Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Scholar Support Analysts At San Diego State University
Katia, a Scholar Support Analyst, recommends entry-level administrative roles—"office assistant, admin assistant, project administration"—as the best way for undergraduates to enter the field, citing the broad exposure these roles provide to "all parts" of an organization's function. This experience, which Katia leveraged to advance from an administrative position to their current analyst role despite only having a bachelor's degree, offers significant upward mobility.
Administrative Roles, Entry-Level Positions, Project Management, Higher Education, Upward Mobility
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Katia Garcia
Scholar Support Analyst
San Diego State University
UCLA
N/a
Philosophy
Education
Research and Development (R&D)
Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level administrative roles offer broad experience in organizational functions. Working as an admin assistant exposes you to multiple teams and projects, providing a comprehensive understanding of how the organization operates.
2. Administrative roles provide upward mobility; starting as an admin assistant can lead to analyst positions and beyond, even with only a bachelor's degree.
3. As an admin assistant, you'll gain valuable experience in diverse tasks such as managing paperwork, handling payments, coordinating onboarding/offboarding, and working with technology, providing a solid foundation for future career growth.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
Administrative roles, whether it's office assistant, admin assistant, project administration, or office administration, are the way to go. You get to observe how any organization functions and are truly the observer of all parts.
A coordinator or manager only focuses on their specific tasks. However, an administrative role keeps everything alive and going. It's the best way to get your foot in the door because you learn the most.
You manage and handle the most, working with all teams that require the office or project to function. You're also privy to information because, while teams may meet weekly, they constantly meet with you.
I started as an admin and learned not only about my project but also how faculty and the university function. I also learned how we work with community partners. I managed all the paperwork, pay, onboarding, offboarding, and technology, like ordering laptops.
I worked with all departments and all parts of the project. By the time I moved into my analyst role in the division of research and innovation office, I understood all aspects of my job because I started as an admin. I definitely recommend starting there.
I have a bachelor's degree, and that's how I got into this role, as it was the only one I qualified for. Now I work with people who have master's degrees, PhDs, and other types of training, and I still only have my bachelor's. It's truly a position with the most upward mobility.