ASAP Advisory Board Member Offers Career Advice to Students and Young Professionals

Recently, Peyton Ticknor, ASAP Advisory Board member and Senior Administrative Assistant at Target, was interviewed by The Forage, a career/mentor platform designed to "enable students, from any background, the ability to upskill & land amazing careers."

As the world-leading provider of training, community, and resources for administrative professionals, ASAP believes in the power of having a rewarding career. That's why we decided to ask Ticknor to elaborate on her thoughts about choosing a career path that aligns with you, especially when it comes to students and young professionals who may be unaware of the administrative profession or find it unviable and unrewarding.

What's the first thing a student should do when trying to choose a career path?

The first thing a student should do when trying to choose a career path is to figure out what brings them joy. Some questions to ask some of your trusted and close friends and family in addition to yourself include: "What are some things that get you excited?" or "What are some things you enjoy doing that you could turn into a career?" 

For me, I enjoy helping people at my core. As an administrator, I help my leaders and teams everyday. Something else that brings me joy is organization and completing tasks, as well as variety. I absolutely love that no day is the same as an administrator, and at the end of each day I get a lot of gratification looking at things crossed off my list and bringing organization into the chaos of a fast paced environment. 

What's one mistake you see students make when trying to choose a career path?

One mistake students often make is following a career path that maybe a family member wants them to follow rather than something they really want for themselves. It can be hard to let your family down when maybe they have encouraged you for many years to follow a certain career path instead of helping you figure out what really drives you or brings you joy.

As a mom of a young child, I am trying to steer conversations about his future around what he enjoys doing the most, or what he could see himself doing everyday for many years. Of course, at his age, it is all about fun and physical activity. He loves soccer, so his answer is that he wants to be a professional soccer player. As a parent, I try to mention other careers that involve soccer that he might not have thought about, such as coaching, business management, or even marketing for a team. As he continues to grow and further his education, I will keep coming back to the question, "What brings you joy?" and then discuss careers that involve that joy on a regular basis. 

What's the biggest piece of advice for those currently trying to choose a career path?

My biggest piece of advice would be to start growing your network. As your network grows, career options will flourish. Start building your network with your teachers and counselors as well as friends and family members, and then ask them to connect you with people in their network. Remember it isn't always about what you know, but WHO you know!

What would you say to someone considering the administrative profession but unsure if it's the right fit?

If you're interested in the administrative profession but unsure if it's the right fit for you, I would tell you to give it a try! One of the great things about being in this profession is the diversity of tasks and environments you get to experience, which allows you to find what truly excites you. It's a career that requires both creativity and organization, and the satisfaction of seeing your hard work make a tangible difference is incredibly rewarding. If you're someone who enjoys problem-solving, being the go-to person for support, and working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, then this could be the perfect career for you. I always say that if you find joy in making things run smoothly and helping others succeed, the administrative profession can be an incredibly fulfilling path to take.

Want to learn more about what it takes to be an admin?

Download ASAP Resources

Watch Our Webinars