Careers in Office Administration Keep Businesses Running Smoothly

Businesses and organizations, from medical offices to large corporations, rely on office administration to help the office operate smoothly. From greeting visitors to scheduling meetings and ordering supplies, the administrative staff takes care of the details required for success. Many positions in office administration do not require postsecondary education, though an associate's degree or bachelor's degree can give applicants an edge in this competitive job market. Often, companies promote from within, so a job in office administration is an excellent way to get your foot in the door at a successful company.

If your goal is to attain a senior role in office administration or transition into a more technical role within a company, a bachelor's degree may be necessary. Positions in office administration typically follow a 40-hour work week, allowing you to pursue a bachelor's degree in the evenings or through an online degree program. When it comes to advancement, experience and education are a combination that can't be beat.

The Many Faces of Office Administration

Some companies have thousands of employees, all of whom need to arrange meetings, print documents, meet with clients, and work on computers. All of these tasks require behind-the-scenes organization and planning, which is where office administration comes in. The following are some common positions within office administration:

• Receptionist: Receptionists are frequently employed by doctors' offices and corporations to greet visitors, arrange appointments, and direct calls. A college degree is rarely required to become a receptionist, so it's a great day job for those in the process of earning an online degree. In 2008, receptionists earned a mean salary of $25,400.
• Administrative Assistant: Administrative assistants, sometimes called secretaries, generally support a given department by arranging travel, scheduling meetings, and aiding in department communication. Administrative assistants must have strong computer skills and comfortably operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office technology. Administrative assistants' salaries vary by industry, but in 2008 the mean income was $29,990.
• Customer Service Representative: Customer service representatives communicate with customers to resolve complaints and answer questions about a company's products or services. These representatives generally do not need a college degree, but they should have strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of the company's services. In 2008, customer service representatives earned a mean income of $31,790.
• Office Manager: Office managers are responsible for supervising administrative staff, ordering supplies, and reporting any technological problems, allowing business to run efficiently. Often, office managers have an associate's or bachelor's degree. Office managers and supervisors earned a mean salary of $48,700 in 2008.
• Executive Assistant: Executive assistants perform high-level support for company executives, including drafting memos, doing research, and preparing reports. These assistants are often required to have a bachelor's degree and can make up to $62,000 per year, depending on the industry. In 2008, executive assistants earned mean wages of $42,340.

For each position above, experience and education can lead to promotion. A successful administrative assistant may be promoted to senior administrative assistant, and an effective customer service representative may become a customer service manager. With promotion traditionally comes added responsibility and increased salary.

Starting Your Career in Office Administration

Positions in office administration exist throughout the country, as support professionals are needed to help organizations in nearly every industry. In small towns, physicians' offices may be the biggest employers of administrative professionals, while in big cities banks and corporations provide the majority of jobs. In general, government organizations, banks, and large corporations pay the most for these positions.

Regardless of your education level or location, opportunities exist in office administration. You can earn an online degree while also gaining valuable experience, paving the way to a stable, rewarding career.