3 answers
Sadie
Student
Moses Lake, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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I'm choosing something related to office admin or something along the lines of P.I. or detective
What are three important things I should know about this job (e.g working conditions typical schedule rewards and challenges including those for people new to the job)
What are the steps that you recommend I take to prepare to enter this field?
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Sadie!
Three Important Things to Know About Office Administration or Private Investigation
1. Working Conditions: Office administrators typically work in an office environment, which can vary from corporate settings to small businesses. The work is generally performed during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, although some positions may require evening or weekend hours depending on the industry. In contrast, private investigators (P.I.s) often have more varied working conditions; they may work in an office but also spend considerable time outside conducting surveillance or gathering information. This role can involve irregular hours and may require working nights or weekends, especially if a case demands it.
2. Typical Schedule: For office administration roles, the schedule is usually predictable with a standard 40-hour workweek. Tasks may include managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and supporting other staff members. In contrast, private investigators often have unpredictable schedules due to the nature of their work. They might need to follow leads at odd hours or conduct interviews when it’s most convenient for their subjects. This unpredictability can be both exciting and challenging for newcomers.
3. Rewards and Challenges: In office administration, rewards include job stability, opportunities for advancement, and the ability to develop a wide range of skills such as organization and communication. However, challenges may involve dealing with repetitive tasks or high-pressure situations during busy periods. For private investigators, the rewards can include the thrill of solving cases and helping clients find answers to their problems; however, challenges include dealing with potentially dangerous situations and the emotional toll that some cases can take.
Steps to Prepare for a Career in Office Administration or Private Investigation
1. Education: For office administration roles, obtaining a high school diploma is typically required; however, pursuing an associate’s degree in business administration or a related field can enhance job prospects significantly. For those interested in becoming private investigators, many states require specific training or licensing; thus enrolling in courses related to criminal justice or investigative techniques is advisable.
2. Gain Experience: Internships or entry-level positions in administrative roles can provide valuable experience and help build essential skills such as communication and organization. For aspiring private investigators, gaining experience through law enforcement agencies or security firms can be beneficial.
3. Obtain Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) for office administrators can improve employability and demonstrate expertise in the field. For private investigators, obtaining a license (where required) and certifications from recognized organizations like the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) can enhance credibility.
4. Networking: Building a professional network through industry associations or local business groups can provide job leads and mentorship opportunities for both fields.
5. Stay Informed: Keeping up-to-date with industry trends through professional development courses or workshops will help maintain relevance in either field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, working conditions, salaries, and educational requirements across various occupations including office administrators and private investigators.
2. National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
NALI offers resources specifically tailored for private investigators including certification programs and best practices within the field.
3. American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)
ASAP focuses on professional development for administrative professionals providing resources on certifications, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Three Important Things to Know About Office Administration or Private Investigation
1. Working Conditions: Office administrators typically work in an office environment, which can vary from corporate settings to small businesses. The work is generally performed during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, although some positions may require evening or weekend hours depending on the industry. In contrast, private investigators (P.I.s) often have more varied working conditions; they may work in an office but also spend considerable time outside conducting surveillance or gathering information. This role can involve irregular hours and may require working nights or weekends, especially if a case demands it.
2. Typical Schedule: For office administration roles, the schedule is usually predictable with a standard 40-hour workweek. Tasks may include managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and supporting other staff members. In contrast, private investigators often have unpredictable schedules due to the nature of their work. They might need to follow leads at odd hours or conduct interviews when it’s most convenient for their subjects. This unpredictability can be both exciting and challenging for newcomers.
3. Rewards and Challenges: In office administration, rewards include job stability, opportunities for advancement, and the ability to develop a wide range of skills such as organization and communication. However, challenges may involve dealing with repetitive tasks or high-pressure situations during busy periods. For private investigators, the rewards can include the thrill of solving cases and helping clients find answers to their problems; however, challenges include dealing with potentially dangerous situations and the emotional toll that some cases can take.
Steps to Prepare for a Career in Office Administration or Private Investigation
1. Education: For office administration roles, obtaining a high school diploma is typically required; however, pursuing an associate’s degree in business administration or a related field can enhance job prospects significantly. For those interested in becoming private investigators, many states require specific training or licensing; thus enrolling in courses related to criminal justice or investigative techniques is advisable.
2. Gain Experience: Internships or entry-level positions in administrative roles can provide valuable experience and help build essential skills such as communication and organization. For aspiring private investigators, gaining experience through law enforcement agencies or security firms can be beneficial.
3. Obtain Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) for office administrators can improve employability and demonstrate expertise in the field. For private investigators, obtaining a license (where required) and certifications from recognized organizations like the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) can enhance credibility.
4. Networking: Building a professional network through industry associations or local business groups can provide job leads and mentorship opportunities for both fields.
5. Stay Informed: Keeping up-to-date with industry trends through professional development courses or workshops will help maintain relevance in either field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, working conditions, salaries, and educational requirements across various occupations including office administrators and private investigators.
2. National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
NALI offers resources specifically tailored for private investigators including certification programs and best practices within the field.
