[mzimmerm]

Originally Posted by mzimmerm

An easier question to answer would be 'What don't I do to improve?' I LOVE to learn and jump at every opportunity to learn almost anything.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Linguistics in only 3 years and have taken graduate courses in Applied Linguistics just for fun.

Being a feminine, professional admin who has no manual dexterity, most people are suprised to learn that I have taken classes to learn to weld, drive a tractor-trailer, and blow glass. The first two were one-time schools, but my husband and I take at least one glass-blowing class each year. We've made things like shot glasses, paperweights, bowls, flowers, etc.

I've completed more than 100 hours of online training this year, such as Skillsoft courses (provided by my employer), the '26 Weeks to Administrative Excellence' webinars from Joan Burge, and webinars from the American Management Association.

In the last few weeks, I've started listening to various podcasts to make the most of the time I spend sitting in traffic each day. The podcasts vary from the Disability Law Lowdown, the American Management Association, GrammarGirl, and The Public Speaker.

To enhance my leadership and interpersonal skills, I joined IAAP in December 2008. I currently serve on the Membership Committee, co-chair the Public Relations Committee, and maintain the Peninsula Chapter website (which I wrote from scratch, without prior experience, when HQ switched our website host). Because my public speaking skills are lacking, I volunteered to do a 1-hour program on internet resources at last week's chapter meeting. Attendees received recertification points from IAAP and seemed to enjoy it!

I ravenously read articles, blogs, etc. online to learn about areas in which I feel I need more education. To help me in my role as webmaster, I have joined several social media sites and have followed/friended prominent PR and web programming experts, started a blog promoting and reviewing noteworthy articles, and have saved ~500 bookmarks on Delicious.

I participate in workshops and seminars throughout my state. Recently, I attended seminars for adminstrative professionals in Lynchburg, Charlottesville and Newport News. I am nearing completion of the 7-week Level 1 class of the Hampton Diversity College (a free service of the City of Hampton) and have already enrolled in the Level 2 class that begins in October. I am certified in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and have taken employer-sponsored trainings in Human Rights, Workplace Violence, Incident Reporting, Vehicle Safety and Maintenance, and Accident Reporting and Investigation.

At the recommendation of the Director of Hampton Diversity College, I recently read 'from Boomers to Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations' by Misti Burmeister to assist me in leading an intergenerational team of admins in my office. I am currently reading the IAAP Office Handbook and Bill Bryson's 'the mother tongue'.

I also plan to begin studying to earn my CPS/CAP and Microsoft Office Specialist certifications.

I love to learn and am proactive in finding new subjects about which to learn and new ways in which to learn them. Except for certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, none of these learning opportunities are mandated by my employer or by anyone else. The part that really amazes me is that most of these resources are free! Aside from formal classes, I'd estimate that I've only spend ~$300 for IAAP membership and various conference registrations! It just goes to show that you can seek self-improvement and broaden your horizons, no matter what your budget.

Wow, I just read my post in its entirety. Until I wrote it all down in one place, I didn't realize how much I was really doing. No wonder I'm so tired all the time!

[sfry2]

After being in a coma years ago and being told I would have a hard time learning, I have something to say. Do not let anyone tell you, you are not able to do something. Next week, I will be graduating from college with Honors!