Email - Counseling@midlandstech.edu

Educational Preparation:   Associate in Office Systems Technology - Midlands Technical College 

What are the typical duties of someone in your position?I am the Administrative Assistant to the Director and Outreach Coordinator of the Client Assistance Program (CAP) housed in the Office of the Governor.  CAP helps solve problems with rehabilitation services for clients of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Commission for the Blind (CB), and the Independent Living Programs in SC.  I answer phones, file, sort mail, and I speak with clients regarding their cases.  As a client of the Commission for the Blind, I understand what some of the clients are going through.

How did Midlands Technical College help prepare you for your career field?  My Associates in OST gave me the opportunity to explore the several fields of secretarial science that are available.  You can enter the legal, medical, or educational side of a secretarial position.  MTC will always hold a special place in my heart.  I learned so much from my classes, but also a great deal from the instructors I had.  For those of you entering the OST program, you have some of the best teachers around.

What things do you find rewarding about your profession? I have the opportunity to speak to different types of people.  I am a very organized person.  I like things to run smoothly and in this line of work you have to be organized and professional.  You are the liaison of your office.  You are the first point of contact.  I love talking and meeting new people and getting to know them.

Are there aspects of your profession that you find stressful? On the whole, the position that I have is not very stressful, however, this type of position can be extremely stressful.  It just depends on your workload.  I sometimes have to deal with difficult clients, and that alone can be stressful.

What do you see as the most important personal qualities someone considering going into your profession should have?   Patience.  You must have patience!  You also have to be nice to the person on the other end of the phone.  You get your work accomplished if you are nice to people.  If you are nice to them, they will be nice to you.  Just like Patrick Swayze said in Roadhouse, "be nice."

What advice do you have for students at Midlands Technical College who might be interested in entering your profession? When an instructor stresses something in the classroom, pay attention.  I had one teacher in particular who I admired a great deal.  One thing that still sticks in my mind that she said was, "Always answer the phone with a smile."  Your instructors know what they are talking about, pay attention and follow their advice.

Is there any other information you would like to share with students? Once you receive your degree that does not mean you are through learning.  Learning is a life-long process.  You grow as an individual as you learn.  The more you learn the more you can achieve in your life, personally and professionally.  Knowledge is the key to happiness and a successful life.  I am taking Continuing Education courses for my own growth all the time.  Knowledge is never wasted.