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samantha
Student
Beaverton, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
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what jobs will I be able to get doing office administration? How many words a minute will I need to be able to type? What computer programs will I need to learn?
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5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Samantha!
Jobs Available in Office Administration
In the field of office administration, there are a variety of job roles that you can pursue. These positions typically involve managing office tasks, supporting staff, and ensuring smooth operations within an organization. Here are some common job titles you might consider:
Administrative Assistant: This role involves performing clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining files.
Office Manager: An office manager oversees the administrative functions of an office, including supervising staff and managing budgets.
Receptionist: Receptionists are often the first point of contact for visitors and clients; they handle phone calls, greet guests, and manage appointment schedules.
Executive Assistant: This position provides high-level administrative support to executives or senior managers, often involving more complex tasks such as project management and communication with stakeholders.
Data Entry Clerk: Data entry clerks focus on inputting information into databases or systems accurately and efficiently.
Human Resources Assistant: In this role, you would assist with HR functions like recruitment, onboarding new employees, and maintaining employee records.
These roles can be found across various industries including healthcare, finance, education, government agencies, and non-profits.
Typing Speed Requirements
For most office administration jobs, a typing speed of at least 40 to 60 words per minute (WPM) is generally considered acceptable. However, higher speeds (70 WPM or more) can be advantageous in roles that require extensive data entry or documentation tasks. Improving your typing speed can enhance your efficiency in completing tasks.
To measure your typing speed accurately, you can use online tools such as TypingTest.com which provide assessments along with tips for improvement.
Essential Computer Programs to Learn
Proficiency in certain computer programs is crucial for success in office administration roles. Here are some key software applications you should consider learning:
Microsoft Office Suite:
Word: For document creation and formatting.
Excel: For data analysis using spreadsheets; essential for budgeting and reporting.
PowerPoint: For creating presentations.
Outlook: For email management and calendar scheduling.
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite):
Similar functionalities to Microsoft Office but cloud-based; includes Google Docs (Word), Google Sheets (Excel), Google Slides (PowerPoint), and Gmail.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software:
Familiarity with CRM tools like Salesforce or HubSpot can be beneficial if your role involves client interaction or sales support.
Project Management Tools:
Knowledge of tools like Trello or Asana may be useful for managing tasks and projects effectively.
Basic Accounting Software:
Understanding software like QuickBooks can be helpful if your role involves financial tracking or invoicing.
Communication Tools:
Familiarity with platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams is increasingly important for collaboration in modern workplaces.
By developing skills in these areas—typing speed along with proficiency in relevant software—you will enhance your employability in the field of office administration significantly.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salaries, and educational requirements for various occupations including those in office administration.
Payscale.com: This site offers insights into salary ranges based on job titles within office administration as well as skills that are valued by employers.
Indeed Career Guide: Indeed provides resources on job descriptions, required skills for various positions in office administration, and advice on how to prepare for these roles effectively.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Jobs Available in Office Administration
In the field of office administration, there are a variety of job roles that you can pursue. These positions typically involve managing office tasks, supporting staff, and ensuring smooth operations within an organization. Here are some common job titles you might consider:
Administrative Assistant: This role involves performing clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining files.
Office Manager: An office manager oversees the administrative functions of an office, including supervising staff and managing budgets.
Receptionist: Receptionists are often the first point of contact for visitors and clients; they handle phone calls, greet guests, and manage appointment schedules.
Executive Assistant: This position provides high-level administrative support to executives or senior managers, often involving more complex tasks such as project management and communication with stakeholders.
Data Entry Clerk: Data entry clerks focus on inputting information into databases or systems accurately and efficiently.
Human Resources Assistant: In this role, you would assist with HR functions like recruitment, onboarding new employees, and maintaining employee records.
These roles can be found across various industries including healthcare, finance, education, government agencies, and non-profits.
