RED RIVER IAAP

Excellence as an Administrative Professional Starts Here

Behind great business owners, CEOs, lawyers and CPAs are dedicated administrative professionals that have a finger on the pulse of their workplaces. These individuals are relied upon for their poise in stressful situations, their ability to maintain organizational systems and their capacity for interacting with a wide spectrum of personalities. It is the right combination of finely tuned skills and gregarious personality that leads to success as an administrative professional. And no one understands what it takes to keep those skills in prime condition like the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). IAAP is the premier non-profit professional association for office professionals made up of approximately 22,000 members and affiliates with nearly 600 chapters worldwide. IAAP offers the chance for personal and professional development through meetings and activities at the chapter, division, and international levels.

The mission of the IAAP is “enhancing the success of careerminded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development.” Locally, the Red River IAAP, which has been serving the area for more than 50 years, strives to be a place for administrative professionals to achieve excellence in their field. Monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month September through June, usually in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Here members are invited to network, share a meal, and participate in an educational forum and brief board meeting. The Red River IAAP chapter is one of 16 chapters that make up the MN-ND-SD Division.

IAAP members have the opportunity to gather for the purpose of intense learning, networking, idea sharing and problem solving at conferences held at various locations around North America and the world. Though attendance at these events is not required for members, it is certainly encouraged.

Members are also encouraged to become involved in any number of committees that exist under the IAAP umbrella. According to Kristi Rotvold, CAP-OM, currently serving IAAP at the international level as the International Secretary, “We encourage members to become involved in committees, both as a way of networking and as a way of increasing their leadership skills.”

Rotvold detailed a few of the committees on which IAAP members may serve: “Education, Programs and Events/Meals is one of our committees, which acquires the instructors/speakers for our chapter meetings and events. The chair position for this committee is typically filled by our vice president. Community Outreach provides some community service like answering phones for Prairie Public Television, putting together items for someone graduating out of the PATH program, volunteering at the John Deere Company picnic through Incredible Events, Boxtops for Education, and bringing items for the YWCA to our Christmas party. The Membership/Roster committee helps plan events to attract new members and contacts interested individuals.”

In addition to the opportunity to serve on committees, the IAAP provides a place for administrative professionals to obtain certification. Rotvold added, “the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) rating is the industry recognized standard of proficiency. By taking the test, [administrative professionals] can increase their professional qualifications, increase their skills and knowledge and raise their selfesteem by taking and passing the exams. They may also obtain college credit and, according to the latest survey from OfficeTeam, get up to a seven percent increase in salary. The Institute for Certification believes that a top-level administrative professional should have basic knowledge of office systems, technology, office administration, and management, and know how to apply the principles of good human relations and communications.” Rotvold went on to say, “Some of the examinations are based on knowledge acquired by the office professional through formal education and informal reading. Employers also expect their admin to be thoroughly familiar with current techniques in office practice and procedures and aware of developments in office systems and technology. There are also two specialties so far with more planned – Organizational Management (CAPOM) and Technology Applications (CAP-TA).”

Individuals looking for a place to find camaraderie with those that understand what it takes to confidently walk into their workplace each day, ready for just about anything that may come their way, should visit the Red River IAAP website (http:// www.iaap-redriver.org/RedRiver/ Home/) for information about getting involved with this dynamic group of professionals.