How to Turn Evolving Roles Into New Career Opportunities
Administrative jobs are undergoing technological transformation. In particular, the rapid rise of AI is reshaping admin work. While this is sending shivers through many admin professionals, our view is that increasing use of technology is not necessarily a bad thing.
Sure, with automation, AI, and digital collaboration tools becoming more common, many tasks are being streamlined or eliminated entirely. If you work in an administrative role, these are exciting times – you’re at the heart of all this change.
The adoption of technology isn’t a story of job losses – it’s one of opportunity. As administrative jobs evolve, professionals who are adaptable and eager to learn are discovering new ways to contribute and stand out.
In this blog, we discuss how technology is reshaping administrative roles and what you can do to remain an in-demand candidate.
What’s Changing with Administrative Roles?
As a professional working in an administrative role, you’re an integral part of the success of your employer. But the role you play is starting to look a lot different than it used to.
- Repetitive tasks such as calendar scheduling, data entry, and expense reporting can now be handled by automated tools and AI-driven assistants. Platforms like Calendly, Expensify, and even smart features in Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar now do the heavy lifting of admin roles.
- Now, admin assistants are expected to use project management software such as Asana, Trello, and Monday.com to coordinate across teams, track deadlines, and keep people and work organized in a digital workspace.
- Communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have also replaced many face-to-face meetings. As an administrative assistant, you are now expected to be comfortable with both in-office and remote environments.
- What we’re seeing is an exciting move toward hybrid roles in administrative jobs, combining the role of traditional support with responsibilities in part-time tech liaison and project coordination. It’s still important to be good with people, but now equally critical is your capability with platforms, tools, and diverse systems.
What Skills Are in Demand Now?
In the quickly reshaping workplace, high-paying administrative jobs require you to develop technical proficiency and strategic awareness. Hiring companies are seeking candidates who can work across a sphere of responsibility, and are especially interested in candidates who can demonstrate ability across the following skillsets:
- Tech Proficiency
You don’t have to be a developer, but you should be confident using Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, CRMs like Salesforce, and platforms like Zoom, Slack, and other project management software. The more tools you’re familiar with, the more value you deliver to your team.
- Digital Communication
Admins are often the first point of contact in both internal and external communication. Knowing how to manage group chats, coordinate across time zones, and keep remote teams informed is crucial.
- Project Coordination
You might not have ‘Project Manager’ in your title, but the chances are you’ll be required to keep teams updated with their tasks and progress, and ensure that timelines are on track. These are critical elements of project coordination, and understanding how to use tools like Asana and Trello will help to make you a standout candidate.
- Data Literacy
Businesses are becoming data-intensive organizations, and increasingly turning to admin professionals who have basic skills in Excel, Google Sheets, and reporting tools. Many roles now involve gathering and interpreting data to help managers make better decisions.
- Soft Skills That Still Matter
Though the role of administration is being shaped by technological advancements, the need for soft skills should not be underestimated. You may be working in a tech-heavy, fast-changing environment, but hiring companies are also focused on hiring candidates who can demonstrate skills such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and initiative.
Candidate Spotlight: Jane’s Story
‘Jane’ came to Lakeshore Talent with more than a decade of experience as an Executive Assistant, but was concerned that her skillset might be outdated. Her previous role had been mostly in-person, and she had limited experience beyond email and Word.
We saw her potential immediately, and understood her career needs. We placed her in a temporary role with a company that gave her the chance to work with several pieces of tech that were new to her. Jane grasped this opportunity with both hands, relishing the opportunity to grow her personal portfolio of app and system skills. She even signed up for a few (free) courses in her spare time. In no time, she was asking all the right questions and taking ownership of digital processes.
Six months after starting, Jane was offered a full-time role as an Operations Coordinator. Her career has blossomed from offering admin support to execs to leading system rollouts and training new hires.
Tips to Stay Competitive as Admin Work Evolves
Though technology is reshaping the admin world at a pace we haven’t witnessed before, the good news is that you can evolve just as fast. Here are our top four tips to stay ahead of the competition in the administrative sector:
1. Upskill
There are dozens of free and low-cost resources out there. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera and Udemy offer courses across a multitude of apps and systems, including digital communications and project management – or visit your local library, where you’ll find free access to many training resources.
2. Gain Certifications
Certifications like Microsoft Office Specialist or Google Workspace can boost your credibility as a candidate. For those leaning into project work, basic project management or CRM certification can also help.
3. Network and Learn
Join online communities or LinkedIn groups for administrative professionals. You’ll find admin professionals sharing their knowledge, offering advice about the latest tech skill requirements, and you may even discover a few admin job leads.
4. Partner with a Staffing Agency
At Lakeshore Talent, we understand how admin roles are evolving because we talk to hiring managers every day. We can help you identify the right roles, highlight your transferable skills, and suggest areas for personal development for you to become a preferred candidate.
What All This Means for Your Career Path
Ignore the naysayers and doomsday predictions of mass elimination of admin jobs. Technology isn’t here to replace you, but it is here to enhance your capability and increase your value as an employee.
For jobseekers who develop their skills in the new tech-heavy workplace, the future is exciting. You’re no longer limited to providing admin support, but can step into broader roles with responsibilities across project leadership, operations management, HR coordination, and more.
The ‘secret’ to your success? Be the tech-proficient professional who can help streamline workflows, manage systems, and keep teams running smoothly.
Whether your goal is to grow within your current company or you’re seeking a new role elsewhere, your career path is paved with opportunity – providing you keep learning, remain curious, and grow with the tech transformation of work.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, submit your resume to Lakeshore Talent today. We’ll help you find opportunities where your skills are valued, your potential is supported, and your future is bright.