To ask how how you got out of admin jobs?

[Paperscall]

I've always only ever worked in admin support roles. Current job is managing diaries, organising meetings, minuting and I really don't enjoy it. I don't have any other skills except the usual admin/ computer skills.

I've been stuck in these type of jobs as they've been convenient fitting around kids and also part time. But now the kids are getting older I am able to possibly work full time.

I want a change. I want to work on my own work, not looking after other people's diaries and organising things for them!

Has anyone else moved to other areas from admin. If so, how did you do it? What was the organisation? Thanks

@Bassettgirl

That's great and v interesting! What is your PhD in out of interest? Sorry to derail thread

I did recently realise I could get some funding for a masters. What to it in is another matter...

I’m looking at experiential learning and assessment in degree-level apprenticeship programmes. I worked as a programme manager in Higher Education for 8 years, so I’m really enjoying researching an area I know so well

Volunteer for things, committees, events, charity stuff, delivering training, tracking actions etc etc. Put your hand up for extra responsibilities. You can use these experiences to say you led on xyz.

Should have added only volunteer for things that will benefit you CV wise - not the dead end stuff!

I've always worked in admin in small offices and been very vocal about being happy to take on other responsibilities. This has ultimately led to a position in client service & sales support for a large financial services institution.
Often in admin roles in smaller companies you can get more experience of other areas as they won't necessarily have (enough) staff for marketing/pr/hr departments and you can use that to find out what interests you and work on those areas.

Moving sideways
So into sales or project management admin
Then work up from there

I thinks its qualifications and luck. Never think that because you ONLY have good admin skills you can't progress. Good admin skills are a key to practically everything. I did my business and finance qualifications whilst working as a secretary and worked my way up the ladder that way. the bigger companies will have career development programs you could ask about.

There's a data assistant job at my local council in the finance department. Do you think something like that would be a good stepping stone.

That sounds great @amusedbush!

OP finance sounds like a good area to progress in. But finance skills are also needed across all the teams in my dept, so a good skillset to have.

I was in admin for years then I got out and became a clinical coder for the NHS. Much better, tonnes better, career path etc and less stressful!

I would have loved to be a clinical coder.
deelishiS0 I went for an interview last year for a trainee post at my local hospital and the interviewer was just awful. She just shredded my last work history and told me it was just all over the place and she asked on an indirect way whether I was going to have more kids because that would get in the way of training! It put me off working there.