Let’s get real. Name one boss who calls his or her right-hand person an “administrative professional.” That right-hand person, known to be vital in keeping an office or business functioning smoothly and properly either in the presence or absence of
Let’s get real.
Name one boss who calls his or her right-hand person an “administrative professional.”
That right-hand person, known to be vital in keeping an office or business functioning smoothly and properly either in the presence or absence of the manager, probably will always be someone’s “secretary.”
But they are administrative professionals, with their own international professional organization, working together to improve their skills and awareness of their vital work in keeping businesses running smoothly.
And this week, they’re celebrating.
“Ambassadors of Excellence” is the theme of this year’s observance of Administrative Professionals Week, today, Sunday, April 18, through Saturday, April 24.
This Wednesday, April 21, is Administrative Professionals Day.
The theme “Ambassadors of Excellence” signifies that administrative professionals are key front-line representatives for their employers, their profession, and organizations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
The theme also signifies the importance of being effective communicators, and suggests that administrative professionals have a responsibility to serve as mentors for entry-level administrative support staff and students.
“Ambassadors of Excellence” also has an international connotation, appropriate for today’s global business environment, said members of the Kaua‘i chapter of IAAP.
Administrative Professionals Week (APW), formerly known as Professional Secretaries Week, was created in 1952 as an annual opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of office-support staff in business and government, and to encourage students to consider secretarial careers.
Since its inception, APW has been sponsored solely by IAAP, although when APW began, IAAP was then known as the National Secretaries Association.
A common public misconception is that APW was created by flower distributors, candy companies, or greeting-card manufacturers so they could sell more products. The truth, however, is that while gifts often are appreciated, this event was never meant to obligate employers or managers to give gifts, local members said.
APW has become one of the largest workplace observances. Celebrated worldwide, APW brings together millions of people for community events and seminars, with individual bosses recognizing their support staff.
Although APW’s purpose is sometimes altered by other groups, a tremendous amount of publicity for the profession occurs at this time. IAAP’s objectives for APW are to:
- Educate the public about administrative professionals’ expanding roles;
- Enhance the profession’s image;
- Encourage people to consider administrative careers;
- Promote lifelong learning, certification and professional development.
IAAP members and staff use APW as a powerful public-relations opportunity to work toward these objectives, often simply by serving as role models, said representatives of the IAAP’s Aloha Kauai Chapter.
The local chapter hosts complimentary educational meetings several times a year. Membership with the Aloha Kauai Chapter-IAAP, enhances leadership skills, advances careers, and builds valuable professional networks and friendships, members agreed.
Please call Diane Rapozo at 245-7517, or Marcia Shimokawa at 246-8217, for membership information or more details.
Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste declared this week as Administrative Professionals Week on Kaua‘i, acknowledging that these professionals “keep business, education and government running smoothly and efficiently.”
