Admins: 5 Ways Temping Can Help Advance Your Career

As an administrative professional in today’s job market, you may be wondering what the next best step to take in your career is. While you may feel pressure to find a full-time role, this isn’t your only option! Instead, you may find what’s best for your career right now is a temporary administrative role.

“While a temp role may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are job searching, administrative professionals can stand to gain a lot from this kind of position,” says Jaime Giacomelli, a Director within The Execu|Search Group’s Office Support & Human Resources divisions. “Not only can these opportunities give you more experience to put on your resume, but they can also provide more insight into what you ultimately want in your career.”

Here are 5 ways that a temporary administrative role can advance your career:

They Allow You To See Different Industries

As an administrative professional, your transferable skills can take you to almost any company of your choosing. As a result, taking on a temporary administrative role can help give you a better idea of what industry you want to work in. “If you’re interested in transitioning to a different industry, but you don’t want to make a long-term commitment, a temp role can be a great opportunity to test it out,” says Jaime. “This can give you better insight for when you are ready to make a decision.”

They Can Help You Build Your Skills

A temporary role is a great opportunity to keep your skills up-to-date. “If you have been stagnant in your role for some time, a temporary administrative role is a great way to gain exposure to different technologies and processes,” says Jaime. “For example, Excel is a highly desirable skill in today’s job market that many admins do not have much experience with. Pursuing project-based or short-term work that allows you to use this program can help you develop this critical skill. In fact, many employers are receptive to candidates who are honest about wanting to further develop their skills.”

They Can Expand Your Network

One benefit of temporary or project-based work is the networking component. “Each new assignment you take on opens the door for you to make connections with professionals you may not have met otherwise,” says Jaime. “This will help you establish more advocates for you and your professional abilities as you pursue future opportunities.”

They Can Provide Flexibility

If you’re coming off of a long break from your career, temping may be a great way to ease back into the workforce. “The short-term nature of these roles affords you the flexibility to make a change if the assignment is not right for you,” advises Jaime. “It can also help you assess your needs as you get back into the swing of things. For example, you may find that you require an employer that allows for flexible scheduling or provides remote work opportunities.”

They Can Lead To Growth Opportunities

A temporary administrative role may lead to growth and other opportunities for advancement if you make a strong first impression. “Think of a temporary assignment as a working interview,” advises Jaime. “If you can show your value to the company, they may find a way to keep you around. This can certainly lead to opportunities for long-term growth within the organization.”