Ask Pam – Administrative Assistant
If you are considering a career as a administrative assistant, here’s your chance to ask some important questions. Scroll through the frequently asked questions and click on the ones you are curious about.
Don’t see what you’re wondering about? Send us a question using the form below and we’ll get back to you shortly with an answer.
What is the office environment like?
The office environment is similar to what you would find in most office settings. It is fast paced and often you need to work under pressure with interruptions. Your tasks may be repetitive and you may be working on a number of different projects at the same time. Depending on the size of the company and layout of the office, you will have a workspace either in a cubicle or open area.
In transportation we have Accounting, Purchasing, Communications, Human Resources, Information Systems, and Logistics. Admin Services are necessary in all of these departments.
What education and training should I have?
A diploma in Business Administration with a focus on accounting or management systems would be highly beneficial. These skills transfer easily from one industry to another.
What is a typical work day like?
Transportation offices are busy places and it is unlikely that you would become bored working here. Your core job would keep you busy, and additional projects are a regular part of business. Projects give people opportunities to grow both personally and in their career; they may pull you in and out of your comfort zone.
Hours of work are similar to most offices; we usually run from 8 am to 5 pm with some flexibility on start and stop times.
Are there opportunities for advancement?
As you become more knowledgeable about the industry and your area of specialization, opportunities for advancement within the company may be possible. A key point to consider is that the transportation industry is well connected. Movement within and between organizations is the norm.
I started out at an entry level position and now work as a freight operations supervisor. After working at the company for a few months, I let my supervisor know that I was interested in getting experience in different departments. I asked if I could be considered if any openings
What are the wages?
Wages start at minimum wage and can progress to around $29 per hour. The national average is $16.
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