How to Become an Administrative Assistant

If you are highly organized, enjoy helping people, and are skilled at clerical work, then you may want to consider a career as an administrative assistant. It is a respected and professional job that, for the right person, can lead to other positions within a business. If you think this career is right for you, then the steps below will show you how to become an administrative assistant.

1. Early Preparation

If you are still in high school, and plan on entering this field after graduation, then it is wise to take classes in school that relate to this profession. Make sure to do your best in classes like English, mathematics, psychology, and communications. You should also enroll in electives like keyboarding and accounting, which are necessary skills for any administrative assistant or secretary.

To really give yourself an advantage, you should try and secure a summer job or internship working in an office. This hands-on experience will make you more appealing to future employers and, if you do a good job, can turn into a permanent position.

2. Get Certified

Although you may feel like your high school education has prepared you well enough for a career as administrative assistant, it always helps to earn a certification. Even if  you already have a job arranged — you never know what the future holds. Businesses close, people move, and cutbacks are made, and if for some reason you find yourself without a job, then you will have a much easier time getting another position if you are certified.

Also, you will undoubtedly learn new things that will enhance your skills and improve your job performance. Getting certified is the first step in building a long and productive career.

3. Earn an Associate’s Degree

You can earn your associate’s degree by continuing your education after becoming certified as an administrative assistant, or you can start directly in the two year program. Earning your degree will best prepare you for the job, and many employers prefer to hire candidates with more education.

In the associate’s program, you learn more than just the basics and will explore topics such as bookkeeping, transcription, website design, and accounting. After successfully completing the courses and exams, you will earn a higher certification and the designation as a professional administrative assistant.

Where to get Training?

If you choose to take steps two or three, then you will need to enroll in a college or technical school. Most community colleges offer some type of administrative assistant programs, but many people prefer to get their training through an online college. With a virtual school, you have a better chance of finding the specific program that you want, and you have the ability to study when and how you prefer. This flexibility makes it easier to get a head start on your career as you can work in an office while going to school at night or in your free time.

With a sound knowledge of how to become an administrative assistant, you are ready to take your first steps in joining this fulfilling career. Those with the right skills and the proper education will find success and possibly promotion within this field.