Administrative Assistant grad has constructed a career through communication and confidence
If you’ve ever tried to plan a social outing with a busy group of friends, you already know the value of an executive assistant.
Now trade those friends for busy colleagues and swap the social outing for meetings that determine research priorities for all of the University of Manitoba. That’s just some of the work that MITT Administrative Assistant grad Mariam Abdelmessiah does as the executive assistant to the associate vice-presidents at the office of the vice-president, research and international at the U of M.
Trust us, she does much more than schedule meetings. So. Much. More.
She records and distributes minutes from those meetings. She compiles reports. She prepares and plans research-focused events on campus. She assists her AVPs with all of their needs—and there are many.
It’s the work that makes the research department go round.
“Administrative work has an amazing purpose and a meaningful goal to ensure that the work of others goes smoothly,” says Mariam.
It all comes down to clear communication, which sounds simple until you have to do it well.
“Every workplace has its own language and acronyms. The first research senate meeting I attended was scary for me. People were discussing updates on projects that had been running for years, but I had no clue what they were talking about.”
Good thing Mariam was already a seasoned language learner. Originally from Egypt, she first came to MITT for English language training.
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that communication isn’t about having a perfect accent—it’s about being able to share ideas and connect with people.”
That mindset—and the determination that came with it—helped carry Mariam into the Administrative Assistant program at MITT. Learning English was one challenge; learning to thrive in a fast-paced, detail-oriented office environment was another.
“I didn’t know how to type without looking at the keyboard and was typing 10 words per minute when I started my program. By the time I graduated, I was typing 70 words per minute.”
Talk about commitment to your craft. Though Mariam was rapidly piecing together the start of a successful career, she still needed some hands-on experience.
One mock interview with Youth Employment Services Manitoba as part of a class assignment was all it took to set her on her way. The interview led to a work placement, which evolved into a six-year full-time role after graduation, during which Mariam progressed from receptionist to office manager.
“In my first week, I was scared to pick up the phone. But everyone there was so supportive and helped me along. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the skills I gained at YES Manitoba.”
Despite her quick career progression, she hasn’t forgotten where she started.
“I truly credit MITT with laying the foundation for my career in Canada. They taught me the practical skills I needed, and more importantly, gave me confidence and a clear direction. They made me believe in myself, and that belief led me to where I am now.”
With that self-assurance, Mariam’s eyes aren’t glued to her keyboard anymore. Now she’s focusing on what’s ahead—the next meeting, the next research project, and a promising career.
Ready to put your own typing, organization, and communication skills to work? Explore our Administrative Assistant program today.