Working World

Administrative professionals — where would we be without them? During the week of April 19-25, show your gratitude that you’re not. Administrative Professionals Week is the largest workplace observance besides birthdays and major holidays, celebrating the more than 4.2 million professionals who manage and, let’s face it, run the world.

We need more of them, too. The Department of Labor estimates that this job sector will see steady growth of about 6.2 percent over the next five years. Jobs for professional administrative assistants pay well, ranging from $17,000 up to $50,000, and the variety is endless. Almost every sector of the economy uses administrative support staff, from law offices to universities to the local car dealership or real estate office. Here in Los Angeles, the movie industry is a prime employer.

With the increased use of electronic record keeping, more professionals do more of their own clerical work and more clerical workers do more work that is professional. A good grasp of technology is critical; so, too, is an ability to track, organize and communicate. The best are always trying to get better and add value to their workplace. Many make it a career, and legal administrative assistants in particular are highly trained specialists.

This year’s celebration, targeting April 22 (Administrative Professionals Day), is embracing the theme “excellence in action.” Don’t forget to honor the people in your office who demonstrate this every day.