Alicia
Certificate in Administrative Assistant worth it?
I’m currently enrolled in college to get a certificate on Administrative Assistant but I’ve seen the job postings and mostly all of them say Masters or they need previous experience. Would I need to get an Associate in Administrative Assistant?
#administrative #administrative-work
5 answers
William Samela
William’s Answer
Hi Alicia, happy Friday!
I lead a team of Administrative Assistants and can tell you that my team comes from all backgrounds and experiences. You'll find that, in joining any group or firm, that they will have specific requirements of what they're looking for. As far as Assistants requiring Masters Degrees, that may only be for very specialized or C level employee support. I think any schooling that can prepare you for the role you want in your field is valuable, so don't discount what that can do for you. For example, my Degree is in English Literature, but I work with a team of over 200 Admin Assistants, so don't limit yourself to one degree/path because you never know where life takes you.
I hope this helps! If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask!
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Really liked your response! Thanks!! You’re very right!
Alicia
Gina M. Wu
Gina M.’s Answer
Hi Alicia,
You certainly don't need a certificate to become an administrative assistant but it doesn't mean it's not good to have either. I didn't have one.
I've been an executive assistant for over 8 years and I started out as a receptionist for 3 years, then I supported two medical directors and the Chief Administrator Officer of a hospital. After medical, I switched over to tech and now I support the Chief People Officer, SVP of Business Operations and SVP of Engineering. And it's been one of the best jobs I've ever had! Nothing is limitless and not hard to pursue if you work hard for it :)
Juliana Penland
Juliana’s Answer
Hi Alicia. Its certainly not a requirement but it would be a good resume builder. It really depends on what you are looking to do after you get that admin job. Are you looking to get a foot in the door and become CEO some day? Or are you simply trying to earn a comfortable living? If you are going for the big bucks - that degree will be key unless you are running your own business. If you are just trying to make a comfortable living, I would say forego it due to cost and time. Always remember to think a couple steps ahead of where you are trying to go.
Melissa Tuttle
Melissa’s Answer
I have been working as an Executive Assistant for over 15 years. You don't need a certificate to be an Administrative Assistant. I started out as an Executive Assistant when I got my Bachelor's of Arts Degree. During college I worked administrative jobs on my college campus. A good way to get into the administrative field is to gain experience in that field by taking entry level administrative assistant jobs and then you can move around within the company. Also starting off as a receptionist is a good way into the administrative field as well. Administrative assistants are needed in any field. They handle the phones, the paperwork, putting together documents, making photo copies, etc.
Melissa
Hi Alicia, I believe you don't need any degree to become an Executive Assistant. I started out as an Office Manager, then became an assistant for an Executive Assistant, and is currently pursuing to be an Executive Assistant. All you need is to start small, be humble to learn more, work hard, get to know people in your office. No job is ever small, and if you're the most organized person in the world, then it's 1 best quality of being an assistant!
Truc Vo
Heather Holmes, CAP
Heather’s Answer
The answer from my perspective is that you do not need a college degree. Have you considered a certification?
The CAP is a great option. You can get that certification and more information from International Association of Administrative Professionals.
Good Luck!