How to Become an Administrative Assistant
Many corporations have replaced the job title of secretary with that of administrative assistant. Today's administrative assistant usually has more responsibilities than the phone/mail/steno/typing duties of the old-fashioned secretary. However, in some firms the change has been mostly in title only, with mundane office work still part of an administrative assistant's overall workload.
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Instructions
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Develop typing, word processing and office software skills while you are in high school. In addition, make certain you are skilled at spelling, writing, grammar and verbal communication. You will use those skills on a daily basis in this career.
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Consider getting an A.A. degree in a community college or going to a business school for a certificate after high school. You can get a low-paying, entry-level clerical position as a new high school graduate, but it will not necessarily lead to an administrative assistant position in the future. You'll compete with better-educated individuals when you apply for a promotion.
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Decide if you want to make this a long-term career. If so, pick a specialty that interests you, such as law or medicine. At the very least, earn a certificate in the field so that you can impress potential employers with your knowledge.
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Interview counselors at several temporary agencies and ask about free office software training for individuals who agree to sign on with them. You need to become proficient with word processing, spreadsheet and computer graphics programs for general employment as an administrative assistant.
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Seek out companies that have the room and the inclination to promote their administrative assistants. These are usually medium or larger-sized firms.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that temporary jobs can turn into permanent ones.
Expect to continually learn new versions of office software programs as they develop.
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Comments
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Aug 08, 2006
I started as a receptionist, and because I had a positive attitude, I have moved into 7 administrative positions until now I am a personal assistant in the owners household. And I am in charge of 3 assistants! You must be willing to stay late, be computer knowledgeable, try to continue your education (even if it's just one class a semester or online courses). People in the company will see you have drive to move ahead. Always dress nice to project a professional image, even if no one else in the company dresses nice. Be nice to people in other positions around you as you move ahead, they will become your support system when you need help finishing tasks (a good way to this is remember everyone's birthday and at least give a card or small gift). Never start a fight, and don't let your friends e-mail you or call you at work unless it is an emergency...that's a big NO. After 2 years in a position, if you see no hope of moving up find a new company. Hope this helps. -
Nov 22, 2005
I work in the human resources department of our company. If you want to be treated as a professional, make sure everything about you is professional. This includes your email address. If you have an address like "hotbaby@---" or "sizzling@---" or the like, get another account. It may be fine for your friends, but it is not good in business.
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Nov 22, 2005
Even though it may seem like an unneccesary step for an entry-level admin position, dressing the part of the job you wish to obtain from day 1 can make a great impression on your employers and those who have the power to promote you once you are hired.
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Nov 22, 2005
I work in the human resources department of our company. If you want to be treated as a professional, make sure everything about you is professional. This includes your email address. If you have an address like "hotbaby@---" or "sizzling@---" or the like, get another account. It may be fine for your friends, but it is not good in business.
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Nov 22, 2005
Expect to do anything that other people don't want to do, e.g. copying, filing and labeling. But remember, successful people do the things unsuccessful people don't want to do and you will move forward.
