Administrative Assistant

What is an Administrative Assistant?

Administrative assistants carry out routine clerical and administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining both paper and electronic files, drafting correspondence, preparing documents, supporting other staff members, or providing callers with information. They are employed in practically every industry, from large corporations, to schools, manufacturing and even agriculture. Secretaries and administrative assistants are frequently the first people the public or client contacts and sees as representing the company.

Job Responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant

Your responsibilities as a administrative assistant may vary depending on the industry you work in. Generally, these job duties are

• Answering telephones and general telephony duties
• Computer tasks, such as data entry or word processing
• Scheduling appointments and updating event calendars
• Arranging staff meetings
• Creating organized file systems
• Handling incoming and outgoing mail
• Recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents
• Preparing invoices and reports
• Proofing and Editing documents
• Greeting visitors and handling inquiries
• Basic bookkeeping

Career Outlook for Administrative Assistant

Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 316,000 openings for secretaries and administrative assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. An Office Administration Assistant diploma from Bryant & Stratton College could make all the difference for you.

Additional Training/Requirements

Administrative assistants can get entry-level positions right out of high school if they have the necessary computer skills. However, better jobs go to those with more training, such as is provided by the office administration assistant diploma program at Bryant & Stratton College.