What I wish you knew about being an administrative assistant

I’ve been called “the glue” and “the backbone.” I am the heart of the office or department. I am the administrative assistant. And yet, despite being the one who has her fingers on the pulse of nearly everything going on in the office, I still face misconceptions.

I am not. . .

Uneducated. Unambitious. Unintelligent. Like many of my fellow administrative professionals, I graduated from college. Nearly every day I use the knowledge I gained from accounting principles to business writing techniques. I take advantage of professional development opportunities to grow my skills.

I enjoy my job—every day I’m challenged to solve problems and coordinate details for everything from meetings to interviews. And I still have energy and brain power at the end of the day to pursue my hobbies and work on freelance projects.

Just because I didn’t choose to be an executive, doesn’t mean I couldn’t have been one. Instead, I enjoy the daily variety and challenges my position offers.

One of my favorite examples of this misconception involved a supervisor asking me to view an online video. The supervisor left my office with these words, “If you don’t hear anything, make sure your speakers are turned on.”

I am not. . .

Less valuable. A doormat. Without power.

Administrative assistants are efficient multitaskers who address a multitude of demands while providing topnotch customer service to a wide variety of constituents. Most of the time, I’m the only one who knows how to ensure the office is operating effectively. One of the most common questions I am asked is, “How do we. . .?” Fill in the blank with everything from “unjam the copier” to “get our mileage reimbursement” to “make sure we have refreshments for our meeting.” I also hold the “keys to the castle.” If someone wants to meet with the executive I support, I’m the one who can make that happen. I often have access to highly confidential information, and I know how to keep secrets. I can be your greatest ally.

I am a team player here to support those in the office; however, I’m not here to fill in when you’d rather go train for your triathlon than attend a meeting. If you’re legitimately busy, running from one meeting to the next or picking up your sick child, I’m happy to jump in and serve as your backup in a meeting or run an errand for you.

I am not. . .

The work mom or fairy godmother.

My biggest work pet peeve—we’re all adults. I’m not here to pick up someone else’s mess in the office kitchen. My job doesn’t include cleaning the bathroom if someone misses the toilet. I shouldn’t have to remind you of your manners or what is polite or politically correct.

Yes, I often have to remind my executive of upcoming meetings or draw attention to potential scheduling conflicts. Those actions fall under support, not mothering.

A good example of this misconception?

Recently a co-worker asked me what size shirt I thought he wore. (We were ordering department apparel.) I wanted to say, “Go look at your tag in the bathroom. . . and don’t make a mess while you’re in there!”

Then there are times when I’m asked off-the-wall questions or receive nearly impossible requests. At these times, I use humor and get out my wand. Yes, I have a wand, but I’ve yet to find out how to make it work.

When I receive these requests, part of me is flattered. Some people believe I can make the impossible happen. That’s not a bad thing.

Some days I think I need a crown to go with my wand.

This guest post is the first in an ongoing series called, "What I wish you knew about my job." We have pieces from a magician, preschool teacher, pharmacist, and more. Join our email list below.

If this post has sparked thoughts about your own position and you are considering writing your own piece, email Amy to chat about having your piece featured. Amy is also willing to interview you and write the piece as well.