Today’s business climate requires nearly everyone to be proficient in some sort of software suite and management skills aren’t just for managers any more. Gone are the days where you simply need to know how to use a typewriter, carbon paper, and how to set margins. There is more to the administrative professional classifications than answering a multi-line telephone and working a Mr. Coffee™.
In today’s workplace, nearly everyone should know how to drop an image or chart into an electronic document. When the document is completed, it has to be sent to the appropriate printer, duplexed, stapled or three-hole punched and converted to .pdf for upload to the Web.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that secretaries and administrative assistants held about 4.1 million jobs in 2004, ranking among the largest occupations in the U.S. economy. Individuals in the administrative support profession are being asked to take on a wider variety of duties as businesses across the country look for ways to cut costs.
Along with supervisory duties and managing the day-to-day office functions, administrative professionals are being required to update Web content, craft and distribute newsletters, set-up teleconferences and make online travel arrangements. These are not the skills you pick-up in the high school word processing class.
It is increasingly important for the administrative professional to secure post high school training and education. Businesses are recognizing this and are beginning to demand associate, bachelor and even master level education for staff.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook salaries for the administrative professional are expected to grow slowly, at about eight percent, through 2014. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of executive secretaries and administrative assistants (nationally) in May 2004 were:
- Management of companies and enterprises $38,950
- Local government $36,940
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools $34,280
- Employment services $31,620
- State government $30,750
West Virginia’s unemployment rate was only 4.5 percent at the end of June 2007, compared to the national rate of 4.7 percent. This makes it very important to set yourself above the pack when applying for a vacant position. Seeking advanced training or furthering your education is key.
Although it is challenging, administrative professionals can continue their education by taking evening or online classes or securing professional certifications. Local colleges and universities have a variety of options that can help solidify skills and abilities.
A couple courses in basic management skills will help anyone understand the complexities of personalities and why some teams produce results, and others produce excuses. Formal training in modern office procedures and software suites can make all the difference for the administrative professional developing their career and will help the process of incorporation into the management team.
