Ask EDN Question:
I am a 24 Year old Eritrean woman and I’ve been working at a nonprofit in DC for two years as Executive Assistant. The position I applied for was Program Associate but they said I didn’t have the experience needed given I had just graduated. They told me at the time that the Executive Assistant position could be a way for me to learn the ropes.
I’ve been here for two years and 85% of my job is purely supporting the Executive Director. I do a good job and she’s always talking about how glad she is to have me. I get paid well, but I also want to advance in my career. I don’t want to be an Executive Assistant for another two years. I want to do more work in programming and I like the nonprofit so I don’t really want to leave.
So, what should I do?
Signed,
Exec Assistant
Response:
Dear Exec Assistant,
Thank you for your question! We got some great feedback on social media (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook) so make sure you check us out there. In this response, we will incorporate some of the advice we received.
So, I’m/we are writing this piece from personal experience. I started off as an Executive Assistant at a small nonprofit in DC. Personally, when I started, I had the same vision as you but I wasn’t as smart. I basically thought, I’m going to be an Executive Assistant for a couple of months, six months tops, and than after that, they would all see how brilliant I was and move right into the Executive Director position. Can you say delusional? Needless to say, I was in line for a reality check and I got it one day from the ED who told me to take several seats. The nonprofit world has its own language and skill sets that it requires to make it. It requires a balance between humility and I know my worth/I know I’m good.
Although I started off so arrogantly, I ended up working at this specific nonprofit for Five Years. At different moments I was humbled and during that time I learned how to own my greatness and advocate for myself. I had to take a step back. I had to learn and build the skills and knowledge that would allow me to get into the program work I desired. I started reading books and articles to help me understand issues that the organization was fighting and I asked to go to trainings that would help me develop the necessary skills. I was lucky, I had an ED that supported me and supported my growth in the organization. That part is important- all the advice that’s going to follow requires you to be an advocate for yourself but to also have support in the organization.
With that said, a couple things. Firstly, have a conversation with your ED or someone in Programming and ask them what you should do or how you can build your skills to move into a programming position. Ask explicitly, if there’s room for you to grow in this organization. I don’t know the particular nonprofit organization you work for, but generally they are a collaborative and supportive environments although I’ve heard horror stories. It’s important to understand the concrete skills they need you to have in order to move into the position you desire. If you’re not comfortable doing this in your organization (not a good sign btw) you can look at LinkedIn or feel free to email us at eridiaspora@gmail.com. We can help connect you.
Next, seek out trainings, books and opportunities within the organization to help you build on those skills. In the DC area there are lot of free trainings for folks in the nonprofit sector- go to them! In staff meeting, pay attention to the language that folks are using, the contributions that are needed and contribute! Volunteer to take on tasks that will help you build on those skill sets! You can also volunteer to be a part of a community organization, a small one perhaps, that would allow you to play more of a programmatic role to help build those skills.
Last but not least, your work is valuable! In any capacity so be your own best advocate! Nonprofits have a tendency to work people hard. It’s important to self advocate! It’s also important to see that if they aren’t willing to support your growth and development that you make moves to an organization that will/can. The skills you gain as an Executive Assistant are transferable and I guarantee you there will be other organizations in the area that could utilize the skills you’ve learned in a programmatic capacity.
A couple of folks have reached out to us and offered to help you look for jobs etc. We would be happy to connect you! Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes.
Best,
EDN PD Team
P.S.-If you’re dealing with a dilemma at work or school, you can #ASKEDN here.