Here's how you can tackle barriers and obstacles to continuing education as an administrative manager.

I was promoted to be the first Testing Center Coordinator at Lone Star College-CyFair in 2003, the year of the college's grand opening. I was tasked with two empty rooms and two months to design, budget, organize, develop processes and procedures, interview, hire employees, and train my team through self-developed, technical documentation and training sessions. I went forth with a positive attitude, purpose and a required deadline. I applied prior work knowledge, was dedicated to the task, and I had the determination to achieve the ultimate goal for the college, staff and students! With directive leadership, good communication, the combined and diverse efforts of a cooperative team, the Testing Center opened smoothly and successfully!

A thorough self-assessment is a great starting point for targeted professional development. It helps ensure that your learning efforts are aligned with your career objectives.

I've seen firsthand how conducting a thorough self-assessment can pinpoint the skills needed for career growth. This approach ensures administrative managers focus on relevant courses, enhancing their effectiveness and avoiding wasted time.

Far too many people get into debt for their education. Choose the most cost effective option. Earning an Associate Degree at your local community college with credits that will transfer to a state college is a great option that won’t break the bank. Loans can set you back for years.

Continuing education can be costly, but with a well-thought-out financial plan, you can manage these expenses. Explore options like employer-sponsored programs, scholarships, or grants specifically designed for professional development. Additionally, consider online courses or community college classes which often provide more affordable alternatives to traditional education institutions. By budgeting for your education, you can make informed decisions that align with both your professional aspirations and your financial reality.

One thing I have found helpful is to look for creative ways to fund continuing education, such as negotiating for educational support during annual reviews or exploring flexible payment plans offered by educational institutions. Additionally, joining professional networks or associations can provide access to exclusive scholarships and grants. It's also beneficial to consider the long-term return on investment for each course or certification to make financially sound decisions that support career growth.

Constantly learning new industry trends and skills is crucial to stay ahead in your career. Prioritize learning by scheduling dedicated time for it, just like important meetings or projects. Use of time management tools to stay organized can be beneficial. Break the learning sessions into small sized time pockets to accommodate it in your daily routine.

While this provides useful tips on managing time, it overlooks the unpredictable nature of balancing work, education, and personal life. Rigid schedules can sometimes add pressure rather than alleviate it. Flexibility is crucial; being able to adapt your study times as work demands fluctuate can prevent burnout. Additionally, the article doesn't address the importance of self-care. Overcommitting without considering personal downtime can lead to decreased productivity and motivation. Integrating regular breaks and personal time into the schedule is just as important as organizing study sessions.

Time management is indeed crucial when juggling work and continuing education. Creating a balanced schedule and utilizing organizational tools can help you maintain productivity in all areas of your life.

While networking certainly offers numerous benefits, there are potential downsides to negative networking that deserve consideration. Engaging in networks solely for personal gain without reciprocating can lead to strained relationships and a reputation for opportunism rather than genuine collaboration. Moreover, if networking focuses solely on extracting information or favors without building meaningful connections, it can hinder long-term professional growth. It's essential to approach networking with authenticity and a willingness to contribute, ensuring mutual respect and sustainable relationships within the educational community.

An important way to stay movitated is always connecting goals to your “why.” There will be days when you don’t feel like moving forward at even talk yourself out of taking a next step. Remembering why you started your journey in the first place will help counter the negative thoughts that creep in your mind. A positive inner voice is important.