Administrative service jobs cut across the various sectors of the economy. There are different types and levels of administrative service jobs. For example, there are administrative service managers, who rank among the most senior employees in administrative jobs, and there are also receptionists, who rank fairly low on the administrative totem pole . Getting a position as a senior administrative service manager is not easy. The competition is very intense, and there are various elements that employers look at. Chief among them are one's level of experience and previous job records.
Administrative jobs are available throughout a given organization. Senior administrative managers, for example, usually deal with the coordination and supervision of the various functional departments of an organization. The administrative managers ensure that all sectors are running efficiently and effectively.
Low-level administrative jobs entail receiving visitors to the organization, operating at a telephone exchange desk, and receiving and replying to mail on behalf of senior managers. The low-level administrator normally reports to the medium-level service manager. The middle-level service manager ensures the implementation of various departmental policies, as well as formulating overall departmental policies. These managers also set the day-to-day operations of their departments. Of course, the middle-level administrative service managers report to the senior-level administrative managers. The senior-level administrative managers are responsible for the formulation of company-wide human resources policies. Beyond this, they also closely monitor the middle-level managers, in addition to supervising all the employees of the organization.
The nature of administrative service jobs varies from organization to organization. The bigger organizations normally have very elaborate roles for administrative workers. In most big organizations, the administrative managers serving at the most senior levels are required to have knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations. This is because they frequently enter into contracts on behalf of their organizations. Knowledge of the law, then, ensures that they don’t enter into contracts that lead the organization into unnecessary losses.
An administrative service manager can also take up roles at construction sites. At these sites, they take on the role of project managers. A construction site brings a diverse group of professionals together. They might include, but are not limited to, architects, engineers, and land economists, as well as electrical technicians. It is therefore important for the project manager to be well versed in these areas. He/she should be able to liaise with various licensing agencies to ensure that the project runs smoothly. He/she should contact government agencies that regulate the construction of buildings to come and inspect the given site to ensure that all legal requirements pertaining to construction are strictly adhered to.
Areas of Operation
Administrative jobs are more often than not conducted from the confines of a well-furnished and maintained office; however, administrative service managers working as project managers may spend a considerable period of time outside their offices. This is because the projects that they are involved in require close supervision. Some administrative service managers work in companies that operate various branches. This might require them to travel a lot. This can be hectic, but with advances in technology, it is now easier for administrative managers to supervise such branches. They can, for example, provide supervision through real-time video conferencing, which only requires online access and a computer.
Qualifications, Advancement, and Training
The size of an organization will normally determine the minimum qualifications and experience required for one to be employed as an administrative service manager. In small organizations, office managers are only required to have a little office management experience. Larger organizations, however, will require specific academic qualifications.
Academic Qualifications
A low-level administrative service manager needs to have a preliminary background in a business-related field. Other than this, students who have only completed high school can get employment.
Bigger organizations, though, will often require one to have an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree from a relevant field. This means that if the organization you would like to work for offers technical services to their clients, then you must have a qualification in the relevant technical field. Other than that, most organizations employ those with undergraduate degrees in business administration.
Administrative service managers working as project managers must have an undergraduate degree in one of the engineering fields, such as electrical, civil, or structural engineering.
Relevant experience is a definite plus for anyone looking for administrative jobs. Strong leadership skills as well as interpersonal skills are valued attributes in an administrative service manager. You must be able to make sound and quick decisions, as well as be good at coordinating various activities.
Advancement in an Administrative Career
In administrative jobs, people normally enter at the lowest level. Your steadfastness as well your commitment to work will see you progress to higher levels in the organization. Taking professional exams in management and enrolling for a master’s degree in business administration will ensure you quickly rise through the ranks.
Job Market
Administrative jobs can be found in various organizations, from government departments to service industries and professional organizations. The organizations pay according to their respective sizes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, one can say that administrative jobs are dynamic, interesting, and provide various avenues for advancement. With the right education and experience, you can go places. People who are aspiring to work in administrative jobs should have a passion for working with people, as well as the ability to make quick and sound decisions. The pay is relatively good across companies, and once you make a mark in this type of job, you may never be jobless again.
