PA and Secretary Community - Deskdemon.com

I plotted out a career plan that I can take to the company as in idea after being here a while.  Technical writing, with my English degree, is the way to go.



Now, I'm not going to start implementing this until I'm here at least a year.



I would like to know how I can ask for help from people who can help me along this career path without bypassing my boss, the office manager.  I ask this because when I run out of things to do, if I ask her for something to do, it's always a filing or copying project.  Now I know that I have to "pay my dues" and do these things for a while to get a good reputation.  However, I don't want to be doing these types of projects forever.  I also don't want to get labeled as "the gopher girl," which seems to be happening already.  I don't want people running to me with old copying and filing projects that they don't have time to do when I'm trying to implement my career idea.



I'm afraid that if/when I try to do something different, I will be resented because I was hired to be an admin, and a part-time one at that.  Not that I won't plow ahead, but I wonder if the other admins will resent me.  But like I said a couple of weeks ago-I can't see myself filing and doing certified mailings forever.



Any advice is welcome.  If my ego is blown out of proportion, tell me.

Engineering companies, like I'm in, will easily find the need for a technical writer.



The former receptionist is now in the CAD department.  I feel, if she can do it, so can I.

I don't know how it works at your company - but here our HR department will help you plot your career path and is supposed to help you attain your goals with training, etc.  I don't think most admins would resent you for reaching your goals (after you pay your dues).  I think they would applaud you and, if they have dreams of moving to a different field, maybe you would be their inspiration.



I like the admin field and have moved up to the point where I am now - I realize that being an admin isn't for everyone and I applaud anyone who is willing to do what they have to do (pay their dues, work hard) to attain their goals and dreams.



nc

Lionness, if you have great ideas, why not just use the next possible opportunity that makes sense to you to demonstrate your skills?  You don't have to be obnoxious about it, and I don't think you need to worry about seeming obnoxious about it.  Whatever the other admins will feel/think/say is what they will feel/think/say.  I've taken things that my boss could have written and taken a stab at it and, on the whole, even if it's not perfect, I find that they appreciate it more than think I'm trying to get anything back out of it.  I say go for it!  (Hope I answered the entire question.)

To follow my train of thought.  Have your career plan ready-to-go at all times in the event a bright person catches on that you are good at this.  I say "don't wait," because maybe an opportunity will appear and they will think of you rather than posting outside the company.  Just do it.  Just do it.