Five Administrative Professionals on TV

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! Actually, it’s Administrative Professionals Week, but the last Wednesday of April is the official day we recognize the hard work of the men and women behind the folks who get all the credit. Originally organized in 1952, the recognition is now spearheaded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals which encourages employers to recognize these employees with “opportunities for learning and growth”. Here are five Administrative Professionals on current shows who ought to be recognized and rewarded.

Joan Harris (Mad Men)

Harking back to an era where administrative assistants were still called secretaries, Joan Harris has ambitions beyond the glass ceiling. Currently the Office Manager at the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce advertising agency, Joan aspires to create advertising campaigns. As a reward for keeping that office running despite the best efforts of the (male) partners to run it off the rails, Joan deserves a chance to pitch a campaign to a big client.

Erin Hannon (The Office)

Sweet and naive, Erin replaced Pam at the receptionist’s desk at Dunder Mifflin and quickly started turning heads. In between managing Michael’s quirks and trying to fit in with the rest of the Dunder Mifflinites, Erin has been romanced by Dwight, Andy and Gabe. She aspires to be an accountant, even though she’s bad at math, so tuition assistance to the local community college for an intro to accounting class would be a nice gift.

Jonathan (30 Rock)

Hired by Jack Donaghy after he’s mistaken for M. Night Shyamalan, Jonathan is obsessed with his boss. Apparently quite efficient as an assistant, he has an amoral streak that should serve him well in the business world. A day pass to the most elite organization Jack belongs to ought to give Jonathan a worthy goal.

Teri Lee (Drop Dead Diva)

Teri Lee, Jane’s legal assistant, is always one step ahead of her boss. Teri is the ultimate resource for gorgeous (but dead) Deb as she embraces her new life as Jane, the shy lawyer. She has a yen for large, scary, tattooed men, knows everything that happens at the law firm, and speaks her mind freely. Teri’s also a talented singer, so a karaoke party celebrating all her hard work would hit the spot!

Leonardo Prince (Fairly Legal)

Where would Kate Reed be without Leo? Probably in the wrong place at the wrong time. Dedicated, a research wiz, and a snappy dresser, Leo is the man who keeps Kate’s life on track. He’s a major gamer with dreams of publishing his own graphic novel; surely Kate could negotiate something awesome for him, like Spider-man #2 in mint condition.