“My favorite part of being a Finance Specialist is that I work in Payroll, talk to clients one on one, and do not have the demands or stress that comes with working in customer service. I feel completely on my own, and I love it!”  states Nicole Shumey, who recently graduated from the Accounting and Payroll program at Robertson College.  Shortly after graduation, Nicole found employment with Venture Healthcare.

Initially, Nicole did not know which way she wanted to go with her career but after looking at the skills she had, she narrowed down her career options.  “I never really knew what I wanted to do for my future career but I have always done well with numbers and writing.”  After doing some research, she chose the program and college she wanted.  “A close family member had taken a few programs through Robertson College, and really enjoyed it there. She suggested that I try something in the office field.  We did some research and found the Accounting and Payroll Administrator program. “ Nicole continued, “Also, from looking in job ads, this career was in high demand in a growing field.”

“Students that enter this program can work in a variety of office settings upon graduation.” comments Jordan Fuchs, Marketing Associate for Robertson College.  “Students have the skills to work in accounting, payroll, and administrative roles.”  Fuchs continued, “Students who graduate from this program are prepared to write the Canadian Payroll Association certification exams to attain their Payroll Compliance Practitioner designation. “

When looking for a college, Nicole wanted one that was credible and accommodated her schedule.  “I chose Robertson College because I heard a lot of goods things about the school. Before I made a final decision on which school to apply to, I did some research on other colleges and found that I really liked the idea of a small class, where I could get one on one attention from my instructor. The school hours were extremely reasonable, and it worked with my schedule.”

During her time in the program, Nicole learned how to prepare different business documents and spreadsheets, business communication, bookkeeping, and accounting and payroll skills.  When asked what her experiences were like in class, she said, “I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Robertson. The students and staff were all so welcoming; especially my instructor and the vice-principal.  I also liked how the school brought in industry experts to do presentations, and tell us what employment opportunities were available.”

Upon graduation, Nicole applied to different companies for employment.  “I applied to several different places and Venture Healthcare asked me to come for an interview. I was very intrigued with the position but honestly didn't think I would get through to the second interview, but I did. I am now working my first salary job, and loving every minute of it!”  Nicole spends her days working on payroll and billing for the company.  She commented, “The program I took prepared me for the office world and I am comfortable because of it.”

Nicole was asked if she would recommend this program and she said, “I would definitely recommend someone to the Accounting and Payroll Administrator program. From my experiences in the past, coming from working in the customer service field, I honestly did not know what to expect taking the program. But as I progressed in school, I found I really enjoyed the work I was doing.”

Those that would like more information about this program or any other program at Robertson College should contact the college at 204.943.5661, visit www.RobertsonCollege.com or Info@RobertsonCollege.com. 




 

A REWARDING CAREER IN LAW IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

“A career as a Legal Administrative Assistant is rewarding and challenging.”  states Jordan Fuchs, Marketing Associate for Robertson College. “Several different job opportunities exist for graduates of this program”

Robertson College offers an eight month Legal Administrative Assistant program that prepares students for a career in the legal profession.  Upon completion of the program, students can find employment with public and private sector legal departments, as well as private law firms.  Throughout the program, students learn  topics such as such as legal terminology, legal transcription,  law office administration, and computer skills.  Students participate in a two-week practicum at the end of their program. “Typically, we find students who this career have a strong interest in law.” comments Debra Stockwell, Vice Principal of Robertson College.  “Key qualities that employers are looking for are the ability to multi-task, be organized, and be detail oriented.  As well, lawyers look for an assistant that can provide courteous service to clients.” 

Robertson College is also  establishing a reputation as an industry leader in integrating technology into student’s learning.  The Winnipeg Campus is the first of the three Robertson College campuses to provide Laptop or Netbook computers to its students as part of the College’s new Technology Initiative. This technology provides students the freedom they need to study wherever - whenever they like.  Each computer comes fully loaded with the notes, textbooks, and materials needed to be successful in their course.  “We are excited have taken this next step as a college.” comments Ken Penner, President of Robertson College. “The Technology Initiative allows students to take the classroom with them wherever they go.” 

