BLOG: Administrative assistant building experience from team opportunities

Photo By Dino Buchanan | HONOLULU, Hawaii -- Brittany Keyes, Administrative Assistant, Civil and Public Works branch, Honolulu District welcomes employees to the 2019 Women's Equaility Day event Aug. 22 sponsored by the District's Special Emphasis Committee. More than 50 employees and guests listened as Dr. Christine Altendorf (not pictured), director, U.S., Installation Command-Pacific, who gave an informative presentation that included a brief history of the Women’s Equality movement, an overview of her career, and women working in USACE leadership. (Photo credit: Dino W. Buchanan, Honolulu District)  

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES

09.05.2019

Story by Ana Allen 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific Ocean Division

BLOG - By Administrative Assistant, Civil and Public Works branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District

As I approach one year of being the administrative assistant for the Honolulu District's Civil and Public Works team, I contemplate on what a wonderful and fulfilling year it has been.

I cannot express enough how blessed I am to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such a kind and hardworking team.
When taking on the role of an administrative assistant I was not quite sure what to expect and wondered whether I would feel I was part of a team - even though I'm not an engineer or a project manager.

My very first day at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) put my mind at ease. When I came into the building, the atmosphere was so upbeat, everyone kindly welcomed me and many people outside of my office stopped by my desk simply to introduce themselves. The best part is that my USACE and Honolulu District work experience has only grown upward.

The administrative assistant position and the USACE learning environment has allowed me to do more than use and improve my clerical skills. I have been able act as a liaison between USACE and members/staff of the U.S. Congress, gain a better understanding of how USACE projects affect the community, and assist with diversifying our work environment by planning District special events as a Honolulu District's Special Emphasis Program Committee team member.

Above all, I'm grateful to have leadership that encourages professional growth through experiences and mentorship. One of the Chief of the Civil and Public Works branch's priorities is focusing on the betterment of our team as a whole and as individuals. He continuously finds ways where I can gain knowledge and experience for my career goals, whether it's allowing me to assist with a project, prompting me to join a committee or encouraging me to enroll/take specific training.

I look at myself as an investment. For every friend, family member, teacher, pastor, boss, or stranger, who has given me their time, money, or resources, I want to be a great return on their investment. I show my appreciation by always being the best that I can be. This is what motivates me to come to work at Honolulu District every day. I'm always sure that I'm walking into a thriving, learning and team building environment.

I'm so proud and honored to be a part of the Honolulu District, and I look forward to continuing to grow professionally within this organization.

• Date Taken: 09.05.2019
• Date Posted: 09.05.2019 16:13
• Story ID: 338569
• Location: HONOLULU, HI, US