Pasadena Chapter History: The Future
The Pasadena Chapter has been committed in helping the community by raising funds for student scholarships and supporting local charities by providing non-perishable items, toiletries and toys.
The future offers many opportunities as well as challenges for administrative professionals. These include:
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Keeping up with changing technology
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Increased workload
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Doing more with less financial resources
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Balancing work and family
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Corporate downsizing
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Corporate offshoring and outsourcing
As businesses expand their products & services around the globe and as technology continues to evolve, new skills are needed to be employable. Training and professional development will increase to obtain the following skills:
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Computer Software applications
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Technology applications such as web conferencing
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Supervisory and management skills
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Project management
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Public speaking and presentation skills
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IT systems, hardware systems/networks
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Negotiation skills
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Meeting planning and special event planning
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Teamwork and conflict management skills
New positions will open for administrative professionals in the future:
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Telecommuting (by administrative assistants and managers)
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Home-based administrative services businesses
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Training for administrative support staff (on-site and through local colleges)
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Information management on the Internet (becoming a "Web Master")
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Personal computer troubleshooter
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Creating customized software manuals for organizations, particular to department and/or industry needs
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Secretarial/clerical recruiter for temporary/permanent placement agencies
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Newsletter editor (compile and summarize information on particular areas of interest)
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Multimedia librarian/coordinator/information abstractor
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Video and/or Web conferencing coordinator (scheduling, site preparation, equipment procurement, host conferencing, on-site at business or off-site)
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Technology coordinator/facilities management (maintenance scheduling, tracking/backing up databases, installing new hardware/software
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Graphics/desktop publishing coordinator
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Support services consultant
As administrative professionals, I am confident that we will be successful in facing the future through our commitment to professional development and active involvement in our association. The key to our success is building relationships and continuous learning.
Maria Gibson, CPS/CAP
IAAP Pasadena Chapter President
