According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative assistants across various industries numbered over 3.1 million in 2021.
Though some may view the position as ‘just another desk job,’ it is vital to organizations (including colleges) everywhere.
Annette Koronowski is the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Senior Vice President of Student Development at Sinclair. She has been at the college for nearly two decades, moving through several departments and positions and working with both faculty and staff.
She described moving into the Senior Vice President’s office as a “heightened responsibility,” as she handles important affairs involving her boss.
So, in order to properly handle the sometimes-hectic nature of the job, Koronowski makes a point to “set the tone for the day” each time she goes into the office. Like many other across the nation and world, she may start with a cup of coffee or tea.
The admin assistant also has to remind herself to “take a breath before jumping in.” Her email inbox or voicemails may be full of items she needs to address but giving herself a few peaceful moments is the first step to tackling them all.
However, she knows that her work is important to “support a lot of people” both directly and indirectly. Ultimately, what she does helps the college to continue providing the education that so many people around the Miami Valley value. She expressed an admiration of Sinclair’s long history with the community.
And that’s why she does this; she wants to see that education remains accessible to everyone. She actively learns every day – and enjoys it!
“I’m taking that knowledge and providing it,” she said.
Being an administrative assistant is Koronowski’s way of contributing to – and helping improve – things at the college.
She likes to build in “time to step away” to her calendar. She tries to take breaks throughout the day, usually at ten and three.
That doesn’t stop the “frequent interruptions,” though, so she emphasizes the importance of being flexible in this type of role.
Each day is different for Koronowski, with tasks being prioritized based on urgency. Her goal each day is to empty her inbox and look ahead, but that is not always possible with things coming in at every time of day.
When she heads home, though, she does her best to decompress and once again distance herself from technology. She might spend time reading or completing a puzzle.
She enjoys being with family, too. She and her husband particularly like science fiction films.
Whatever Koronowski is doing each day at Sinclair, people can trust that she is doing it with the students – and Dayton as a whole – in mind.
Carly Webster
Staff Writer