Visibility Boosts Assistant Careers

As assistants, many of us are accustomed to working behind the scenes. We often take pride in our ability to manage tasks quietly and efficiently without needing constant recognition or visibility. But what does this approach mean for our careers? When you remain in the shadows and don't actively communicate your career desires, no one knows who you are or what you truly want. Your manager might assume you're content with your current position because you've never expressed otherwise. This is especially true for senior assistants with 10 to 15 years of experience. By this stage, you've likely reached the highest level in your role, and it can feel like there's nowhere else to grow. You might think there's no further perspective for you, but that’s not the case.

I'm an Assistant. What's your Super Power?

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I'm an Assistant. What's your Super Power? 〰️

 There is always room for growth, and there’s always something new to learn. The key is to vocalize your interests and desires to your manager. They may not be aware of what you want, and sometimes, you might not even know what’s next for you. Even as a senior assistant, there are opportunities for advancement. You just need to explore and identify what excites you. Perhaps a role as a Business Support Manager is the perfect next step, and a coaching course could help you get there, or you want to learn more about the business on a strategic level, and you can see how higher-ups can involve you in their projects. In the end, curiosity and broadening your knowledge will evolve you as a professional and will always contribute to your future career, whatever that might be.

For junior or mid-level assistants, it's equally important to discuss your career path with your manager. Talk about your goals, what opportunities might be available, and the skills you need to develop to reach the next level. Unfortunately, many organizations don't have a clear career path for assistants, so it's up to you to take the initiative. Work with your manager to set goals and map out how you can achieve them. Being clear about your aspirations and how you plan to reach them is crucial because our roles require a proactive approach.

Visibility within your organization is key, but it doesn’t mean you need to be the loudest person in the room. It’s about making sure the right people are aware of your ambitions. This way, colleagues can involve you in projects that offer valuable learning opportunities. Seek mentorship from high-ups, and this doesn’t always have to be a more senior assistant. Or seek a dedicated Career Coach for assistants, like me, who can help you gain perspective or bring back that spark. Beyond internal visibility, it's equally important to be active in your external network and online. If you aim for that next-level role, people need to know who you are and what you bring to the table. Many exciting job opportunities aren't advertised. They are offered to those who have proactively networked, made their goals known, and showcased their abilities.

The days of assistants being seen as mere secretaries are over. We need to be vocal, visible, and proactive in shaping our career paths. There are countless rewarding positions we can move into, even after reaching seniority. It’s time to step out of the shadows and take control of our careers.