Career story: administrative assistant with the Ministry of Education

What does a day in your shoes feel like? And what are the key skills that can make or break a career in your field?

We’ve asked a diverse group of Apolitical members to share their career story with us and the tips they have for junior public servants. In this article, Olay Bridgewater explains why it’s important to always keep applying yourself in their role as an Administrative Assistant with the Ministry of Education.

What is your current role and how do you spend your time on a standard day?

I am currently an Administrative Assistant with the Ministry of Education, I spend most of my day helping others and making sure the branch has what it needs to operate smoothly by scheduling meetings, coordinating approval processes, keeping track of incoming and outgoing correspondence and negotiating timelines.

What did you do before taking up this role?

Before entering this role with the Ontario Public Service I had a similar role at the Federal Government as an EA assisting senior executives with day to day operations, planning and coordinating events.

In your opinion, what are the most important skills someone needs to excel in your field?

In my opinion, the important skills someone should have in this role if they want to excel is a passion for helping others, networking skills and knowing how to manage and delegate tasks.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is working with others and providing a meaningful contribution to the team at the end of the day.

What advice would you give to new public servants who are interested in a career in your field?

The advice I would give to new public servants interested in a career in the Administrative field is to love what you do and always keep applying yourself.

Want to share your own career story with the Apolitical community? Use this form to let us know about your job.

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