MUNCIE, Ind. -- Technology is transforming the secretarial field, making skilled administrative assistants invaluable, says a Ball State University educator.

Today's administrative specialist performs many management-level tasks, a far cry from just a few years ago, says Carolee Jones, a professor of business education and office administration.

The introduction of the personal computer, voicemail, computer intranets and the Internet into the workplace have made the relationship between management and the administrative assistant more collaborative, she said.

"The personal computer has completely transformed the job of an administrative assistant," Jones said. "By using new technology, the administrative assistant processes and presents information to represent management both externally and internally.

The personal computer allows the administrative support staff to do so much more today, freeing them of routine jobs. Executives can now keyboard their own reports and correspondence, allowing the administrative staff to handle broader responsibilities, she said.

The business world officially recognizes its administrative support staff during the week of April 20-25 during "Professional Secretaries Week" and April 23 on "Professional Secretaries Day."

Professional Secretaries Week was founded in 1952 by a post-World War II publicity agent who believed that secretaries had struggled too long in the shadow of "Rosie the Riveter," a government propaganda character used to inspire women to work in factories.

Jones believes the secretarial field offers a bright future because of the growing need for such skilled individuals, increasing pay levels and opportunities for advancement. According to a recent survey by the U.S. Department of Labor, about 400,000 new secretarial positions will be added by the year 2005.

The administrative support staff is already the largest segment of the office workforce with 3.3 million individuals employed as secretaries and administrative specialists.

Administrative assistants find their work rewarding, challenging and growing in responsibilities, Jones said.

"Secretaries make all sorts of decisions about day-to-day operations, including purchasing of programs, computers and other
sorts of equipment," she said. "They are also doing more training of other employees in the use of computer technology. At least 38 percent of secretaries have training as part of job responsibilities.

"It is often the secretary who trains the executive on using the personal computer. I believe the secretary is the real boss in the corporate world."