Your Office Administration Career

Bloom with New Skills

2012-02-06T20:12:00.004-05:00

New skills can bring a new direction to your life. If a chance comes your way to learn new skills, it is best to reach out for that opportunity without a second thought.

As you start to learn new skills, you will begin to develop a more positive attitude. Your self esteem and belief in yourself will expand to higher levels. Each minute that you invest in nurturing these new skills will reward you many times over.

If at first, you do not 'enjoy' the lessons, stop and think. Look beyond enjoyment, to what the lessons will make possible. The effort that you put into those lessons, the effort you put out, will determine how much you will receive in return.

A New Year: A New Beginning

2012-01-04T07:05:00.002-05:00

It is time for a new beginning for us all. Even if things are going along smoothly, it is good to look closely at and re-evaluate your thoughts and the direction you are going, regarding your life and goals.

Life keeps rolling along, just like the waves of the ocean. Surprises, new directions, new circumstances show up when least expected. Be aware of your surroundings, your life beyond your front door. Be ready and most of all be positive. Being positive is the greatest tool, and it is found within yourself, in your thoughts and actions.

Are You Searching?

2011-10-11T17:08:00.004-04:00

So often, we reach a time in our lives, when we have to change directions. It may be a voluntary choice or because of an involuntary change in your life. If it was an involuntary happening it is important that you do not let this event cause you to stop in your tracks. You have to make an effort to keep moving forward in your life. This pertains not only physically but mentally as well.

Taking a class, learning new skills, is good in many ways. It can help you get started in a totally new direction, whether it is for your own satisfaction or for moving on in your career.

Searching, exploring new avenues, learning new skills can be quite an adventure, in a positive way. Enjoy your searching. Enjoy your new skills.

Things are not always what they seem to be

2011-08-09T20:00:00.006-04:00

To pass judgment on another, especially without real knowledge about the other party, is a very sad move on anyone’s part. In our world today, it seems as if everyone is so quick to do so. I guess that is because the one passing judgment needs to feel a moment of superiority.

It is seen in the news media and also in on-line social groups with the like and dislike buttons. Then there are those who set themselves up as judge and jury of all who exist in the online community.

It is important not to adapt such a way of reacting toward others who do not act or look the way you would like them to. You are always going to find people who are very different from yourself. It may be at work, it may even be in your own family!

There are times we pass judgment on ourselves, as we feel we not equal to the people we see in magazines or movies. Be gentle with yourself... and be gentle with your thoughts toward others.

Try to get to know that person. Give them a chance. A fellow worker you thought to be so different from yourself, may turn out to enjoy the same things you do. You may find that eventually you can be good friends as well as good fellow co-workers.

Judges and jurors often struggle to find a common ground in passing judgment and that is with all evidence right there in front of them. How can others who do not have the needed knowledge make any logical judgment.

Learning to Go With the Flow

2011-06-26T12:09:00.007-04:00

At times it may seem that you are overwhelmed by all that surrounds you. It comes from all directions and never stops. At these times it is important to find a way to create a sense of order to it all. Stop and think, make a list.

What are the most important things you need to accomplish?
Choose the most important one.
What events present in your life are beneficial in helping you reach your goal?
Go on and choose the next most important goal.
Again, what would be the most beneficial for attaining it?

Then look at all that is a part of you life and see what things fit the list and what things do not. Which happenings may be actually holding you back. You have to find a way to eliminate the negative happenings or at least lessen their hold on your life. You have to learn to go with the flow of your life while gaining control. Do not let it all sweep over you like a large wave.

Most of the time, these unnecessary happenings come upon you without your being aware of it. It is time to try to remove and/or prevent them from keeping you from the important things in your life.

A Quiet Place

2011-04-27T17:42:00.004-04:00

We live is such a hurried world. We have responsibilities, worries about home, family, health... and more. It is pushing in on us from all directions. There are times it it comes from friends and family. Other times it is from the pace, the onslaught of the media, telling us how we should be living our lives. There are also our bills, our financial responsibilities.

Some people are able to deal with it better than others. Often it is our expectations that bring us down. We believe we should have accomplished this or that, by this time in our life. Where do these expectations come from? Are they our own, or those engrained in us by our family or friends? You need to look at these expectations as they may just be added 'weight' in your life. There is not a simple road map that we all can use, as we are all different. What worked great for your sibling, friend or cousin, may not be the right direction for you.

The most important thing to remember, is that somehow you have to push aside all others have imposed on you. Later you may take some of it back, freely, after you see it as a good thing. Don't be in a rush to find the real you as it takes time to peel away the outer layers to find that inner core that is the true you. You may have a friend, teacher, pastor or mentor who may be able to help you decipher all the information you find within... to help you sort it out. Write it all down... make a list... and check it over and over... scratch out the ones that do not feel right to you. Ask yourself questions. "What do I want out of life?" "What do I enjoy doing most in life?"