3. American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)
ASAP focuses on professional development for administrative professionals providing resources on certifications, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
616
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Sadie,
Office Admin vs. P.I./Detective: A Quick Comparison
Office Admin
Important Things to Know:
Varied Tasks: Office admin roles involve a wide range of tasks, from answering phones and scheduling appointments to data entry and project management. The workload can be demanding and require multitasking skills.
Customer Service Focus: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. You'll interact with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
Tech Savvy: Proficiency in office software (like Microsoft Office Suite) and potentially specialized software is crucial for efficiency.
Steps to Prepare:
Develop Strong Computer Skills: Master word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
Enhance Communication Skills: Practice active listening, clear speaking, and professional writing.
Gain Experience: Volunteer or intern in an office setting to build practical skills.
Consider Certifications: Explore certifications like Microsoft Office Specialist or Project Management Professional (PMP).
P.I. or Detective
Important Things to Know:
Irregular Hours: The job often demands flexibility and availability to work odd hours, weekends, and holidays.
High-Stress Environment: Investigating cases can be emotionally taxing and involve dealing with sensitive information.
Attention to Detail: Accurate observation, documentation, and analysis are crucial for building strong cases.
Steps to Prepare:
Develop Investigative Skills: Enhance your observation, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
Legal Knowledge: Understand the legal system and investigative procedures.
Networking: Build relationships with law enforcement and legal professionals.
Consider Education: Explore degrees in criminal justice, forensic science, or related fields.
Gain Experience: Volunteer or intern in law enforcement or private investigation firms.
Making Your Choice
To help you decide, consider your personality, interests, and skills. Are you detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving? A P.I. or detective role might be a good fit. Do you prefer a more structured environment with regular hours? Office admin could be a better option.
Best wishes!
Office Admin vs. P.I./Detective: A Quick Comparison
Office Admin
Important Things to Know:
Varied Tasks: Office admin roles involve a wide range of tasks, from answering phones and scheduling appointments to data entry and project management. The workload can be demanding and require multitasking skills.
Customer Service Focus: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. You'll interact with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
Tech Savvy: Proficiency in office software (like Microsoft Office Suite) and potentially specialized software is crucial for efficiency.
Steps to Prepare:
Develop Strong Computer Skills: Master word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
Enhance Communication Skills: Practice active listening, clear speaking, and professional writing.
Gain Experience: Volunteer or intern in an office setting to build practical skills.
Consider Certifications: Explore certifications like Microsoft Office Specialist or Project Management Professional (PMP).
P.I. or Detective
Important Things to Know:
Irregular Hours: The job often demands flexibility and availability to work odd hours, weekends, and holidays.
High-Stress Environment: Investigating cases can be emotionally taxing and involve dealing with sensitive information.
Attention to Detail: Accurate observation, documentation, and analysis are crucial for building strong cases.
Steps to Prepare:
Develop Investigative Skills: Enhance your observation, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
Legal Knowledge: Understand the legal system and investigative procedures.
Networking: Build relationships with law enforcement and legal professionals.
Consider Education: Explore degrees in criminal justice, forensic science, or related fields.
Gain Experience: Volunteer or intern in law enforcement or private investigation firms.
Making Your Choice
To help you decide, consider your personality, interests, and skills. Are you detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving? A P.I. or detective role might be a good fit. Do you prefer a more structured environment with regular hours? Office admin could be a better option.
Best wishes!
Aleah Harris
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
26
Answers
California, Missouri
Updated
Aleah’s Answer
Sadie,
I work in a clinic and can tell you about being an office administrator, although I am a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and work more on the clinical side than the office side of things. Your schedule in a medical office would be Monday through Thursday/Friday if you choose a family practice or specialty office. If you choose an urgent care or hospital setting you may work every other weekend with days off during the week when you work the weekend. Your main tasks would be answering phones, taking messages, sending messages to the nurses and doctors to request they refill patient’s medications, answer questions, review lab results, etc., scheduling appointments, assisting patients in the check in and check out process, ordering supplies, and taking payments. Challenges include dealing with difficult, upset, or aggressive patients. Rewards include overcoming challenges, helping patients through difficult situations, the thanks you receive from some patients, close relationships with coworkers, and the joy of becoming independent and providing for yourself.
Attend a community college to get a degree as a Certified Administrative Assistant or in Business Administration.
Create a resume with relevant experience and education.
Apply to facilities whose mission you believe in.
Keep a positive attitude!
I work in a clinic and can tell you about being an office administrator, although I am a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and work more on the clinical side than the office side of things. Your schedule in a medical office would be Monday through Thursday/Friday if you choose a family practice or specialty office. If you choose an urgent care or hospital setting you may work every other weekend with days off during the week when you work the weekend. Your main tasks would be answering phones, taking messages, sending messages to the nurses and doctors to request they refill patient’s medications, answer questions, review lab results, etc., scheduling appointments, assisting patients in the check in and check out process, ordering supplies, and taking payments. Challenges include dealing with difficult, upset, or aggressive patients. Rewards include overcoming challenges, helping patients through difficult situations, the thanks you receive from some patients, close relationships with coworkers, and the joy of becoming independent and providing for yourself.
Aleah recommends the following next steps: