
I recently read this paragraph in a post by industry influencer, Jodie Mears FInstAM.
“I felt stagnant as an administrative assistant, believing I had plateaued. In hindsight, it was a mindset of blissful ignorance, denying the need to go above and beyond my current efforts to fulfill my potential. With excellent performance reviews and positive feedback, I felt safe in my bubble and stayed there for a while.”
How many more of you feel this way?
Too many assistants—brilliant, capable, and driven—find themselves in a similar position. They perform exceptionally well, receive glowing feedback, and yet, they feel as though they’ve hit a ceiling. Without a defined career path, they stay safe within their bubble, not necessarily aware of just how much they could be contributing.
The issue here is two-fold.
First, without clarity on career progression, assistants miss opportunities for growth. They’re focused on doing their current job well, but without a sense of how they can advance or the skills they need to develop, they plateau.
Second, the organizations they support also lose out. When there’s no clear path for assistants to move forward, the full potential of their role remains untapped. These professionals could be more deeply integrated as strategic partners, contributing at a higher level and driving value across the business.
As a profession, we need to recognize and advocate for structured career paths. Organizations need to invest in their assistants, not only through skill-building and professional development but by establishing clear trajectories for growth. Assistants need to see that there is more beyond their current role—opportunities to expand, evolve, and create meaningful impact.
Imagine the difference it would make if every assistant could see a clear path forward. How much more could they contribute? How much further could they go? Creating a career path for administrative professionals isn’t just about personal fulfillment; it’s a strategic investment that benefits everyone involved.