You cannot just use anything for enrichment, you may need to do research, speak to counselors, ask your parents or someone else who may really know you and is able to really listen as you try to explain this new journey of self-discovery. The college has in its career center, testing that can help you decide what areas you and your way of thinking, your skills are best suited for.

How do we get to know what is best for us? First, we have to come to really know ourselves, not what others have told us we are, but what we feel from deep inside. How do we find the 'real' us. It is not on the high paced road race of life, that is for sure. We need to find a quiet place. You might say "There is no quiet place in my world!" Yes there is... it may not be a physical place. It may come to exist only inside yourself... in your mind. If you can find a quiet place in which to sit for a moment each day.. go for it. Your faith may be the foundation. You will be the gardener, nurturing the inner you.

Reaching for the Moon

2011-04-09T22:37:00.003-04:00

Does it some times feel as if your goals are as distant as reaching for the moon? People thought that reaching the moon was something that would never be possible, but there were a few who thought otherwise. They put their ideas together, kept at it, moving forward in their plans. Eventually, reaching for the moon, actually landing on the moon... became a reality!

This can happen to your dreams, your goals. Right now they may seem so very distant, but do not feel they are impossible to reach! It is through little steps, planning, perseverance, that we are able to reach those goals that appear as impossible as reaching the moon once seemed.

You have to believe. You have to realize that your efforts will pay off. You, as an individual, are worth it. Again.... Believe, plan, start with small positive steps, get help if needed... but keep moving forward. You just may surprise yourself.

Sitting Out on a Limb

2011-03-10T17:03:00.003-05:00

Do you sometimes feel as if you are sitting on a limb, one that might break at any minute? Do you wonder how you are going to get it all together, make ends meet, find a new direction so you can turn your life around?

It happens to most people at least once during their life. Right now there is an over abundance of people in this situation. Those who decide to stop sitting on that limb and start making changes in their lives, will have the best chance at making it happen.

Change, a pot of gold, is not going to just drop in your lap! It takes work, application of effort and time. You also have to believe that you can make it happen. It will not come about overnight. Obstacles may be dropped in your path, but you must continue in your efforts to move in that new direction. Join us at Office Administration Careers and we will do our best to help you.

STOP, THINK, PLAN

2011-01-23T16:51:00.004-05:00

When you think of Spring, you often think of new beginnings, but it can happen any time of the year… a need for a new beginning. Maybe you are not too sure about the direction you are going. Perhaps you wish to sample something outside of your set course. Maybe, you are just unsure!

Well, STOP… Think & Question yourself, then Plan your results. You have to learn to trust your instincts, but if you have questions, never be afraid to ask those who you know may have answers you need. We in the Office Administration Careers Office will do our best to help.

The Need for a New Beginning

2011-01-01T08:40:00.006-05:00

There were a multitude of comments added over the holiday break... so sad to read. They showed the boredom and the need to shock that so many feel in this day and age. They were wasted words and thoughts. If a person lets their mind go to that level and remain there, it will be very hard to ever rise above it.

Grow... let yourself grow and rise above that level. That is your decision and yours alone. Do not let yourself be influenced by those around you who have no desire to better themselves.

Do You Feel Stumped Sometimes?

2010-12-25T10:44:00.003-05:00

When you are trying to go in a new direction and are not quite sure of what it is you want to do... IRSC has all the tools you need to help you decide which direction is best for you.

Remember too, that first decision or direction is not carved in stone. You can change directions. Look over all the tools in the College Career Center, speak to your instructors, go to the Guidance department for help.

There are even tests that evaluate you, your skills, preferences and guide you in the direction that you may fit into best. There are times that 'fantasy' job is really not the correct job for you.

Looking in the Wrong Direction?

2010-12-01T21:55:00.008-05:00

Do you ever feel as if you are looking in the wrong direction? Do you feel as if your head is stuck in the bushes because you are not sure what to do? Come and join Office Administration Careers and learn new skills! With new skills you can get your head out of that hole and look forward in the right direction.

We will show you the steps needed for planning your programs. Steps that will help you move forward in the field of your choice. There are lectures where you will learn how to present yourself, handle difficult situations. You will learn how a positive attitude can carry you far. We will help you find perseverance when it comes to your studies... through the help you will receive from teachers in our department.

IRSC has so many resources for you to take advantage of. Even that sometimes dreaded TABE test can mean refreshing old knowledge and updating what you have. The ASC labs are filled with well qualified staff, ready to help you.

