What is an Administrative Assistant

Possibly you have heard the term ‘administrative assistant’ before, probably in association with a large company or corporation. And even more interesting, you may have heard that administrative assistants can make quite a decent salary just for doing something called ‘assisting’. This begs the question, “Exactly what is an administrative assistant?” An administrative assistant is someone who handles or supports the day to day conduct of their employer’s enterprises. Unlike a general secretary, administrative assistants usually work as support for a company’s top executives.

Duties of an Administrative Assistant

In order to effectively run their business many people find themselves blurring the lines between their business and private lives. The job of the administrative assistant is to help alleviate this problem usually by streamlining some aspect of their employer’s affairs. This can entail many duties from the merely secretarial such as filing documents, to the highly personal such as scheduling actives for the family of their employer.

All administrative assistants will need to be able to work a computer, use a fax machine, create schedules, and work well with other people. If you try to succeed without the proper knowledge you will likely find yourself asking time and time again, “what is an administrative assistant to do in this situation?” In order to avoid confusion you should make sure you are ready to meet the requirements your employer will place upon you. The wellbeing of your job will often be in the hands of those you act in support of, so good business skills are a must for potential administrative assistants.

Requirements to Become an Administrative Assistant

Many of the highest paying executives will only hire assistants who have attended one of the top undergraduate business administration schools in the country. Additionally you may be required to obtain certification before you begin work. As time goes on, more and more people are noticing the value of the skills administrative assistants use. Many administrative assistants go on to high profile careers in the world of commerce. Many people use their job as an administrative assistant as a stepping stone for other career moves.

Many people who want to be work in an administrative position go on to college institutions after they find out what is an administrative assistant. One benefit of this is that many universities have alumni that have powerful friends in the business world. At college you will learn how to use critical administrative assistant tools like excel, mobile computers, and Smartphones. You will also learn the proper methods for conducting a business meeting. Many college programs will require that students be subjected to strenuous study and reading for up to four years. If you want to be an administrative assistant you should know there is no room for slacking off in college. After obtaining an education you will be ready to seek employment as an administrative assistant.

Administrative assistants earn an average of $40,030 annual, according to a 2008 survey. With all the skills, certifications, patience, knowledge, and education that administrative assistants require to do their job most people don’t mind them raking in the big money. Those who think they want to become administrative assistants just for the high starting salary must keep in mind the education required to get there. But they may also take into account the opportunities that will be opened to them if they pursue such a career. A good place to acquire more information on what is an administrative assistant is your local library.