Why Earn a Computer Office Assistant Associate Degree?
Receptionists, administrative assistants, secretaries, and other office staff are the glue that holds a business together. They coordinate the schedules of managers and executives and perform the day to day tasks that enable companies to work efficiently and profitably.
Modern office assistant positions are reliant upon knowledge of the most current office software programs and other technologies, in addition to traditional skills like customer service, scheduling, and organization practices. A Computer Office Assistant Associate Degree program prepares students for all the responsibilities expected of a modern office professional. Graduates will be able to pursue entry-level office support positions with a variety of companies.
Career Possibilities
Occupational Outlook and Growth
Graduates of a Computer Office Assistant Associate Degree program are prepared for a variety of office support positions. They may find a career as a secretary or administrative assistant, data entry clerk, or related professional careers. Depending on the employer, there may also be opportunity for advancement to more senior office positions.
The US Department of Labor, www.bls.gov, believes that there will be lower demand for office assistants and other support personnel, as increasing technology results in many traditional duties being replaced by computer software functions. While this may be true, those positions that are available will be filled by candidates who are the most familiar with these technologies. A Computer Office Assistant Associate Degree program intends to provide students with the skills that will be sought after by employers today and into the future.
Salary Information
Most entry-level office assistant positions have starting salaries of $20,000 to $25,000 per year, according to PayScale.com, www.payscale.com. Larger metropolitan areas offer slightly higher salaries, but increased cost of living must be taken into account.
Administrative Assistant positions offer pay significantly higher than general office assistant or data entry clerk positions. According to the US Department of Labor, www.bls.gov, top earning Administrative Assistants earn over $54,000 per year.
Degree Specifics
Required Coursework
A Computer Office Assistant Associate Degree program educates students in the traditional office duties required by most industries as well as the most up to date computer software programs in common use. Students can expect to study the following subjects:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Communications
- Office Software
- Word processing- Word, WordPerfect
- Spreadsheets- Excel
- Databases
- Presentation Software- PowerPoint
- Mail- Lotus Notes, Outlook, Thunderbird
- Customer Service
- Data Entry
- Dictation, Transcription, and Shorthand
- Office Scheduling and Payroll
Skills Learned
Graduates of a Computer Office Assistant Associate Degree program will have the skills needed to succeed in a modern professional environment. Some of the skills learned will include:
- Preparing presentations, documents, and spreadsheets to the specifications of company executives and managers
- Become fluent in the most common office software programs and develop the ability to learn new programs quickly
- Transcribe dictated messages into an easily readable format
- Answer a multi-line phone system professionally and efficiently
- Correct posture and technique for touch typing on a QWERTY keyboard as well as 10 key keyboarding
- General professional demeanor and appearance in accordance with company standards
- Interact with customers and clients, both face to face and over the phone and be able to route their inquiries as necessary.
