.
There is always the possibilty that you have proven very valuable in your current position and your boss doesn’t want to lose you…it wouldn’t be the first time. It’s a catch 22, you’re so good that you make it very difficult to be replaced. I would suggest having an honest converstion with your boss about it. I’m basing my opinion on the fact that you’ve had this position for 11 years, if you weren’t capable I seriously doubt you would have your job for that long.
Unfortunately for you, it sounds like they don’t want to let you go. That happens, sadly in the business world. I just received a promotion with the blessing of my boss while he was whining every day until I left. He truly didn’t want to lose me but understood my need to grow and gave me a wonderful recommendation. It is too bad your boss doesn’t support you in that way. It may be that you will need to move on completely if you cannot get your current supervisors to support you. Congratulations on your hard work and I hope you find something wonderful!
It is very difficult to find a good executive assistant. In my opinion, it is much easier to find a management-type person. I’ve seen it in many companies over the years. Your boss does not want to lose a great assistant and maybe end up with someone who can’t hold a candle to you. Let’s face it — without a good assistant, higher-ups wouldn’t be where they are today. If you really want to get out of the administrative/executive assistant field, I would suggest going to another company and not mentioning ever being an assistant. Stress your newly-earned degree, organizational skills, eagerness to learn new things, and hopefully you can get a management position. I have been as administrative and/or executive assistant for 35 years, and I have experienced the same thing. Even had a boss tell me once that I was “too smart” to be an admin, but she never let me have a shot at other positions. Didn’t want the responsibility of finding another great admin! Best of luck to you.
I would sit down with your boss and explain what your intents are & that if you can not grow with this company, you may have to start looking elsewhere…but you have to be willing to follow through if you don't get the results you're looking for. Have you talked to the hiring manager? That may be another route to take, bring your resume highlighting all of your qualities and experiences that would help you in the new position.
Some suggestions are to ask your boss to help you define the necessary steps needed to advance and at the same time, start showing your managerial potential with events geared to the junior admins. I assume the position already exists in your company so get a job description from HR and think about what you are already doing that is on that list. Good luck!
Martha, see if you can work out a deal with your boss and the department you wish to work in where you spend a few hours a week working there to gain some experience. You might have to put in extra hours to compensate for time from your regular work but it should be a small price to pay for what you want. Do the leg work first. See if the other department is open to the idea before going to your boss with a development plan. Having a plan all worked out will demonstrate initiative and drive. My former boss did this for one of his employees and she was able to transition to a permanent position in that department when an opening became available. Good Luck!
Martha, it seems that you should look at your options with another company. I find it strange that you voiced your concern with your boss but she chose not to act upon it nor offered you any advice either. The “proper experience” excuse seems like the easy way out of putting in any effort or being honest about why you haven’t been given the opportunity you want, so you may want to, at least, consider looking outside of the company you are with.