This year, I encourage you to approach your employer ahead of Administrative Professionals Week and ask him or her to invest in your professional development instead of purchasing the traditional gifts to recognize this annual holiday. Request the funds to attend a conference, seminar, online course, or to purchase the CAP Study Guide and SmartBook, if you aren’t already CAP certified.
If you work for an employer who doesn’t invest in or support your professional development, I urge you to invest in yourself. You’re worth it! IAAP offers education for a variety of budget points and through a variety of channels including live and on-demand webinars, and in-person and virtual meetings at the Branch and Regional levels. IAAP also offers large conferences such as CAPstone in March, Summit in July, CAP Bootcamp in August, and the new Academy for Leadership Development with three different leadership tracks to explore. Don’t forget to check out the many options available through learn@iaap, including deep dive courses, bundled webinars, the Crisp 50-Minute series of books, and even several free resources.
This year, I’ve asked the executive I support to donate to the Admins First campaign on my behalf instead of purchasing a gift. I’m blessed and grateful to have an employer who supports my professional development, but I’m also keenly aware that many administrative professionals aren’t as lucky. This is my way of paying it forward to help the IAAP Foundation continue investing in the success of office and administrative professionals by supporting innovative research, educational and professional development opportunities, and affordable housing initiatives.
However you celebrate this year, let me be among the first to wish you a Happy Administrative Professionals Week!
