Business Administration
What is an Administrative Assistant?
Jan
What is an Administrative Assistant?
If you’re passionate about helping people, detail-oriented and like working in a team environment, a career as a Business Administrative Assistant might be for you! Administrative Assistants provide support to managers, employees and customers, by handling a variety of office related tasks. Approximately 4,500 Albertans are employed in this field and that number is expected to keep growing next year.
What Does an Administrative Assistant Do?
As an Administrative Assistant, you will complete everyday office and organization tasks, keeping administration functions running smoothly in a business environment. While your responsibilities can vary depending on the type of office you work in, some common duties include:
- Answering the phone, managing voicemail and following-up on inquiries
- Manage schedules for travel, professional meetings and personal appointments
- Handle incoming emails, memos, mail and other forms of communication
- Perform basic bookkeeping
- Organize important files and documentation
- Draft supporting documents for meetings, conferences or presentations
- Prepare reports or notes on data that is relevant to the company
- Track office inventory and manage ordering supplies
What Qualifications Do You Need?
Many employers in Alberta require Administrative Assistants to have a college education or apprenticeship training with computer skills, both of which could be achieved through an Administrative Assistant program. No matter your age, this is a great career to dive into if you’re interested in being a resource to others and managing business administration. Individuals who work in this field enjoy – coordinating, organizing, supervising, processing information and client relations. This role also requires skills such as an attention to detail, a desire to be proactive and the ability to create a positive experience for others in the office.
What Kind of Companies Are Hiring?
Depending on the type of environment you would like to work in, you could be employed in almost any kind of company. Companies that are often hiring for this role in Alberta include: medical offices, law offices, small businesses, retailers and even government offices.
Administrative assistants are needed in virtually every industry.
How Much Do Administrative Assistants Make?
While many Administrative Assistant roles are full time, some individuals are able to work part time depending on the needs of a company. Salaries for Administrative Assistants vary depending on the individual’s level of experience and education, the location of the position, and which industry the company operates in. According to the Government of Canada’s job bank, the average business administration salary for Albertans is $26.44 per hour.
