Studying Oil & Gas Administrative Assistance: Degrees at a Glance
The administrative professional uses a specialized skill set to ensure the smooth operation of businesses in the oil and gas industry. Specialists in the field perform a range of administrative tasks, such as bookkeeping, filing, telephone inquiries and mail distribution. Businesses in the oil and gas field seek professionals who possess a basic understanding of the contract and billing procedures used in the industry. However, finding an administrative assistant educational program that focuses specifically on the oil and gas industry may be difficult.
The diploma program can prepare you for entry-level office clerk and administrative positions in and out of the oil and gas industry. The associate's degree, while it might not be required, can prepare you for a career as an administrative service manager in a large oil and gas organization. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected average job growth for secretaries and administrative assistants in all industries, indicating these professionals could expect 12% job growth from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov).
| Diploma | Associate's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals seeking entry-level support jobs in multiple sectors | People interested in a career administrative services management |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - General office clerk ($29,000)* - Secretary or administrative assistant ($33,000)* - Accounting clerk ($36,000)* | - Administrative services manager ($87,000)* |
| Time to Completion | Up to 1 year full-time | 2 years full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Roughly 35 credits | - Roughly 60 credits |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Diploma in Business
The diploma program offers the basic knowledge required to understand business operations and administrative procedures. Schools design programs to explore the importance of financial literacy, management and office procedures. Most programs offer technology courses that cover current productivity packages used in most business environments. You might spend time working on computers in a laboratory environment. Keep in mind that many diploma programs are designed as career programs, which prepare students for direct entry into a designated profession.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Accounting clerks earned relatively competitive mean annual salaries of $40,000*
- Advancement to administrative managerial positions usually does not require additional education
- Employers are seeking candidates with education beyond high school
Cons
- Secretaries and administrative assistants would only see an increase in jobs of 12% from 2010-2020**
- Some programs might not offer financial aid
- Pursuing certification will require a commitment of time and finances
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010-2020 job growth projections).
Courses and Requirements
The diploma program delivers a basic understanding of office procedures through courses in bookkeeping, data management and productivity software training. Schools design their programs to meet the needs of people seeking entry-level positions in multiple business environments. Some programs offer students an office technology or administrative assistance internship. You can expect to take courses in office editing skills, business mathematics, office procedures, software integration, accounting, transcription and microcomputer applications.
Online Degree Info
The online diploma program might be designated a certificate program. Online programs offer courses similar to campus-based options. You might find that schools offer some programs in executive assistance. You will take courses that develop your keyboarding speed and understanding of business writing. Keep in mind that online programs require access to updated technologies, such as current computer operating systems, for successful completion.
Stand Out with This Degree
Current computer skills and knowledge of the oil and gas industry might improve your job prospects. Consider taking additional courses in common financial and project management software. Inquire about internships that will provide exposure to the oil and gas industry during your studies. Opportunities for advancement to office management or clerical supervisor positions might arise if you learn the details of a company's operations. Consider pursuing standard productivity software certification, such as those offered by Microsoft. Certification validates your skill in the use of a range of applications.
Associate's in Office Technology, Office Administration or Business
An associate's degree program offers advanced classes that cover business operations and management. Some schools deliver programs in administrative assistance and they focus on professionalism, customer service and document processing, to name a few. You will learn a range of concepts and theories that address technology, communication and accounting techniques.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Administrative services managers earned a competitive annual salary of $87,000*
- The oil and gas industry might offer a stronger economic backbone during difficult economic times
- Programs provide the foundation required to pursue a bachelor's degree
Cons
- Seeking an associate's degree might not be required for positions in the industry; many positions only require a high school diploma
- Positions paid a mean annual salary between $30,000 and $40,000, whether a candidate possessed an associate's degree or not*
- Competition against bachelor's or master's degree holders might present a challenge for some administrative services manager opportunities
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Courses and Requirements
The associate's degree program offers advanced courses in business and computer applications. Students may spend time in a laboratory environment learning to process documents using productivity software. You can expect to take courses in keyboarding, secretarial practices, data processing, accounting, word processing and advanced computer software.
Online Degree Info
The online associate's degree program delivers training similar to traditional programs. You can expect to take courses in business, technology and administrative management. You might find programs that offer training in organizational behavior, business law and leadership. Online programs are usually designed for individuals seeking advancement or a change in career.
Stand Out with This Degree
Similar to the associate's degree program, pursuing certification in common office technologies might improve your job prospects. Consider pursuing internships to begin gaining relevant experience; administrative services managers should have solid experience in a range of business-related tasks.
