Become an Office Manager
Find the information you need to become an office administrator.
Office administrators are vital to the inner workings of any business. They manage and supervise all of the actions and activities that are involved in running an operational company. Office managers are essentially jacks-of-all-trades, as they are often responsible for everything from data entry, correspondence and client communication to organizational support and party planning. Office administrators are often the exterior face of an office, greeting clients, employees and visitors and helping to direct them as needed.
Degree Options
Although most administrative support positions begin as entry-level, employers may prefer or require you to have office administration training. Many schools offer office assistant and office administrator certificates, diplomas and associates degree programs that will give you a solid foundation in the professional skills and required technology that will help you succeed in the field. Most office administrator training programs require a relatively low time commitment—the longest of programs last up to a year—and are generally less expensive than other business degree options.
Necessary Skills
Because office managers usually work with other office staff, they should be cooperative and able to work as part of a team. Employers prefer individuals who are able to perform a variety of tasks and satisfy the needs of the many departments within a company, including the following abilities and skills:
- Good communication skills
- Detail-oriented
- Willingness to adapt to new situations
- Competent with office computer systems and industry software
Career Options
Experienced and well-trained office administrators have a variety of career options available to them in almost every field of business, as well as in many legal and medical jobs. The career landscape can be quite competitive, and while the increased competition can make finding work more difficult, it does mean that salaries climb in response. Office administration positions range from general office managers to more specific roles such as:
- Accounting Assistant
- Bookkeeper
- Business Executive Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
- Health Claims Administrator
- Legal Secretary
- Loan Officer
- Medical Office Manager
- Law Office Manager
- Payroll Accountant
- Word Processor
Office managers and administrators are part of the larger field of Administrative Services Managers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for Administrative Services Managers is $77,890. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.