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CAREER OPTIONS
Administrative assistants are employed in organizations of every description.
About one-half of all administrative assistants are employed in firms
providing services, ranging from education and health to legal and business
services. Others work for firms that engage in manufacturing, construction,
wholesale and retail trade, transportation, and communications. Banks,
insurance companies, investment firms, and real estate firms are important
employers, as are Federal, State, and local government agencies..
JOB DESCRIPTION
The specific duties of an administrative assistant depend on the type
of firm in which they are employed. Administrative assistants are responsible
for a variety of administrative and clerical duties that are necessary
to run and maintain organizations efficiently. They schedule appointments,
give information to callers, organize and maintain files, fill out forms,
and take dictation. They may also type letters, make travel arrangements,
or contact clients. In addition, secretaries operate office equipment
like facsimile machines, photocopiers, and telephones with voice mail
capabilities.
Administrative assistants use personal computers to run spreadsheet,
word processing, database management, desktop publishing, and graphics
programs. Executive secretaries or administrative assistants may handle
more complex responsibilities like conducting research, preparing statistical
reports, training employees, and supervising other clerical staff.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NEEDED
Administrative assistants must be proficient in keyboarding and competent
in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and oral communication. Most employers
require knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database management
programs. Shorthand is necessary for some positions. Employers also look
for communication and interpersonal skills, because secretaries must be
tactful in their dealings with many different people. Discretion, judgment,
organizational ability, and initiative are important for higher level
positions. Professional secretaries must be adaptable, versatile, and
be willing to learn to utilize updated software packages and operate new
office equipment.
| ASSOCIATE
IN SCIENCE DEGREE WITH A
MAJOR IN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT |
| Required Core Courses |
Units |
| BUS. 401 Business Communications |
3 |
| CAOT 214 Word Processing I: Word |
1 |
| CAOT 215 Word Processing II: Word |
2 |
| CAOT 225 Spreadsheets I: Excel |
1 |
| CAOT 226 Spreadsheets II: Excel |
2 |
| CAOT 230 Database Applications I: Access |
1 |
| CAOT 400 Internet I |
1.5 |
CAOT 403 HTML & Web Authoring Applications
I |
1.5 |
| SPCH 120 Interpersonal Communication
|
3 |
| Plus a minimum of 8 units
from the following: |
| ACTG 100 Accounting Procedures |
3 |
| ACTG 103 Ten Key Skills |
0.5 |
| ACTG 194 Introduction to QuickBooks
|
1 |
| BUS. 101 Human Relations at Work |
3 |
| BUS. 103 Intro to Business Information
Systems |
3 |
| BUS. 115 Business Math |
1.5-3 |
| BUS. 670 Business Work Experience |
1 |
| CAOT 101 Computer Keyboarding Skill
Building |
1.5 |
| CAOT 104 Intro to Computers with Windows
I |
1.5 |
| CAOT 105 Intro to Computers with Windows
II |
1 |
| CAOT 200 Introduction to MS Office
Suite |
2 |
| CAOT 201 Integration of MS Office Applications
|
1 |
| CAOT 221 Desktop Publishing: Microsoft
Publisher |
1.5 |
| CAOT 222 Business Presentations I |
1 |
| CAOT 223 Business Presentations II
|
1 |
| CAOT 231 Database Applications II: Access |
2 |
| CAOT 301 Maximizing Your Employment
Potential |
1 |
| CAOT 404 HTML & Web Authoring Applications
II |
1.5 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED UNITS IN MAJOR AREA
|
24 |
| Plus General
Education and other requirements for the Associate degree (refer
to Associate Degree Requirements). |
| ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE |
|
Required Courses |
Units |
|
BUS. 400 Business English |
3 |
|
BUS. 401 Business Communications |
3 |
|
CAOT 214 Word Processing I: Word |
1 |
|
CAOT 215 Word Processing II: Word |
2 |
|
CAOT 225 Spreadsheets I: Excel |
1 |
|
CAOT 226 Spreadsheets II: Excel |
2 |
|
CAOT 230 Database Applications I: Access |
1 |
|
CAOT 400 Internet I |
1.5 |
|
CAOT 403 HTML & Web Authoring Applications I |
1.5 |
|
SPCH 120 Interpersonal Communication
|
3 |
| Plus a minimum of 5 units
from the following: |
|
ACTG 100 Accounting Procedures |
3 |
|
ACTG 103 Ten Key Skills |
0.5 |
|
ACTG 194 Introduction to QuickBooks
|
1 |
|
BUS. 101 Human Relations at Work |
3 |
|
BUS. 103 Intro to Business Information
Systems |
3 |
|
BUS. 115 Business Math |
1.5-3 |
|
BUS. 670 Business Work Experience |
1 |
|
CAOT 101 Computer Keyboarding Skill
Building |
1.5 |
|
CAOT 104 Intro to Computers with Windows
I |
1.5 |
|
CAOT 105 Intro to Computers with Windows
II |
1 |
|
CAOT 200 Introduction to MS Office
Suite |
2 |
|
CAOT 201 Integration of MS Office Applications
|
1 |
|
CAOT 221 Desktop Publishing: Microsoft
Publisher |
1.5 |
|
CAOT 222 Business Presentations I |
1 |
|
CAOT 223 Business Presentations II
|
1 |
|
CAOT 231 Database Applications II: Access |
2 |
| CAOT 301 Maximizing Your Employment
Potential |
1 |
|
CAOT 404 HTML & Web Authoring Applications
II |
1.5 |
|
TOTAL REQUIRED UNITS |
24 |
|
Office
Assistant