I have one word of advice.  Be very careful about taking a job that you are
over-qualified for.  I was in the exact same position, I took a job ( and a
salary cut) similar to yours with a promise that there would be room to
expand.  Two years on I'm still admin. ass. and have been told that there is
no room to move within the institution because my (a) I'll end up stepping
on someone else's toes and (b) my duties are defined as Admin. Ass.

Admin. Ass. jobs can be good for getting your foot in the door at the
beginning of your career but the  bottom line is your title will be Admin.
Ass. your duties will be assisting and can YOU work in that situation,
particularly if you are ambitious.  You could use it as an opportunity to
make new contacts and then move after a year.  But make sure you leave after
a year.







> -----Original Message-----
> From: Crystal Baranowski [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 3:04 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Would this position be a dead end?
>
> A couple of months ago, I wrote to the list requesting guidance in making
> a
> transition from the for-profit world of finance to the nonprofit world of
> museums.  I received some very good advice and reassurance that this is
> possible, and I thank all of you who responded.  I am currently
> contemplating a position for which I am a bit over qualified, but believe
> could be a good stepping stone.  The position is an Administrative
> Assistant in the President's Office of a large museum (approx. $12 million
> annual operating budget) and reports to the President's Assistant.  During
> the interview, I enquired as to the growth opportunities and what previous
> Administrative Assistants have gone on to do and was told that previously
> no one had really had the skills to move into other areas and that I would
> be welcome to involve myself in projects outside the normal realm of the
> position as I saw fit.  Besides the normal typing, filing, and telephone
> duties (which, like most people, I am not a super fan of - although I
> believe that I can tolerate it), this position works fairly closely with
> the trustees and heads of other museum departments.  Although I have not
> yet been offered the position, I believe that my chances are above
> average.
> To make matters a little more challenging, I will be relocating to the
> area
> due to my husband's career and know practically no one in the area.  Would
> this position be the stepping stone that I believe it could be, or am I
> being overly optimistic?  Several months ago I purchased the Association
> of
> Art Museum Directors 2000 Salary Survey, so I have a good idea of the
> salary range of the  Assistant to the President in this size museum and
> metropolitan area, but would appreciate any information on what a position
> like this (assistant to the assistant) is currently making in a Natural
> History Museum (because of the personal nature of this information, please
> feel free to send this information off list).  I would like to thank
> everyone in advance for what I know will be very enlightening advice:)
>
> Crystal Baranowski
> [log in to unmask]
>
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