Exceptional EA is pleased to showcase Real Careers, in which administrators from around the globe generously share a bit of their lives and the benefit of their experience. We’ve made virtual trips to Canada, South Africa, the UK and US, and now make our way to the Netherlands for a visit with Marelva Rodrigues.

Marelva Rodrigues is an MA (Management Assistant) for Price Waterhouse Coopers in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Here’s a look at her world.

A Familiar Morning Decision, No Matter the Country

I wake up by 6:30 a.m. Get in the shower by 7:00 a.m. and when I come out of the shower I usually stand too long in front of my closet trying to decide what I’m going to wear that day. Then I have a quick cornflakes breakfast and leave to go to work. I rely on public transport, and this takes me about 20 minutes to travel. What musicians/composers are on your playlist for your commute? Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Rita Ora.

At the Office

Morning Routines: Checking e-mails, accepting/declining invitations, scheduling meetings, booking meeting rooms, ordering lunch.

Primary Responsibilities: Complex agenda management, booking flights, making hotel reservations, taking minutes in meetings, coordinating day-to-day tasks at the office. There is no such thing as a typical day, haha.

How long is your work day? I  usually arrive a little after nine o’clock in the morning and leave the office around 5:00-ish.

What might be a typical lunch? I usually have soup and two slices of whole wheat bread for lunch.

Do you work from home in your “off” hours, or during your commute? I hardly do.

Dealing with Challenges

What is the most challenging aspect of your day or career? Getting things done from my To-do-list that day.

Find the right balance between home and work

What do you most enjoy about your career? I enjoy being the support system. Having my managers rely on me and trust me with their whole lives. And getting appreciated for what I do for them.

On Saying “No”

I say no to people all the time. Especially when they expect me to schedule in a meeting for them with one of my managers. I schedule in meetings only when one of my manager asks me to. Otherwise it is no.

Marelva’s World

I was born in Suriname, in South America and am definitely a city gal.

How do you like to spend your time outside the office? I like to go out for dinner & drinks with friends; I enjoy going to a music concert or festival. How do you reward yourself after a tough day or week? By going to the sauna

What song or two are we likely to find you singing along to when driving, or if no one’s listening? Any song by Bruno Mars or Alicia Keys.

 A dream holiday or travel adventure? A Caribbean island at an all-inclusive resort

Education and Professional Development

Education: After working as an Assistant for some years, I realized that it would open more doors for me if I would go back to school to obtain a diploma for Secretarial studies.

Education opens career doors

Peer and Professional Associations: At my previous employer I belonged to a Diversity & Inclusion Network in which I was one of the board members.

Awards and Recognition

• Most popular colleague award

Technology: Reality and Wish List

Preferred form(s) of social media?  I use LinkedIn. I am not a fan of social media.

Style and Substance

What are your go-to  wardrobe pieces to ensure confidence on an important day in the workplace? My black semi-leathered blazer with a casual dark blue jeans, some semi-high heels and some nice accessories

What one or two cosmetics would your purse or travel bag be empty without?  Lip gloss, hand crème

Heels or flats?  I prefer flats. Favourite brands of shoes, whether you wear them or they’re on your wish list? Supra’s

Preferred scent: Flowerbomb by Victor & Rolf

What might we find in your desk drawer?  My toothbrush & tooth paste (I brush my teeth after my lunch break).

Role models or mentors? My two ex-colleagues-who-turned-friends. They both are my role models because they have had much more experience being an Assistant than I’ve had and they always guided me, coached me and advised me, both professionally and personally.

Lessons Learned

What bit of insight would have been most helpful to you in the early stages of your career? Take this profession seriously! That does not mean you can’t laugh or have fun at your job, but be aware that your actions can cause action, because indirectly you are the driving force behind your manager.

Be aware that your consequences have actions

What advice might you offer a new mother returning to the workplace? Take time to find the right balance between home and work. Only you know what the right balance is for you. Don’t rush it. Once you find that balance: Happy mom, happy kids, happy husband and, of course, happy boss.

Identify career goals, assess possibilities – and grab them with both hands

Your most effective time management strategy? Getting things done before the time I set for myself.

Advice for new executives on how to best work with an assistant: Build a trust. When the trust, understanding and mutual respect are there, it makes the job so much easier.

For those interested in promotion: Go for it! Reach for your goals, reach for the stars! Figure out first where you want your career to go and see if the possibilities are there. If so, grab them with both hands. I will always support people wanting to get more out of their careers.

Resources

For a list of resources recommended by our readers, click here.