Tier 2 _ CareerUp _ Mistakes and Wins from My First Year in Office Admin

1. Mistakes and Wins from My First Year in Office Admin When I landed my first role in office administration, I thought I was ready. I had a decent resume, basic computer skills, and a good attitude. But I quickly realized that office administration jobs require more than just checking off tasks. They demand patience, strong communication, and a mindset that’s ready to adapt. Looking back, my first 12 months were filled with mistakes and wins that taught me lessons I still carry today. My First Mistake? Thinking I Had to Do Everything Perfectly I still remember my second week on the job. I was assigned to help organize a company-wide meeting. I wanted to impress my boss, so I said yes to everything handling the invites, printing materials, and even ordering snacks. I thought, “If I do this well, they’ll see I’m capable.” What happened instead? I got overwhelmed, forgot to print the name tags, and didn’t double-check the schedule. My boss had to step in. That day was rough. But it taught me a win I didn’t expect, it’s okay to ask for help. Office admin work is not about being perfect, it’s about being reliable, resourceful, and honest when you need support. Learning the Value of Organization (The Hard Way)

2. There was a time I used sticky notes for everything: reminders, meeting times, to-dos. It worked until one sticky note flew off my desk and I forgot to email a report on time. That small error caused delays for the team. I felt terrible. During my early days applying for roles amid the busy Clark job hiring season, I realized that staying organized was not just a skill but a necessity. That’s when I started learning basic but powerful organization tools. Google Calendar, task lists, and clean folders became my best friends. It wasn’t just about avoiding mistakes, these tools helped me feel less anxious and more in control. This was one of my first real wins. Staying organized didn’t just make me more efficient, it also made me more confident. Navigating the Job Hiring Process Taught Me a Lot Before I even got hired, I faced rejections. A lot of them. But one thing helped me stand out: a clear resume that focused on the basics, the office tools I could use, how I handled customer inquiries during my internship, and the admin training I took online. I remember applying for several roles during a wave of job hiring in Pampanga. Most days felt like sending applications into the void. Then finally, I got an interview. One question stood out: “How do you handle multiple tasks at once?” I gave a basic answer, but the interviewer appreciated my honesty and eagerness to learn. I followed up with a thank-you email afterward. I didn’t get that job, but two months later, they reached out again with a new opening. That became my first real admin job, a win that came from a rejection.

3. That experience taught me that patience and persistence are part of the process. Every “no” can still lead to something better. Learning from Office Culture and the People Around Me At first, I didn’t talk much. I kept to myself, unsure of how to fit into the team. But over time, I started asking questions not just about tasks, but about how things worked in the company. One senior staff member noticed and started mentoring me. She shared her own admin job experiences, helped me fix my email writing tone, and showed me how to manage small crises without panicking. Thanks to that relationship, I started building more confidence. I even got invited to support a cross-department project, something I would’ve never volunteered for in my first three months. That was a big win. Mentorship and networking taught me that growth doesn’t happen alone. It happens when you connect, ask, and learn from others. Practical Tips I Wish I Knew from Day One Keep your resume updated. Every time you learn something new, like handling petty cash or using tools like Google Sheets, add it right away. Small wins add up and help when opportunities come. Join admin support groups online. Facebook and LinkedIn have great communities where people share admin job experiences, job leads, and interview tips. Learning from others saved me a lot of trouble. Don’t rely on memory, write things down. A simple checklist kept me on track and made me more reliable. Take short courses that fit your tasks. Free videos helped me improve skills like Excel and time management, making work easier. Speak up when unsure. Asking questions shows you care about doing your job well. These tips helped me grow and get noticed fast. Your first year might be tough, but every mistake and win builds your path forward.