The spring semester is coming up and the teachers in our department are ready to help you 'take off' in a positive direction, with all the new skills you will learn. You will have your certificates to show for your efforts.

Side By Side... Through all Kinds of Weather

2010-10-03T08:56:00.007-04:00

These pelicans were cruising the shallow waters looking for breakfast. I was behind them, like usual. Seems to be my position in many things lately, but that is OK. As long as I remain positive and keep moving forward, then all is fine. We cannot always be in the front, or right on top of things. Many times in my life I have had to play 'catch-up', and I usually do catch up and learn quite a bit in the process!

We find ourselves working hard at things.. sometimes worrying too much about it. We have to remember that we am not alone. There are many who are walking a similar path, perhaps with different circumstances. We have friends and/or family who are aware of what we are going through. We have to stop and remember this, especially when the going becomes difficult.

There is nothing wrong in seeking help, talking things out with someone else. At times, just talking to a good listener, will help us figure the difficulty out, all by ourselves. When we put our chaotic thoughts into sentences... into a sense of order... the answers often appear. Another way to bring order to our thoughts is by writing them out. Keeping a journal can be a very helpful thing. A journal is different than a diary. It is not an everyday task, but one done when needed. Write about the positive accomplishments and happenings as well as the difficulties... for a balance.

All in the day...

2010-09-11T15:38:00.006-04:00

Yes, we use computers, not only for bettering our typing skills, but for learning letter formats and so much more. We acquire filing skills, all five types as taught in the Gregg Filing system. Our computer produced work is stored on flash drives and our paper work is stored in 'good old' hanging folders. We also know how to ask for help, if needed. Since not all knowledge or facts are found on the Internet, we know how to look up information the old fashioned way... in dictionaries and other reference books.

This is just the beginning. If you are not a part of our program, please come and explore. Perhaps you will find just what you are looking for right here!

College Career Center Offerings

2010-08-31T11:10:00.000-04:00

On the new IRSC website, the College Career Center has one page filled with useful information. PLEASE EXPLORE THE LINKS BELOW THOROUGHLY
How to Create a Student Account
How to Upload Documents
Resumes
Interview Skills Lessons
Assessments
What Can I Do With a Major In...?
Career Forms
Career Assessment
Job Links
Career Pathways
Career Information
Transferring to a University/College

A Good Presentation is Needed in all Fields

2010-07-08T11:59:00.012-04:00

School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials

This university is located in the United Kingdom, and even though it is an engineering university, a great deal of time is spent on presentation, as they are well aware of the need to be able to speak and present your work properly. The link above will take you to Newcastle University for in depth reading.

Your Voice: How you say it is as important as what you say
Body Language: Speaks volumes about your attitude.
Your Appearance: Gives a strong first impression.
Preparation: You must have structure and logical order to follow.
Cards: Do not read from a script.... and remember to number your cards!
Rehearse!!!!
Beginning: Greet the audience and introduce yourself.
Time Allowed: Keep to the time allowed for your presentation
Presentation: Practice with the microphone before you start so you will know how you are coming across.
Speed of Presentation: If you practice with a tape, you will know what speed to use when talking.
Your Audience: Look at them, aiming more for the back of the audience.
Their Body Language: This can tell you volumes about how you are coming over to them.

Checklist for your Map to Success

2010-06-01T20:17:00.010-04:00

No matter what your goals are, which direction you want to go, it will take:

Planning... What are you interested in doing? What area do you need to improve your skills? How much time can can you give to achieve your needs. If you need financial help, where can you get it? Ask questions!

Preparation... Learn about what is available to you. If you are not sure what you want to do, again ask questions. Speak to other students and the instructors. In our program, many of the courses overlap so you will not be wasting time.

We have programs for:

* Administrative Assistant

* Medical Administrative Specialist

* Legal Administrative Specialist

Perseverance... Once you make up your mind, put all your energy into learning the skills you need. Create mini goals in your mind or on paper... keep these goals in front of you as you progress. Do your work thoroughly, giving proper attention to details. If mistakes are make... learn where you went wrong. Do not get discouraged, just keep moving forward. The reward at the end is worth all the effort you put into it.

Planning & Perseverance

2010-04-11T13:04:00.003-04:00

Just as a pattern is needed, as shown above, to put together a dress, we sometimes need directions to help us put together the skills for a new direction in life. It is important that we stick to it and work hard to make it all happen... or your ideas and aspirations may end up like the dress above... unfinished and left behind.

For some reason, mainly the fact that it had been so long since I had sewn, I lost confidence in my ability when I reached the more complicated part of putting the dress together. I should have persisted and made it happen.

