By Zoie Teytelbaum, Managing Director – Corporate Services
It’s time to change the narrative around administrative careers.
After years of recruiting and speaking with administrative professionals every day, one response always sticks with me when I ask how someone got into the field:
“I kind of just fell into it.”
Sound familiar?
This phrase has become all too common within the administrative world, where these roles are often viewed as a backup option—a “second choice” or something people stumble into after a few jobs post-college. However, throughout my years in the industry and having seen candidates not only succeed but truly thrive in their administrative careers, it’s evident that these roles represent far more than just a fallback. Administrative careers offer a fulfilling, lucrative path with opportunities for growth and long-term success.
Skills that lead to success
Admin roles aren’t fallback careers—they are careers that call for sharp minds, strong instincts, and deep emotional intelligence. Some of the traits I consistently see in standout administrative professionals include:
- Ability to “read the room” and exhibit high emotional intelligence
- Being a self-starter who anticipates needs and acts proactively rather than reactively
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Patience and empathy
- Tech savvy, comfortable with systems and digital tools
- Creative problem solver mindset
- Passion for organization and system creation
If you see yourself on that list, don’t ignore it! Those are the ingredients of an incredible administrative professional!
Making the career move with transferable skills
An administrative role is a natural next step for more people than you think. I’ve seen so many people thrive in admin roles after starting out in totally different paths—coaching, teaching, customer service, and even project management. If you’ve ever loved helping people reach their potential or found yourself as the “go-to” person for advice, structure, or support, an administrative role could be the next chapter you didn’t know you were writing.
And no, it doesn’t have to start with a master’s degree or 10 years of experience. Entry points like Admin Assistants or Receptionists offer a front-row seat to how organizations actually run and what it takes to make people feel seen, supported, and successful.
From entry to leadership: administrative career paths
Throughout my experience, I’ve also witnessed firsthand how integral administrative roles can be in shaping the career trajectory of college students and those just starting out professionally. For college students and entry-level individuals, administrative positions offer a unique opportunity to develop essential skills such as organization, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking—all skills that are highly valued and transferable between industries.
These roles provide a solid foundation for building professional confidence, networking within organizations and gaining firsthand insight into corporate dynamics, which can greatly accelerate career growth from the very beginning. If you are a college student or an entry-level candidate curious about how you can progress in an administrative role, these charts are just two examples of the stepping stones in a rewarding administrative career path:
Our commitment to rewriting the narrative
Changing the perception of administrative professionals is easier said than done, but possible with the right people and the right mindset. At Landing Point, we are committed to connecting with individuals who aspire to thrive in administrative roles at any stage of their careers. We believe there’s no “fallback” in this field but rather front-line opportunities to build impactful, lasting careers.
If you are someone with the skillset suited for an administrative role or are in the beginning stages of your career looking to explore what admin roles might have to offer, I encourage you to take the leap. You might be surprised by how far an administrative career path can take you.