Secretaries and administrative assistants (except legal, medical, and executive) perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.
Administrative assistant jobs are to schedule operational activities, execute sales or other financial transactions, make travel accommodations or entertainment arrangements for others, conduct research or prepare technical reports and maintain medical records.
The administrative functions of administrative assistants include communication, answering and transferring phone calls, sending emails to clients, forwarding those emails from clients to appropriate recipients, handling clients’ concerns and complaints, indulging in business correspondence and greeting visitors in the office.
An administrative assistant salary depends on several factors, including specific responsibilities, duties and geographic location. Administrative assistants work in office environments in a range of industries. Many are employed by schools, hospitals, private enterprises, legal and medical offices, and government agencies.
To be competent in the work of administrative assistant jobs, one should be highly organized and efficient, have the ability to prioritize, be professional, courteous and work in a team, should possess a strong sense of discretion and have a fast typing speed. Excellent written communication skills and proficiency with MS Office are also desirable to succeed as an executive secretary or administrative functions.
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.