There is much to be learned from small events in our lives, even from one as simple as an unfinished dress...

A Quote & A Thought

2010-03-30T09:46:00.009-04:00

Do not go where the path may lead,
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is by venturing into the unknown in any area of life that we learn more about ourselves. It is by exploring new avenues of science, technology, medicine that new and greater discoveries are made. Some times we must just take a chance and explore that unknown path before us, but do not forget the path from which you came... the two go together.
_________________________________________________________

Cold? Frustrated?

2010-02-14T15:03:00.012-05:00

This pelican I saw at the Ft Pierce Jetty, did not know quite what to do regarding the cold weather and brisk breeze. He decided to just huddle in a spot of sun and hope for a handout. I know that the cold has restricted my activities and I find that frustrating.

There are times that we find ourselves closing in on ourselves in other ways, as we are not sure what direction to go or how to address the obstacles we see a head of us. At IRSC you will find many sources for answers. There are links throughout this blog. Also, if you have a specific question, do not be afraid to ask!

Those of you with WorkForce Solutions... ask your counselors. Also, all of you can check out their website for what is happening at their end. You will find it to be a very informative site.

Look around and you will find answers. This pelican could only stay there for so long. Eventually it too had to seek answers as it did not look like a handout was coming his way. Finally.. like the pelican, I get tired of being stuck on these cold days, so I bundle myself up and take off for that walk I need to remove my sense of 'cabin fever.'

Oh yes.. he was not alone... just like you are not alone.

BLOOM

2010-01-24T11:22:00.005-05:00

Life brings many different obstacles and challenges our way. We do not have the option to pick and choose what happens. We do have the option to determine what our attitude will be and the steps we need to take in order to keep moving forward. There may be times when we may have to take two steps backward for every step forward. The critical part here is that we do not get sidetracked regarding our movement forward. We have to believe in ourselves and persevere in our actions when striving for our goal.

Dawn: A New Day A New Beginning!

2010-01-07T16:44:00.005-05:00

Life brings many new journeys our way. It is not always easy to look at difficult choices in a positive way, but it does make them easier to deal with. Sometimes with a bit of attitude adjustment on our part, we can look at it as a chance for a new beginning, like the dawn of a new day.

We are in this journey here at IRSC together. Let us work together to get the most out of it that we can. This is not only a new year, but 2010 is also a new decade. Let us make the best of it, together!

Affirmative Quotes

2009-11-26T17:25:00.010-05:00

There are times that certain quotes or sayings touch us... inspire us to do more. We will be posting different quotes on the board outside Mrs. Gorham's office. Check them out. Perhaps one of them will 'speak' to you. Here is a quote by a well known children's author, Shel Silverstein.

Listen to the mustn'ts, child,

listen to the don'ts

listen to the shouldn'ts,

the impossibles, the won'ts

listen to the never haves

then listen close to me--

anything can happen, child,

ANYTHING can be.

So often when we think of the negative things that have happened in our lives or that people have told us, we are held back by it. If that is the case, remember the last lines of the quote above:

anything can happen. child,

ANYTHING can be.

Emerging...

2009-10-28T16:57:00.014-04:00

Sometimes, our learning process seems mired in a fog of not understanding or else it appears to be at a standstill. Don't Worry! Just continue to move forward with your lessons. Please, do not be afraid to ask questions! "The only dumb question is the one you do not ask!"

Yes, I know, keyboarding is not the most exciting program. Lessons you seem to do over and over. What you may not realize, is that a different combinations of letters are being used in each lesson. This aids you in becoming familiar with the variety of reaches your fingers have to make for each word. Numbers will always seem to slow you down!

Just think of what will happen when it all comes together! That finished document, with footnotes, a title page, correctly formated page numbers and a reference page! Not thrilled by this? Well, your employers will be, when they see how you can put it all together.

Your work will emerge out of the fog and into a whole different perspective!

Have you ever watched.....

2009-10-06T08:15:00.011-04:00

Have you ever watched a toddler... when they are just learning to be a toddler? They pull themselves up, plop down, pull themselves up, plop down... over and over again. There are some that manage to just take off, but others have to do it many times before they master those first steps that make them official toddlers.

That is the attitude that is needed for our students. Not everyone can sit down at the keyboard and type 50 words a minute. For some it is a goal that they feel they may never reach. Here is where the toddler attitude comes in. Toddlers have not learned the word 'can't.' They have not had experiences that have eroded their belief in themselves... they just keep trying till they get it.

