Administrative Assistant Job Description - Salary, Education and Career Guide for becoming an Administrative Assistant

Today's administrative assistant careers are challenging and rewarding. They are far different from the old days of simple secretarial chores such as typing and answering phones. Today, the administrative assistant is the "go-to" person in the office and the one who is the trusted bridge between employees and the boss.
 
Clerical positions are easy enough to find, but those who want to rise to the top must hone their skills, further their education and even become specialized.

Job Description

The administrative assistant's job is to keep an office running smoothly. Clear communication, including written correspondence, is a critical component. Clerical staff considering administrative assistant careers should be well spoken and have exceptional grammar and spelling abilities. Employers value skill in the operation of office equipment, particularly modern technologies.
 
A sense of teamwork is a key to success, whether it is with the boss or managerial and clerical staff. While more executives are performing many of their own scheduling duties, they commonly share one assistant. Assisting several executives requires a high level of multi-tasking capability and confidence.
 
While filing and answering phones are still necessities, administrative assistant jobs offer options for going beyond the mundane. Office managers may be making photocopies one minute and planning a major company event the next. In larger companies, secretaries and clerks report to the administrative assistant.
 
Typical tasks for which administrative assistant employees are responsible include :
  • database management
  • employee training
  • meeting room setups
  • project management
  • public relations
  • newsletter design
  • travel arrangements.
Working conditions vary widely based on the company's size and the nature of its business. Executive settings naturally provide a plusher environment while a warehouse office might be dim and decidedly lacking in glamour. Administrative assistant employment is available in many sectors from law offices to schools and nursing homes.

Salary Guide

Administrative assistant employment salaries are as varied as job types. Recent statistics show that an entry-level position begins around $23,000. The starting pay for executive level positions is approximately $60,000. A mid-range of about $40,000 for 20 or more years experience is an average that varies according to region and business type.

Education and Training

Skills learned in high school can definitely translate into the beginnings of an administrative assistant career. Many elect to continue their education through vocational classes or other training.
 
Some gain an edge in a competitive marketplace with an associate's degree. For higher-level positions, a bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement. Individuals can pursue specialized master's degrees in office management. As the field of office management expands, certification is becoming essential for success. The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation is widely respected.
 
Those who wish to become a legal or medical administrative assistant should plan to seek out specialized courses. These classes teach proper terminology and may require additional training to stay up-to-date on current practices. The administrative education field is one that provides a full range of both on-line and campus options.
 
Employment experts stress the importance of continuing education. Many businesses provide these resources, which can include vendor assistance with new equipment and software support. Candidates who show an eagerness and dedication to learning new technologies are in greater demand.

Prior Work Experience

Administrative assistants come from all types of environments and past occupations. Some begin their path just after high school with part-time employment. Prior work experience that includes extended knowledge of most popular software programs is most useful in general terms. In specific industries, experience in a related job or internship is helpful.

Career Advancement

Almost every business requires some type of administrative assistance. Medium to large companies provide greater opportunities for growth. Office assistants can easily expect to find career advancement as their bosses move up the corporate ladder.
 
Developing a specialty or taking additional courses can lead to more responsibilities and higher pay. An experienced administrative assistant can become self-employed as a virtual assistant with the right marketing tools for finding clients.
 
Some administrative assistants progress into management with the proper training and skill development.

Related Associations and Groups

Administration assistants should become a member of at least one of the following groups:
  • Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals (AEAP)
  • International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
  • International Association of Virtual Office Assistants (IAVOA).
These associations can be beneficial for administrative assistants in both new and established careers.
 

 
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