Is December flying by for you? At this time of year, I look back on the many Real Careers interviews I’ve conducted with impressive assistants since 2015.

Today, I’m happy to bring you Day Five of this year’s edition of 12 Days of Real Careers.

Think of these 12 Days as gifts of experience and wisdom that we can all incorporate. To read the full interview from any of these individuals, just click on her or his name.

“Make sure you build a solid relationship with your boss”

Bonnie Cookson, England: “Always have confidence. Make sure you build a solid relationship with your boss and never be afraid to approach him or her. You need them as much as they need you.

For career growth, make sure you get into a community where you can meet other people in the industry and learn from their experiences too. Keep up to date with what’s happening in your network – attend industry events, and use social media as a platform to promote yourself.”

“Your future job may look different from your past and current jobs, so think forward; adapt”

Angela Downey, England: “It (artificial intelligence) is already here, and maybe there’s room for all of us! It’s a culture change, but AI is another tool in the box to complement your role and it can be embraced. The assistant needs to adapt and rethink how to use these new skills. Your future job may look different from your past and current jobs, so think forward; adapt and integrate these technologies.

… Look ahead – what are the skills you need to grow?  Use training needs analysis to establish what you need and when, rather than irrelevant trainings – be specific.

Give to others: give your time, your knowledge, and your support; the rewards are endless. Work regularly with a mentor. Use positive and creative thinking techniques to create your personal brand and get a USP (unique selling point).” 

“Knowledge I have built as an EA allowed me to have confidence to speak out, take the lead and assert myself independently”

Katie Driver, England: “Corporate policy really interests me, as does project management. 

I have to say, I used to struggle with the career choice I made. I used to underplay what I do in comparison to my friends’ careers. However, EPAA (the UK’s Executive & Personal Assistants Association) has taught me to shout it from the rooftops. I just feel like it was the boost I needed and was searching so hard for. EPAA has allowed me to be excited.”

… on seeking promotion/career advancement: “Grab every opportunity, network as much as you can, and speak to your employer. Opportunities are there; they just need to be found.”

“Don’t wait for something to happen; make it happen”

Cathy Harris, South Africa: “… I found that educating myself in finances, project management, and office administration went a long way in keeping me up to speed as far as workplace skills were concerned.

… Having been in my career for over 35 years, right now I enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge. Sharing what you know with others is so empowering and fulfilling!

Today, I strongly advocate for ongoing professional development and am involved with the official Certification for Office Professionals in South Africa, managed by the Office Professionals Association of SA.”

“Volunteer as a means of exposing your skills and demonstrating your potential”

Florence Katono, Uganda: “Most admins usually count years of experience and, in a way, equate it to progress. I encourage my colleagues to take a bold decision and choose career progression.

Invest in your career. It may not pay off immediately but, when it does, it pays handsomely … Volunteer. Competition in the career world is very stiff. For one to expose their skills, it would be wise for them to volunteer. It’s the best way of making others know your potential. Seize opportunities; they could be all you ever needed. Find role models and mentors.”

“The awakening to employers that admins do not have to be placed within view or outside the office door to get the work done has been transformational”

Phiandra Peck, USA, on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on this career: “The awakening to employers that admins do not have to be placed within view or outside the office door to get the work done has been transformational.

Many admin professionals have stepped up and demonstrated that we belong at the table in order to make our business partners and teams be more productive.

… I encourage everyone to seek out a mentor. These times have made decision making extra stressful due to the unknown(s). Having a mentor who takes the time to listen to me,  to my thoughts and offer advice when asked has been amazing. Being able to release the mental weight reduces my stress level.”

“It is important to have a mentor”

Jennifer Robson, Australia (originally from Bangladesh): “It is important to have a mentor as s/he can provide a simple path of guidance to push you to take the first step, and guidance to figure out what is what we really want.

A good mentor will share their invaluable experience, to help us to achieve our goal in the best possible way they know. I know I have personally benefited from having various mentors along the journey.”

“ Remember to include strategic and relationship-building activities as well as operational tasks”

Marc Taylor-Allan, England and Australia: “Build a personal brand, and build that brand around who you work for. Strive to be the best, but also support others as you go along. I always think that promotion and career development come with being the master of your craft, so be a sponge and absorb everything.

Have a dynamic task list. Capture the tasks and activities you must do on a list and update it regularly during the day. Revisit this list frequently and add new items as soon as they appear. Make sure your list gives you a quick overview of everything that’s urgent and important, and remember to include strategic and relationship-building activities as well as operational tasks.” 

“Act with integrity, discretion and diplomacy. Be confident, kind and efficient.”

Sally Thomas, USA: “Working with a variety of smart, demanding and gracious leaders has been the best education and preparation for this job.

Early in my career, I received mentoring from some very skilled and driven Executive Assistants who still influence the way I do things today. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, which has been beneficial and opened doors.

… Act with integrity, discretion and diplomacy. Be confident, kind and efficient. People respond well to the person who knows what they are doing, is helpful and saves time.”

Click any name below for my full interview with any of the Real Careers alumni featured in 2021’s 12 Days of Real Careers

• Day One:  Beth Arzy (England and USA), Erin Floss (USA), Corrie Fourie (South Africa),  Janice Parker (Australia, having returned from England), Karen Richmond (Scotland), Julia Robertson-Avenell (England),  Peyton Tickner (USA),  Julia Schmidt (Brazil and Norway), Carla Stefanut (Italy), Barbra Unger (Canada),  Emily Walker (England), Catherine Williamson (England)
• Day Two: Suzanne Benderski (USA),  Nicole Blanchette (Canada), Marcela Silva da Conceição Brito (Brazil),  Kemetia Foley (USA), Helen Gallienne (England),  Joanne Gallop  (New Zealand),  Jill Goertzen (Canada), Claire Grace, (England), Stephanie Henry (USA),  Luciana Landini (Italy), Breda Shanahan (Republic of Ireland), Teri Wells (South Africa)
• Day Three: Leeanne Adu (England),  Tonya Beattie (USA), Joanna Campbell (Canada and New Zealand),  Maria Cirillo (Sweden), Kim Glover (England), Amanda Hargreaves (England), MistiLynn Lokken (USA), Maria Marsh (England),  Lilian Kamanzi Mugisha (Uganda), Debbi Shaffer (USA), Matthew Want (England), Megan Williamson (England)
• Day Four: Rebeka Adamson (New Zealand), Juliana Carneiro (The Netherlands; originally from Brazil), Paula Harding (England),  Beth Ann Howard (USA), Else-Britt Lundgren (Sweden),  Michela Luoni (Italy),  Jacqueline McCumber (USA), Christina Martinez (USA), Tholo Motaung (South Africa), Jacqui Prospero (Canada), Helen Rees (England),  Laura Swallows (USA)
• Dave Five: Bonnie Cookson (England), Angela Downey (England),  Katie Driver (England),  Cathy Harris (South Africa), Florence Katono (Uganda), Phiandra Peck (USA),  Jennifer Robson (Australia; originally from Bangladesh), Marc Taylor-Allan (England), Sally Thomas (USA)