No More Candies, But a Real Gift
If you think your assistant looks forward to flowers and chocolate on Administrative Professionals Day, April 21, you’re wrong. What he or she really wants is to attend a workshop — paid for by the company. It’s a smart investment because your employee will learn and hone new skills, and that benefits you and your
company. Below are some ideas on continuing-education classes offered locally.
Five Challenges
The International Association of Administrative Professionals says the top f ive issues for its members in the next decade are:
- Keeping up with changing technology
- Increased workload
- Working with fewer resources and a smaller budget
- Balancing work and family life
- Additional training in management and supervisory skills
| PROGRAM DESCRIPTION | WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE | TO LEARN MORE | |
| PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION |
The Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and the Certified Administration Professional (CAP) are national ratings that indicate knowledge in technology, office systems, administration and management. |
Highly sought-after secretaries reach these levels. In Hawaii, 72 people are active CPS holders, and only four people carry dual CPS and CAP ratings, according to the International Association of Administrative Professionals. | Hawaii participants can take the exam in May and November 2010. Fees range from $200 to $400. Call Terry Ann Richter at 734-9565 or e-mail trichter@hawaii.edu. |
| TRAVELING SEMINARS |
Several times a month, Fred Pryor Seminars, SkillPath Seminars and CareerTrack Seminars offer one-day workshops in Hawaii on topics ranging from communications and software skills, to management. |
Workshop titles include The Outstanding Receptionist, Communication Skills for Women, The Indispensable Assistant and Dealing with Diffi cult People. Classes available statewide, but most are held in Waikiki hotels. |
Fees range from $100 to $400 per workshop. Go to www.fi ndaseminar.com to register or call 800-349-1935. |
| EVENING AND ONLINE CLASSES |
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers in Honolulu offers technology-skills classes. Microsoft Word and Excel are the most popular topics among administrative professionals, as more companies move to Microsoft 2007. |
Choose from four learning methods: Traditional In-Class, Online Live, Online Anytime, or Mentored Learning, which combines online and classroom instruction. |
Fees are about $250 per class. Ask about discounts and packages. Call 947-4474 or go to www.newhorizons.com. |
| PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING |
The International Association of Administrative Professionals is a worldwide group of secretaries. There are three chapters on Oahu, and one each on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. | Chapters combine monthly social gatherings with workshops tailored to members. At least one local chapter has a public-speaking program. Hawaii IAAP has partnered with Heald College to offer quarterly Saturday-morning classes, free for members and nonmembers. |
Go to iaaphawaiidivision. org. |
