5 Reasons You Should Study Office Administration

When you hear the term “Administrative Assistant,” what do you think of? Probably someone sitting at a desk in an office, answering the phone, typing on a computer, sorting files, maybe doing payroll.

These tasks and more usually fall into the category of “Admin Assistant.” And these skills in computer office administration and computer accounting are more sought-after than you might think. Nearly every type of industry has an office to manage the workflow, and that office needs people with good computer and organizational skills to help keep things running smoothly.

If you’re looking for a career change, here are some reasons why you should consider office administration:

1. Versatility and Mobility

Having basic skills in typing, word processing, and telephone etiquette make you consistently marketable. If you’re working in the office of a manufacturing company and you get laid off, then just take your skillset and degree to a hotel, agribusiness, or non-profit organization down the street, because they have an office, too.  Admin assistant skills can be useful in a small business in your hometown, or in a big fashion design company in a large city. Admin assistants are always in demand.

2. Follow your Passion

As mentioned in the last paragraph, if you’re qualified to be an Admin Assistant, you can likely find work in a variety of industries. You can even combine making money with following your passions and dreams! Do you love to travel? Airlines, cruise ships, and hotel chains employ people with office administration skills. Do you have a passion for helping people through ministries or charities? Nonprofit organizations need skilled office workers. Do you love film, theater, or art? Movie theaters, film companies, and museums hire admin assistants, too.

3. A Growing Occupation With A “Bright Outlook”

Even with changes in office procedures and some secretarial tasks made unnecessary by technology, the need for admin assistants will be strong. Especially as much of the U.S. workforce reaches retirement age, this creates a need as many companies must fill positions when their employees leave or retire. According to O-Net, there is a “Bright Outlook” for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants–there will be 324,100 projected job openings nationwide and 46,300 in California during the decade from 2014 to 2024.

4. Competitive Pay

O-Net indicates that in 2016 the median wage for secretaries and admin assistants was $34,820 per year nationwide, and $39,470 per year in California. Of course this varies by industry and by specific employer; but if you’re looking to rise above minimum wage jobs, then getting a degree or diploma to qualify you for an admin assistant job might help.

5. Easy to Get Started

What are you waiting for? Central Coast College offers two programs to prepare you for office administration careers: Computer Office Administration and Computer Specialist Accounting, and both of these programs can be completed in less than one year. Talk to one of our staff today to find out how easy it is to get started in your new career!

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