Online Office Administration Degree Programs

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated professions is that of the executive secretary. For many of us, the word secretary conjures up stereotypical images of answering phones, filling in calendars, and . . . well, not much else. The truth is that office administrators are the unsung, behind-the-scenes leaders responsible for an incredibly varied set of tasks. Office administration professionals form the backbone of companies across a range of industries, from hospitals to colleges, government to private business. Working as executive secretaries and administrative assistants, office administrators may enjoy a wide range of responsibilities in the office. Although specific duties of office administrators vary greatly, certain basic tasks--such as staff management, equipment maintenance, the ordering of supplies, and the preparation of progress reports--come standard across all sectors of the economy.

Planning work and supervising staff form the crux of this profession. Successful office administrators will have a nuanced understanding of those workers in their charge. They are often involved in employee training and constantly review performance to ensure that their staff is up to snuff. Needless to say, excellent people skills are imperative. Typical diploma programs in office administration take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. They cover office fundamentals, basic project management, and software packages used in the field, including desktop publishing, spreadsheets, and database management programs.

Career Training in Office Administration

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employers of executive secretaries (a particularly demanding subset of the administrative assisting field) increasingly seek candidates with a college degree. Familiarity with an organization's computer system will also prove advantageous, as will supervisor-specific training programs in time/product management and interpersonal relations. Other qualities sought by prospective employers include:

• Problem-solving skills
• Motivational skills
• Leadership and communication skills

Secretaries and administrative assistants held 4.2 million jobs across the country in 2006, and competition for the more skilled jobs is expected to be intense.

Office Administration Job Outlook

Although nearly every industry employs office supervisors, the greatest number are found in organizations with a large administrative base, such as banks, government agencies, retail establishments, health care facilities, schools, and insurance companies. Skilled office administrators are often guaranteed full-time employment due to most organizations' need for constant supervision. Salaries for office administration professionals vary widely by field. Executive secretaries and administrative assistants earned a median annual salary of $40,700 as of April 2008, while secretaries working at elementary and secondary schools earned $28,120. Formal career training in office administration could greatly influence how potential hiring managers in the field receive your application.

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