Time management is one of the most important skills of an administrative assistant. After all, you need to be able to juggle many different tasks. Answering phone calls, organizing files, booking meetings and appointments, preparing presentations…the list goes on.
So how can you get everything done without missing a beat or losing your mind?
We’ve put together some practical time management tips for administrative assistants that can help you stay on track.
Updated May 2023
Like the idea of managing schedules, solving problems, and being an indispensable aide to the boss? A career as an executive assistant could be perfect for you.
Executive assistants provide specialized, high-level administrative support to senior personnel. They coordinate executives’ calendars and make sure their bosses have the information and materials they need to do their jobs effectively.
But what does that really mean? What does an executive assistant actually do, and what does it take to thrive in this role?
In this post, we take you through an executive assistant’s typical responsibilities as well as the skills and training required to get started in this career.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Updated December 2024
Administrative assistants play a pivotal role in every office. They are multitasking rock stars who handle the clerical, organizational, and communication tasks that keep a business running smoothly.
So is an administrative assistant career a good choice for you? Does this role fit your needs and goals?
Before you can answer that, you need to weigh some key factors. These include things like job options, earning potential, and career outlook. You should also think about whether you have the personality and natural strengths this role requires.
At Herzing College, we've been training office administrators for decades. Based on our experience, these are the five points to consider before you make a decision.
Updated December 2023
Like the idea of an administrative support role? Prefer the flexibility of working from home? If you become a virtual assistant, you can have both.
Virtual assistants are home-based professionals who perform clerical and communications tasks for businesses and organizations. That can include anything from responding to emails and booking appointments to preparing documents and corresponding with clients.
So what does it take to get into this field? How do you actually become a virtual assistant?
In this post, we walk you through virtual assistant job options, training, important skills, and how to get started.
Here's everything you need to know.
Updated December 2023
Don't think administrative assistants need specific training to do their jobs well? Think again! This role is increasingly important—and increasingly complex.
Admin assistants are needed in businesses and organizations of every stripe and size, from non-profits to start-ups to multinational corporations. No professional team can survive without skilled administrators keeping the wheels turning.
So it's no surprise that trained, talented assistants are highly sought after. The Government of Canada Job Bank is predicting steady demand for office administrators in most of the country through 2025, with particularly strong prospects in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and the Yukon.
What exactly will you need to take advantage of those job opportunities and build a successful career as an office assistant?
Start with the top five skills taught in quality office assistant training. These are the competencies absolutely every employer is looking for.
Updated December 2024
Administrative assistants are an integral part of most companies. They assist with day-to-day operations, deal with the public, and support upper-level executives.
Without office assistants, organizations simply wouldn’t run smoothly. So it’s no surprise that office assistant jobs are in demand across Canada. We did a search for "administrative assistant" in the Government of Canada Job Bank and found more than 5,500 listings.
And administrative assistant is just one of many jobs available for people trained in the right office skills.
In this post, we’ll explore four different administrative assistant careers. We’ll break down each role, responsibilities, and the average salary for each position.
At the end of the post, we'll cover training requirements to become an admin assistant and links to learn more. Let's get started.
Updated December 2023
If you’re considering a career as an administrative assistant, you’re probably wondering what life’s really like on the job. Is the role right for you? What should you know up front before you invest in training?
Unfortunately, the information out there is sometimes unclear. What exactly does an administrative assistant do?
Basically, admin assistants help businesses run smoothly by providing clerical support, answering client requests, scheduling appointments, and organizing projects.
If that still sounds vague to you, it’s because many specifics of the job depend on the type of organization you choose to work for.
What does it all boil down to? Being a key member of the office support team. No business or organization could function without highly organized, skilled administrative staff.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of this position. By the end of this post, you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect.
Updated December 2023
Administrative assistant sounds like a fairly straightforward job. Don’t assistants just answer phones, get coffee, and do filing?
Not exactly. Maybe this job used to be simpler—before the internet, complex office software, and growing demands on business administrators.
But today, administrative assistants play an absolutely vital role in every successful company and organization. Filing and phones are part of the job description, but there’s a lot more to it.
So why is this role so important, and what does an admin assistant really do? Let’s break down the 10 most common tasks and responsibilities.
Take a look at what the position involves and see if office administration is the right career for you.
Updated November 2022
When most people think about the challenges of running an office, the very first thing that comes to mind is multitasking.
Offices are hubs of activity. They are the nerve centre of every company, small business, government agency, and community organization.
Offices are, by definition, busy environments where employees coordinate projects, hold meetings, pitch ideas, and carry out routine operations.
Updated May 2023
There's a common misconception that office support staff have it easy. Because they're not primary decision-makers or managing a whole department, many are quick to assume the job is simple—something anyone could do.
Nothing could be further from the truth! Administrative assistants are the engine of every office. They keep daily operations running smoothly, handle all kinds of last-minute emergencies, and in many ways, act as the "face" of a company.