Typing Speed Requirements
For most office administration jobs, a typing speed of at least 40 to 60 words per minute (WPM) is generally considered acceptable. However, higher speeds (70 WPM or more) can be advantageous in roles that require extensive data entry or documentation tasks. Improving your typing speed can enhance your efficiency in completing tasks.
To measure your typing speed accurately, you can use online tools such as TypingTest.com which provide assessments along with tips for improvement.
Essential Computer Programs to Learn
Proficiency in certain computer programs is crucial for success in office administration roles. Here are some key software applications you should consider learning:
Microsoft Office Suite:
Word: For document creation and formatting.
Excel: For data analysis using spreadsheets; essential for budgeting and reporting.
PowerPoint: For creating presentations.
Outlook: For email management and calendar scheduling.
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite):
Similar functionalities to Microsoft Office but cloud-based; includes Google Docs (Word), Google Sheets (Excel), Google Slides (PowerPoint), and Gmail.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software:
Familiarity with CRM tools like Salesforce or HubSpot can be beneficial if your role involves client interaction or sales support.
Project Management Tools:
Knowledge of tools like Trello or Asana may be useful for managing tasks and projects effectively.
Basic Accounting Software:
Understanding software like QuickBooks can be helpful if your role involves financial tracking or invoicing.
Communication Tools:
Familiarity with platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams is increasingly important for collaboration in modern workplaces.
By developing skills in these areas—typing speed along with proficiency in relevant software—you will enhance your employability in the field of office administration significantly.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salaries, and educational requirements for various occupations including those in office administration.
Payscale.com: This site offers insights into salary ranges based on job titles within office administration as well as skills that are valued by employers.
Indeed Career Guide: Indeed provides resources on job descriptions, required skills for various positions in office administration, and advice on how to prepare for these roles effectively.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Elizabeth Sobolewski
Project Management
3
Answers
Redwood City, California
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hello Samantha,
Great question and something that is near and dear to my heart. When I started in the corporate world it was as a receptionist which is a great first step into office administration. From that entry level receptionist/office administration position you can learn so much and really take your career in many different directions. You might find yourself really enjoying the office manager type position or you might find project management more interesting and in having a more visible role that'll open a lot of doors for you.
I believe for those office administration roles like admins and executive assistants whose jobs heavily rely on computer skills, the average typing speed is around 60 words per minute.
You'll likely encounter programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, PPT, Excel), Outlook, Google Suite (email, docs, sheets, slides, forms), Smartsheet, Asana, LucidChart. I have found that a lot of this learning will happen on the job though as you go.
Great question and something that is near and dear to my heart. When I started in the corporate world it was as a receptionist which is a great first step into office administration. From that entry level receptionist/office administration position you can learn so much and really take your career in many different directions. You might find yourself really enjoying the office manager type position or you might find project management more interesting and in having a more visible role that'll open a lot of doors for you.
I believe for those office administration roles like admins and executive assistants whose jobs heavily rely on computer skills, the average typing speed is around 60 words per minute.
You'll likely encounter programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, PPT, Excel), Outlook, Google Suite (email, docs, sheets, slides, forms), Smartsheet, Asana, LucidChart. I have found that a lot of this learning will happen on the job though as you go.
Rebecca Joseph
Substitute Teacher
12
Answers
Pembroke Pines, Florida
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hey Samantha,
Thanks for submitting your question to CareerVillage! I will say that I am so glad that you asked this question. I believe that many people need this question answered honestly. This is the type of question that I have also thought about before, yet still feel somewhat silly for asking because the answer is quite simple-minded. It could even be that my perception of office administration is associated with "boredom" and "a lack of excitement at work. However, I want to assure you that there are many benefits to "office-based" jobs.
Here are some of the benefits of office-based work environments.
1. There is a stability that comes from working in the office. As an employee, you know that financial stability is guaranteed with consistent paychecks coming in at the time every month, allowing you to cover bills, experiences/outings and emergencies (PTO and sick days).
