Professional Progression

“Education never stops.” These are some of the many credos valued by Delores Armstead. The quintessential example of a lifelong learner, Armstead discovered Kennesaw State University after her daughter began attended as an undergraduate. The Oxford, N.C., native knew she wanted to pursue a career that matched her strengths.

“I’ve always had great secretarial and computer skills,” she said. Once again, due to her daughter’s influence, Armstead found herself at KSU Center – home of the College of Continuing and Professional Education(CCPE).

In an effort to sharpen her computer skills, Armstead earned her Microsoft Office certificate. The program is comprised of classes in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Upon completion, she decided to pursue a legal interest and began work in Paralegal certificate program. After finishing a few of the program’s required 13 classes, Armstead landed a full-time role as a member of a legal affairs team. She entered that position with an extensive background in law office management and legal support experience with corporate in-house counsel, shareholders and law firms – based on her past employment and continuing education course work.

Armstead’s first order of business was to request permission from her supervisor to complete the Paralegal program offered at the college. Instead, he recommended CCPE’s Administrative Professional certificate course due to the responsibilities of her new role. Previously unaware of the class, Armstead is now thankful for the opportunity it presented. “The course was so informative and very detailed,” she said. “Nothing went uncovered.”

Reflecting more on her experience in the Administrative Professional program, Armstead said the program allowed her to enhance the level of excellence and diligence needed to support key attorneys and their direct reports by effectively managing key priorities. “The coursework has given me greater confidence and effectiveness in that I can meet and exceed the expectations set forth in my position,” she said. “More importantly, it has allowed me to communicate with others, enhancing my communications skills, productivity and my professional development to build a network outside of legal affairs. My interpersonal skills have been strengthened, producing improved working relationships with colleagues at all levels.”

When asked about the most important aspects she learned in the course, Armstead cited calendar management, effective correspondence, memorandums, preparing a filing system, effective PowerPoint presentations, customer service, honing computer skills, organizational abilities, and expense reporting and developing a travel portfolio for the executive.

After receiving the highest grade in her class, Armstead boasted, “I have gained a wealth of knowledge in office efficiency taught by some amazing instructors. It has certainly attributed to effective learning, success-building techniques and strategies that are vital in achieving workplace goals and objectives.”

As she continues her journey in lifelong learning, Armstead plans to return to CCPE to complete her Paralegal certificate in an effort to become an even more valuable member of her organization.

For more information, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu or call 470-578-6765.