To obtain admission into a college or university program leading to a diploma or degree in office administration, you first have to pass the basic skills tests in reading and writing. For admission to a program for the entry-level administrative assistant job in an accounting firm or a lawyer’s office, you may also have to pass the basic skills test in Math. As an Administrative Assistant, you will have to perform tasks that involve program management, supervision of staff, contract administration or property management, depending on the nature of the focus of the business or organization you work with.
The minimum requirements for the first level of Administrative Assistant – Level 1, you should have forty courses in office administration from a technical or vocational college or a Bachelor’s degree in Office Administration or a related field. Experience is essential to obtain a job at this level and the internship work term for your diploma or degree is not sufficient. At least two years of experience working in an administrative capacity, either in a private or business office, is necessary. If you have a Master’s degree in the required administrative field, you are deemed to have already met the education and experience requirements.
In addition to the education and experience required for this level of administrative assistant, you should be very knowledgeable about the operation of a central office. This means you must know and understand the principles of management and be able to apply them in different settings. You should have excellent interpersonal skills to enable you to deal effectively and appropriately with other staff members and the senior administration. Above all, you should possess good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
To advance to the second level of administrative assistant, Level 11- it is expected that you have met the requirements of Level 1. You will need to have three or more years of experience working as in a Level 1 position and have good work performance evaluations in this position. Coordination of projects and management services are two of the responsibilities that you may have to perform in the senior position as well as advising the administration on matter related to management. During the time you spend at the Level 1 position, you can take additional courses in areas that are specific to the company you work with. This will qualify you as being a specialist in a certain area and guarantee that you will be promoted to the Level 11 position.
