Hey everyone! This is my first time posting here, and I'd love to hear from those with more experience. I started out in IT as a Support Specialist in education, mostly handling Google Admin duties and helping students with Windows and Chrome issues. I also took a part-time accounting job to increase my hours. Recently, I got an exciting offer to become an Athletics Coordinator, which would allow me to boost my salary while still keeping my IT Support and Basic Accounting roles. They mentioned this new position wouldn't take up too much time, only around 0.2-0.3 FTE.
Now I've been offered a title change from IT and Administrative Support Specialist to IT Coordinator and Administrative Support Specialist. I'm wondering if this title change is valuable for my future. What are the pros and cons of this title update? Also, if I want to stay in IT within education (maybe even moving to a university), what are my options?
4 Answers
To me, it sounds like a downgrade in title, but I’m just a third party chiming in here.
In the grand scheme, I don’t think the exact wording of your title will matter much when you move on to another job. The real issue is ensuring you’re compensated fairly for the additional work you’ll be taking on. Lots of employers will try to distract you with a nice title instead of a proper salary, so keep that in mind!
Thankfully, my employer has been really supportive about the salary increase!
Honestly, I don't think there’s a big difference between those titles. But if they’re flexible, I’d suggest dropping 'Administrative Support' altogether since it can sound more like a secretary role these days.
I can understand that perspective. They mentioned it's a necessary part of the title, but they did offer IT Coordinator and Business Office Associate, which seems a bit redundant.
Most of us don’t really focus on titles. What truly matters in job interviews is your experience rather than the title itself. They should ask you detailed questions about your actual skills. Just a heads-up, in my organization, 'Admin Support Specialist' is similar to secretarial work without any technical aspect, but you’ll need to assess your internal situation to see if it aligns with your goals.
I'd like to move up to that management level too. I'm not too technical but I can manage basic tasks with Google. I think I’ll shift my focus from the title to building my skills!
I get that. It does seem a bit cluttered as a title.