2. You're able to build relationships more fluidly. Being around the same individuals every day allow you to know people in a more structured environment.
3. You always learn something new. Often times, working in administrative roles, you get the added benefit of having your tasks stay the same. Still, there are times where you may switched to a new program or interface allowing to build comfort and confidence in your skillset.
In addition, office jobs may be "few and far-between" but there are jobs that require office administrative experience including, but not limited to:
- data entry
- auditing clerk
- customer service representative
- file & production clerk
- administrative specialist
- receptionist
-executive assistant
- administrative assistant
- personal or virtual assistant
- office manager
- office clerk
The opportunities are endless - it's up to you to figure out you'd do with your experience!
Some key things to keep in mind:
* You need to be able to type 40-60 words per minute
Programs like Microsoft Office (Word, PPT, Excel), Outlook, Teams, Gmail, Asana, Trello, Calendly, Monday.com are some good ones to start experimenting with. But, the specified programs your job might use may differ.
I hope I helped.
Good luck,
Rebecca
Thanks for submitting your question to CareerVillage! I will say that I am so glad that you asked this question. I believe that many people need this question answered honestly. This is the type of question that I have also thought about before, yet still feel somewhat silly for asking because the answer is quite simple-minded. It could even be that my perception of office administration is associated with "boredom" and "a lack of excitement at work. However, I want to assure you that there are many benefits to "office-based" jobs.
Here are some of the benefits of office-based work environments.
1. There is a stability that comes from working in the office. As an employee, you know that financial stability is guaranteed with consistent paychecks coming in at the time every month, allowing you to cover bills, experiences/outings and emergencies (PTO and sick days).
2. You're able to build relationships more fluidly. Being around the same individuals every day allow you to know people in a more structured environment.
3. You always learn something new. Often times, working in administrative roles, you get the added benefit of having your tasks stay the same. Still, there are times where you may switched to a new program or interface allowing to build comfort and confidence in your skillset.
In addition, office jobs may be "few and far-between" but there are jobs that require office administrative experience including, but not limited to:
- data entry
- auditing clerk
- customer service representative
- file & production clerk
- administrative specialist
- receptionist
-executive assistant
- administrative assistant
- personal or virtual assistant
- office manager
- office clerk
The opportunities are endless - it's up to you to figure out you'd do with your experience!
Some key things to keep in mind:
* You need to be able to type 40-60 words per minute
Programs like Microsoft Office (Word, PPT, Excel), Outlook, Teams, Gmail, Asana, Trello, Calendly, Monday.com are some good ones to start experimenting with. But, the specified programs your job might use may differ.
I hope I helped.
Good luck,
Rebecca
Elizabeth Jordan
Administrative Assistant
3
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Samantha! Great question! A few career options that you could pursue with a major in office administration are office assistant, administrative assistant, executive assistant, or office administrator. I use Microsoft office for my position as an administrative assistant. Some applications we use every day are Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for scheduling calendar meetings and answering emails. Excel can be an excellent tool for an administrative role, especially if you are using or creating spreadsheets daily. I have not experienced a requirement for having to type at a certain rate per minute. Being organized and time management are highly valued skills in an administrative role.
I hope this helps and good luck!!
I hope this helps and good luck!!
Melissa Mullins
Operations
5
Answers
Bloomingdale, Illinois
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
There are so many needs for office administration. Understanding how to effectively manage the day-to-day of the business you're working for is an incredibly invaluable role. There are so many industries that require an office administrator so you will have a lot to choose from.
Not sure on exact words per minute but you do need to be proficient in office programs like Microsoft Office or Google Suites.
Good luck to you!
There are so many needs for office administration. Understanding how to effectively manage the day-to-day of the business you're working for is an incredibly invaluable role. There are so many industries that require an office administrator so you will have a lot to choose from.
Not sure on exact words per minute but you do need to be proficient in office programs like Microsoft Office or Google Suites.
Good luck to you!