Graduates of the Legal Administrative Assistant program have great success in finding employment.  Nearly 100% of graduates have found employment with local law firms.  some with the largest private firms in Winnipeg.  “The demand for Legal Administrative Assistants is solid.” comments Fuchs.  “Several positions were listed this week on job sites such as Workopolis.com and WowJobs.ca.”   

Legal Administrative Assistant salaries can range from $30,000 - $53,000 according to the Manitoba Job Futures website. 

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Legal Administrative Assistant or if you would like to learn more, please visit www.RobertsonCollege.com, email Info@RobertsonCollege.com or call (204) 943-5661.

Robertson College began providing career training in 1911, now has 3 campuses in Western Canada and conducts training in Asia and Africa.  Remaining true to its roots, the College head office is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Welcome to the first Graduate Spotlight!  The Graduate Spotlight will be another ongoing feature at The Admin Professional, similar to Admin Jobs Today.  I'm very excited to bring you this first interview with Ashleigh Logan, who graduated from the Administrative Professional and Bookkeeper course, because she impressed me so much in the time that I had to get to know her.   She took her work seriously but wasn't afraid to have fun.  She worked hard and she was eager to start on her job search!

AP:       First, there are many business colleges to choose from so why did you choose Robertson College?

AL:      A close friend of mine had done the same program about a year earlier, and had been successful in finding a really good job. Her recommendation and first hand information of the class really helped me make a decision.

AP:       What course did you take?

AL:      Administrative professional/bookkeeping.

AP:       How long did it take for you to graduate?

AL:      I believe it was 4 months. [note: this was not including the 2 week practicum]

AP:       What did you like most about the course?

AL:      I liked that it was short and I could get back to working very quickly. I also liked how small the class was. If you needed help, or had a question, the teacher was right there.

AP:       Tell me about your instructor.  What did you like about how she/he taught?

AL:      I liked that you kind of felt like your friend was teaching you. It was a very laidback environment. I also liked how thorough she was in covering all the material and she made sure we had all the tools to be extremely prepared for tests.

AP:       There is more staff at business colleges that keep things running and have frequent interactions with students.  What did you think about the support staff such as student advisors, receptionists, and so on?

AL:      I did not have a lot of interaction with other staff at the college, but everyone seemed very friendly. Debra Stockwell [vice-principal] especially, she always wanted people to be having fun while they were there.

AP:       Part of the business courses at Robertson College includes doing a two week practicum [it is currently 4 weeks now] where you gain experience in your field.  Can you tell me what that was like?

AL:      That gave me time to get to know the job before  had to make a decision about working there. For both the student and the employer it is a test period to make sure it's a good fit. It was nice to gain the experience.

AP:       When you finished your practicum you received a job offer.  Was that from your practicum?  Why do you think you received a job offer so quickly?

AL:      Actually, in the offer I accepted, I was given the job based on my resume and interview. I did do my practicum with this company, but at the end of the 2 weeks, I knew that I already had the job. I think that I was offered the job prior to completing my practicum because my resume showed that I had all the skills they were looking for, and I was prepared for my interview. I presented myself in a way that worked for their company.

AP:       What skill that you learned at Robertson College contributed most to your quick employment?

AL:      I would say all the computer skills, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.

AP:       Now that you are employed can you tell me what skills you use the most?  

AL:      I use Excel and Word often at work, and people look to me for help with things they're not sure how to do.

AP:       What advice would you give people that are interested in becoming an administrative assistant?

AL:      I would tell them that computer skills and people skills are the 2 most important things. You will be sitting in front of a computer every day, so know how it works! And if you can master how to talk to people, you will get hired. Once you have the job, you can prove how valuable you really are.

AP:       What advice would you give to graduates that are now looking for a job?

AL:      Make sure your resume is flawless. Spelling and grammar mistakes can have a bigger impact then you think. Also, be prepared for the interview. Practice the night before, and know your answers to their questions before you get there.

AP:     Is there anything else you'd like to share?

AL:      After Robertson College, I had 3 interviews. I received an offer from all 3 employers. I know it was because of my cover letter, resume, and interview. I can't stress enough how important a good cover letter, and resume are. You need to make a good impression. It doesn't matter how good your skills are. If you can't make it past the interview, you won’t get a job.