Key skills for a career in administration

According to Office Pro magazine, although administration departments have seen some cutbacks, more and more employers are realising that companies do need key administrative professionals. The 2012 Office Team Salary guide looks at, in particular, what skills those employers are looking for in that key role. The article looks at ‘technical expertise’ as one of the most important areas with proficiencies required in a range of applications. The more basic ones would include applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint but also valued are database and project management programs such as Microsoft Access, Microsoft Project and SAP. All these skills should be handled by someone who is ‘well-rounded’ who can adapt to change and proactive’ – looking to help with a project before it is assigned. If you are in the job market for an executive administration role then you can read the whole article ‘Administrative Hiring Trends in 2012’ at http://officepro.iaap-hq.org/RIDE/viewer.aspx?id=8&pageId=1&lang=&lid=0

Enterprise Awards in Gloucestershire

With the Enterprise Awards 2012 from the University of Gloucestershire you don’t have enter the Dragons’ Den to show your entrepreneurial skills or even give up the day job. The award scheme is looking for entries or nominations from individuals or businesses who have demonstrated entrepreneurial flair outside or within their current roles. The competition is open to a range of people or businesses connected with the university, now or previously. Current and previous students can apply or be nominated as can current members of staff. If you know a company that supported or mentored you as a student or have since supported a university project, they may also be eligible. Judges include senior business figures such as Edward Gillespie, Managing Director of Cheltenham Racecourse. Nominations are open until 20th April with the winner announced in July. For all entry details and nomination forms visit the university’s website here http://insight.glos.ac.uk/departments/cei/enterpriseawards/Pages/default.aspx

Getting a seat on the board - advice for women

What does it take to get to a senior level as a woman? In an interview in the Telegraph, Alison Robb, group director at Nationwide Building Society, talks about making yourself heard and getting connected. Interviewed by Louisa Peacock, Alison Robb explains how she took decisive steps from university choices to taking a range of roles that would give her a wide range of experience.
She explains that women need to be resilient saying, ‘things will always go wrong and it is how you deal with these challenges that makes you stand out.” She also stresses the importance of networking especially for women and is a member of Everywoman, a women’s business networking association. These contacts help you to “work out who is influential and talk to people about what success looks like and how they have achieved their goals.” For more tips on getting to the top read the full article at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/9069950/Careers-advice-How-Nationwides-Alison-Robb-made-it-to-the-top.html

Warning on apprenticeship schemes

During National Apprenticeship Week, some organisations and employers are urging government to ensure that future apprenticeships have real value. According to an article in The Daily Telegraph by Louise Peacock, employers warn that ‘the value of apprenticeships is being dragged down by “quickie” courses that do not lead to proper jobs.’
Official figures showed that one in five apprenticeships lasted less than six months, often with jobs going to existing workers meaning that few new jobs were being created. Some companies involved with a range of apprentice schemes include Morrisons, Asda, BAE, Siemens and Starbucks. A good apprenticeship scheme is seen as a real benefit in many areas. The article includes comments from Semta, the skills council which said ‘ more businesses should invest in apprenticeships to give them a competitive advantage.’ To read the full article visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/9062660/Employers-warn-on-quickie-apprenticeships.html