United Student Movement 2020-2021 Administrative Assistant, Patrina Stewart and Associate Administrative Assistant, Rickelle Alfred.

Photo: Contributed

By: Kedice Reid

Mandeville, Jamaica- The United Student Movement (USM) Administrative Sector has launched a training session for potential executives as well as a first of its kind virtual office.

USM Administrative Assistant, Patrina Stewart told the Hilltop Trumpet that the training sessions are specifically designed for administrative assistants; particularly those who plan to vie for the post in the upcoming elections.

She added, however, that other individuals can join.

“The sessions will focus on personal and professional development. They will be structured towards ensuring that participants are properly equipped for administrative roles and that they are able to carry out the job efficiently. Some of the areas that will be explored are email construction, letter writing, memo and purchase order creation and the recording of minutes amongst other things.”

According to Stewart, the training will be held every Tuesday from 2 pm to 2:30 pm on the ZOOM platform.

Stewart further expressed that the training session seeks to highlight the importance of the sector, not only to USM but any operating entity.

“There is a general misconception amongst students that the role of the administrative assistant is an easy job. However, that is far from the truth. The reality is, the administrative assistants are the office managers and so there are a lot of things that fall on their shoulders, as such we want to ensure that persons are well prepared before applying for the office so that the roles and responsibilities don’t come as a surprise.”

Meanwhile, she also added that the Movement now has operational office hours on the ZOOM platform during the days of Mondays and Wednesday 11 am to 12:30 pm as well as 4 pm -5 pm.

It is also in operation Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am-11:30 and also 3 pm-4 pm and on Fridays from 9 am to 10 am.

She shared that students can use the medium to do email follow-ups, purchase orders, memos, air concerns as well as to receive meal vouchers.

As the movement gears up for the election period, Stewart shared a thought for students who have intentions of taking the helm of student leadership.

“Success is only achieved through learning and we learn through living. When placed in unprecedented circumstances give yourself time to grow as only through growing will you learn. You will not get it right away, but you will get it eventually and at the end of the day ‘It is not how you start but how well you finish.'”

The movement’s administrative sector is being spearheaded by Stewart and Associate Administrative Assistant, Rickelle Alfred, who is operating in Antigua