Oh, the look on their faces when that first step is taken, when they are able to 'walk' to their parents. There is excitement, joy... As adults we may not be able to get to that level of not remembering the word 'can't' or not stumbling over our past failures, but somehow we need to learn to reach deep inside to lessen the power of 'can't' and to once again believe in ourselves so we can succeed.

Our Path in Life...

2009-09-22T06:17:00.008-04:00

Our path in life, is not always simple. There are times the map of our life may resemble this monstera leaf. There may not be a smooth road for us to follow. That road may be filled with potholes, or obstacles of various kinds: job loss, health issues, family difficulties. The list can go on and on. In fact. our life at this moment may seem to be a monstrous disaster, just like the name of this leaf.

It is up to you to figure out how to navigate this strange map with all its potholes. Just know that you are not alone. There are people, agencies and networks out there to help you. The main thing is to keep moving, one step at a time. One auto worker who had lost his job said "You cannot be afraid to change directions" He went from working on an assembly line to studying to become a CNA. This was his first step in a new direction. He found out that he loves it!

All of us in the Office Administration Department, will do our best to help you find your new direction. It may be learning new skills to move up in your chosen field, or to totally change gears. IRSC also has tools for you to use. Check out the Career Center link.

Also check out the job links further down this blog. By clicking on one of the tags, you can make the blog show specific subjects. Try it... Explore and learn.

2009-09-10T10:17:00.003-04:00

Together, we will make this a great year: learning new skills, making friends, sharing experiences and starting new journeys in life.

This Could be YOU!

2009-05-24T18:28:00.010-04:00

On Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 the following students were the recipients of their 1050 Clock-Hour Certificates in the 2009 Office Administration Careers Recognition Ceremony. The teachers are most proud of this achievement accomplished by the students. Often there are various difficulties to be overcome and these students persisted in achieving their goal.

New Links to Try

2009-03-09T14:41:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Deanna Foster from down Chastain way... we have some new links for you to try. The first is an interactive link so you can experience the process of the interview.

The second link that Deanna sent is a video that shows the impact of a first impression

Thanks Deanna!!

Simulated Interviews

2009-03-05T15:06:00.005-05:00

We had our first simulated interview, complete with a video recording. The brave first interviewee, Melissa King, was interviewed by a panel of three instructors. She received feedback from both the instructors as well as being able to see how she came across via the video.

This is a valuable tool for our students to use. We are not always aware of how we sound, look or act in certain situations. Sign up now. The sign up sheet is on the long table by the teachers work station.

The Most Positive Job Hunter...GOOGLE IT!

2009-02-27T13:55:00.010-05:00

There are many good sites. This one here was put up by the State of Georgia's Department of Labor. There are articles that you can download as PDFs as well as other resources. Of course the job fairs are in Georgia... but do not let that stop you from checking out the articles.

Here is the site I found at MyFlorida for those looking for jobs. On the right are links to a number of informative sites including our familiar WorkForce commonly known as One Stop.

Now for our own local county site. St. Lucie County has a listing available to government jobs at this link.

Web & Newspaper Sites Like TCPalm, Career Builder, Yahoo Hot Jobs, Monster Jobs, have a wealth of information and job links. One last link to Jobing.com You just put in your ZIP and off you go!

Certificates Awarded in 2008

2009-02-20T07:49:00.007-05:00

Congratulations to the following students.
Our certificates are more than just a piece of paper with your name of it. To be awarded a certificate, you not only have to complete the hours, but you must complete the work according to a specific level of excellence. The following are the 600 hour and 1050 hour certificates for 2008

600 hour Certificates:
Norma Montoya, Iris Barrera, Constance Koehler, Yuniesy Perez, Rochelle Santoy, Minerva Dominguez, Valerie Sherwood, Leslie Taylor, Diana Hurst, Trine Knepper, Drena St. John, Melissa King, Sue Hinman, Diana Coello, Jessica Rusnak

1050 Hour for Administrative Assistant
Martha Claybaugh, Sandra Sue Smith, Carol Mackie, Minerva Dominguez, Norma Montoya, Terrence Reilly, Contance Koehler, Diana Coello

1050 Hour for Medical Secretary
Guillermina Magdaleno, Louise Rowland, Amanda Jones, Minerva Donimguez

Labels being created for your use

2009-02-20T07:43:00.000-05:00

The labels added to this post are for future use. Blogs are interesting creatures. Those of you who have had to go through the 'joy' of inserting page numbers with section breaks, citations or mail merge, should understand that computer applications sometimes have a mind of their own.

I need to get these labels on the blog and the only way is to 'fudge' a bit :-) When dealing with software you have to keep your attitude in a positive mode! You have to be persistent! You also have to 'believe' that you can accomplish the goal that you have set out to complete.