Expert: Torski Dobson-Arnold - 5/6/2009

Question
Hello.  I began working at my current job 2 years ago.  I was hired as a personal assistant to the owner of the company.  99% of the work I do is personal and my boss is out of the office 50% of the time.   Early on I began asking around for more work and quickly became the right hand woman to another execuitve.  For 2 years I have juggled to responsibilities of both executives.  The 2nd executive has recently asked me what kind of projects I would like to be involved with so I can be utilized more within that department (accounting).  I don't want to get the leftover "crappy" projects and would love to my boss management, more money.  What is the best way to approach this?  I want more work, but only if it will propel my career forward and I will be rewarded with more money or recognition.

Answer
Gloria,

I understand your concern.  I think before you suggest things you would like to do, I think you need to be really clear about what you do NOT want to do.  You should brainstorm and come up with sample projects that will propel your career forward BUT also be of valuable contribution to the organization.  Any plans you develop, PLEASE be CERTAIN that you ALWAYS tie in the value that it will bring the organization.

Another suggestion I would apply is to get a formal job description with everything you are responsible for NOW so that you can compare this to the projects that you would like to do in the future.

If you don't open yourself up like a doormat to get walked over, then you won't get walked over.  If you do not develop a plan for YOURSELF, then others will plan your career for you.  GET in the driver's seat of your career success whatever you do.

You will be very glad you did!

Claiming nothing but success in all of your career endeavors,

Torski