Administrative work includes a variety of activities that help keep an office running smoothly and efficiently. Administrative professionals, also called support professionals, may work in their employer’s offices in commercial, educational, governmental, or industrial settings. They may also work remotely, as “virtual assistants.” Some are self-employed and work on a contract basis. Administrative professionals may support one person or a number of people. They are known by a variety of titles, and their duties may include such tasks as answering telephones, managing calendars, ordering supplies, and writing business communications. Many also coordinate office procedures, manage projects, plan meetings and events, supervise other support personnel, and train staff. Some are involved in strategic planning at an executive level and may act as executives’ representatives within or outside their offices or companies.
Millions of people are employed as administrative professionals worldwide. Some begin such jobs after completing high school. But many employers prefer to hire people who have earned certification or a degree from a business school, community college, or university. People who wish to become administrative professionals should study such subjects as accounting , business administration, business law, language arts , and office management, as well as computer software and office technology. Support positions in such fields as law and medicine may require specialized training and certification.
Some people begin working as receptionists and advance to such positions as administrative assistant, executive administrative assistant, and executive assistant. Administrative assistants also may advance to managerial positions. The term secretary sometimes is used to describe certain administrative positions. However, some people consider this term to be demeaning.
