Office Administration Program, Stepping Stone to Success

Frances Kniceley is the Department Chair for the Office Administration program at Cleveland Community College. She has worked at the College since 2005, but before she became an employee, Frances was a student. She says deciding to enroll at CCC was the turning point in her work life, setting her on a path to a career she loves. Below is her story.

My story begins back in the 1980s when I was working in a lighting plant soldering electrical outlets, among other things. I decided that I wanted to do a different type of work. I wanted a professional position in an office setting, so I enrolled at Cleveland Community College and chose the office administration program.

Once I began taking classes, I was fully engaged with the coursework and the instructors while I was still working full-time at the electrical plant. One day, one of my instructors told me about an available office job at a local company. I hadn’t completed the program yet, but my instructor suggested I apply for the job. I was hired the same day I went for an interview.

Immediately, I became aware of the difference in the atmosphere and the people who worked there. These people were professionals and acted their part. This was the type of work environment I wanted, so I worked hard.

The opportunity to advance in my new position happened quickly. I was hired part-time, but within a month, I was asked if I wanted a full-time position. I accepted it and worked in that position for six months. Then, I was asked if I was interested in further on-the-job training for a different position.

That opportunity took me in a slightly different direction than office administration, and eventually, it led me back to CCC and the opportunity to teach others the skills that helped open doors for me. I went back to school because I wanted to work in an office. I had no idea that choice would give me the opportunity to move into a totally different career that I hadn’t even considered but now absolutely love.

Today, I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. I have been at CCC for almost 19 years and truly love teaching. The best part is being able to help my students the way my instructor helped me when local companies call looking for good office employees.

Sometimes, I tell this story to my students to help them understand that starting out in an office administration position does not limit them. The skills learned in the office administration program are a great foundation for many career paths. Office administration jobs are often entry-level positions but can provide a path to higher-level jobs. For those willing to work hard, an office administration position is a stepping stone and sometimes it can even lead to a totally different career, like it did for me.

Find out more about the Office Administration program at CCC and discover the possibilities for your future.