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[mashima]

I am a Secretary in an Arts and Humanities department at a master's granting institution. I am a recent college grad with a BS in Mass Comm. It is a position that I am overqualified for, at least in terms of my educational background, but am doing it for the great perk of free grad school (Going for an MBA). It will take about 3 years to complete my degree and in the meantime, I certainly wish to explore and advance my career within the college's administration (i.e. admissions, registrar, res life). I am wondering, what is a good length of time to stay in this position before exploring better positions. While I certainly have respect for the secretary's here and the work that they do, I really want to increase my presence and level of responsibility here as I work toward my degree...not to mention, I want to make more $$$! :-) Any suggestions on a good strategy for an enterprising young mind?

[rattusdomesticus]

mashima,
I used to be a departmental secretary while earning degrees (first a B.A., then an M.A.). As you've mentioned, it's a great job for benefits, including breaks on tuition. I was lucky in that I did other jobs after graduation and then moved into teaching--so I didn't have that odd overlap that you're experiencing. That said, I would recommend any teaching experience NOW before you graduate. Try to get a once a week gig adjuncting either at your campus or a nearby community college. Also, any work with students (TAing, proctoring exams, advising) will be seen as an advantage on your CV. Oh, and move your resume into CV format, too. Last, but not least, publish.

Good luck!

[neniaf]

My advice would be to make the move as quickly as possible, before you are typecast as a secretary in the minds of those who might consider you for more.  This is even more important if the institution is not a huge one; once people think of you as fitting into a certain category and this is generally known, you will have trouble moving up. 

If your human resource department is supportive, talk to someone there about other possibilities for someone with your qualifications.  If not, find someone who can make the necessary connections for you; you really need an advocate if you want to make this change before you get the degree.

[mashima]

Thanks for the advice...When you say 'as quickly as possible' how soon are you implying? I was hoping that maybe 6 months to a year from now, I could start looking around. Think that's too long? Too soon? I don't want to be considered a job jumber but like you said, I don't want to be typecast, either.

[violetquaker]

It might be helpful if you can get training on different administrative computer programs as you can, and take advantage of any professional development courses you can get. See if you can crosstrain for anything else and find out how other departments/divisions/offices work.

[neniaf]

Six months isn't bad; a year might be a little too long before you start trying to make a move, because you can't guarantee that something will be open when you want to move, and the longer people have to get used to you in one role, the harder it will be for them to see you as anything else.  I know of a former work-study student who is back in a fairly responsible administrative job a few years later, and the faculty are having trouble seeing her as the professional that she now is.

[mashima]

I appreciate the advice so far. Thanks, everyone!

[michigander]

If you haven't already done so, check with your HR office to see if your institution requires you to stay in your position for a certain amount of time before you'll be eligible to move internally.  Six months is a common requirement.

[zharkov]

If you haven't already done so, check with your HR office to see if your institution requires you to stay in your position for a certain amount of time before you'll be eligible to move internally.  Six months is a common requirement.

Excellent point. Some places also require (or expect) your boss's OK to bid for another job.  Ask around to see what the formal and informal rules are. If you are part of a union, then you can ask your union rep.

[hkjl5768]

It is certainly not unusual for someone to come into my university in an entry level role (secretary, bookkeeper, etc) that they are overqualified for and then move into a more appropriate job in a year or less.  As long as you stay in the second job for a longer period, no one will question why you left the job you were overqualified for in a short time.

Given the MBA, I gather you may be looking for a business related job?  I highly recommend the internal audit department if your school has one.  Lots of exposure to different university systems and departments, and contact with financial bigwigs.  Puts you in a good position to be considered for various management jobs once you have the MBA.

Good Luck

[sibyl]

I don't think you have to worry too much about being "typed" as a secretary, because you seem to be open about pursuing other work; pursuing the MBA is sufficient proof of that.

Consider the value of networking rather than actively seeking work.  Through your normal duties, crosstraining, and volunteering to work on university-wide bodies, you will undoubtedly meet a lot of people in different offices.  Take the initiative to do informational interviewing with people you meet.  If you work with, say, the deputy registrar or assistant admissions director, ask them to lunch so that you can find out about how those offices operate (it may be different than you think).  Tell them that you are interested in exploring different careers at the university.  If you have a good relationship they will remember your interest the next time they hire.  That will also tell you, for example, whether an MBA is the right preparation in those areas.  Once you've done this with people you know, you can then ask people you don't know.  This type of networking often leads to you being invited to apply for positions... especially if you also demonstrate, through your department work, that you do high quality work.