Current job title: Administrative
Assistant
Industry: Financial Services (life
insurance, retirement plans, investments etc.)
Department: Sales and policy services
administration
Years worked in this industry: 2
Years worked in this department: 2
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): My
previous experience in human resources was very helpful as I was already
familiar with most retirement benefit plans.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 2
Typical work hours: Monday-Thursday 9
a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weekends or overtime hours: I do not
work more than 4 days per week
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): Part-time salary
range of around $29,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): I do not
have any direct benefits as I am an independent contractor. The indirect
benefits are a higher salary, flexible work arrangement and more autonomy.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Cost basis-typically the initial amount paid for a security or similar
investment
A typical day on the job: I spend most
of my day assisting two very busy financial consultants prepare to meet
new and existing clients. Together we look at what we already know about
the client’s existing portfolio and try to anticipate gaps in their
financial protection. For example, it the client has small children, we
anticipate that they may be interested in setting up a college investment
plan. I am responsible for gathering all of the materials to make that
happen and then the financial consultant meets with the client. If the
client decided to open the college fund, I am responsible for setting
everything up and opening the account with the mutual fund company.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: There is never a dull moment.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
There is little room for error. Any errors can cost a client money. If a
trade is not executed at the proper time, it could mean thousands or
possibly millions of dollars lost for a client and the financial
consultant.
No matter how hard I work, I will never earn the kind of money that the
actual financial consultant makes even though, if not for me, very little
would happen.
Change in the industry happens at a break-neck pace. Changes in upper
management, laws and regulations, the stock market, etc.
Type of workspace/office:
cubicle
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Executing trades
Sending and receiving correspondence
Setting up appointments
Preparing files and materials for client meetings
Keeping track of current requirements
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
The ability to prioritize
The ability to “go with the flow”
A very thick skin and a very short memory
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Personal computer
Fax machine
Binding machine
Copier
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Computer skills (both operating and troubleshooting)
Critical soft skills:
Effective communication
Anticipating the needs of others
Follow through
Compromise
Pace of this position: Extremely fast
paced
Geographical region: Mid-Atlantic U.S.
