Should I Become an Administrative Assistant?

• Most entry-level administrative assistant jobs do not require a degree.
• Administrative assistants work in nearly every industry, including government and law.
• Earning an associate degree in administrative assisting may lead to increased earnings.

What Does an Administrative Assistant Do?

Administrative assistants play a key role in keeping an office organized and a business running smoothly. They work in almost every industry and perform a wide variety of daily tasks. While their duties vary based on the organization, most can count on answering telephones and emails, processing mail, scheduling meetings, and performing basic bookkeeping.

Depending on the size of the operation, administrative assistants may report to an executive secretary or their department manager. Tracy Carroll, an academic administrative assistant at Missouri State University, says, "The best part of my job is the variety of tasks and the creativity I get to utilize."

A Day in the Life: Administrative Assistant Tracy Carroll

According to Carroll, each day may include prioritizing between many different tasks. These include:

• Scheduling appointments and booking reservations
• Keeping the office space welcoming
• Creating flyers and print media
• Writing the blog posts and posts for social media and LinkedIn accounts
• Ordering furniture and supplies
• Tracking and organizing expenses
• Assisting with planning and organizing itineraries
• Writing thank you letters to donors
• Recording meeting minutes

"There may be several additional tasks not even mentioned," says Carroll, reflecting on her daily responsibilities.

Where Do Administrative Assistants Work?

Administrative assistants usually work in office settings in virtually every industry. Some of the most common workplaces include the following:

• Government agencies
• K-12 schools, colleges, and universities
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Corporations
• Private businesses
• Law firms

Administrative assistants may also work from home as virtual assistants or remote workers. These assistants may support a department, an entire business, or an individual. Generally, they assist a department in a larger firm or a whole office in a smaller business.

Administrative and executive assistants share similar responsibilities, but at different levels. An executive assistant usually provides support for top executives. These tasks, however, usually center around complex responsibilities and project management. They offer a higher level of support, which may include preparing reports and conducting research.

Pros and Cons of Administrative Assisting

Is Secretarial Science Right for Me?

If you've been in any type of office setting, you've undoubtedly seen administrative assistants at work. They are the ones answering the phones, opening the mail, typing up spreadsheets, scheduling appointments, and performing many other tasks to ensure the office runs smoothly. It takes someone with precise attention to detail to perform the many tasks required.

Carrol's advice for someone pursuing a career in this field is:

Administrative assistance could be right for you if…

• You are extremely organized and create a place for everything.
• You know how to prioritize and multitask and don't mind switching tasks at a moment's notice.
• You enjoy learning new things and continuing your education. Advancing your Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills excites you.
• You prefer working independently and know how to take initiative.
• You have a good attitude, a wellspring of patience, and enjoy interacting with others when needed.

Necessary Skills for Assistants

Successful administrative assistants maintain a smooth-running office. This requires some creativity and the ability to improvise. It also mandates maintaining a positive work environment, despite rising stress levels. These professionals are often the first person a visitor meets, so they must have good communication skills and a calm demeanor even under pressure.

This career can be an excellent fit for those who excel in positions requiring organization and structure. A different career may better suit those who prefer creative freedom and an impromptu work environment.

The best administrative assistants are:

• Detail-oriented
• Independent workers
• Good communicators
• Strong writers
• Organized
• Multitaskers
• Patient
• Adaptable

Education

Many employers require a high school diploma for entry-level administrative assistant jobs. Candidates also need a thorough understanding of word processing and spreadsheet programs. Training in medical and legal terminology may be required for those interested in positions in healthcare or law.

Earning an associate degree in administrative assistance or a business degree can provide additional career opportunities. Many programs offer concentrations in the medical or legal field. Additionally, degree-holders may find increased earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021, professionals with an associate degree earned on average about $154 more per week than those with just a high school diploma.

Assistant Salary

An administrative assistant's salary depends on their employer, location, industry, and experience level. According to the BLS, administrative assistants earn a median annual wage of $39,680, with the top 10% making above $63,100 as of May 2021. Areas that offer the highest salaries include Washington, D.C. and Massachusetts, with average wages of $51,690 and $49,820, respectively.

Administrative assistants can increase their earning potential by continuing to improve their skills. For example, the BLS reports that legal administrative assistants earn a median yearly salary of $47,710, and executive administrative assistants make $62,060.

Frequently Asked Questions About Administrative Assisting

How much can I make as an administrative assistant?

While the BLS reports a median annual wage of $39,680 for this career, an administrative assistant's salary varies significantly. Influencing factors include the industry you work in, your level of experience, and your location.

For example, industries that offer the highest level of employment include the local government and postsecondary institutions. These industries provide average annual salaries of $45,810 and $42,750, respectively.

States with the highest employment levels include California and New York. These states offer higher-than-average pay, with respective average yearly wages of $47,930 and $44,570. The metropolitan area with the highest concentration of jobs is Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the average salary for administrative assistants is $41,590.

How can I find administrative assistant jobs?

First, decide which industry appeals to you. Then, seek job postings in that field. There are different job search sites for various industries. For example, HigherEdJobs posts positions strictly for higher education, an ideal site for those looking to work in an academic environment.

Other job search sites on the internet include ZipRecruiter, Monster, and Indeed. LinkedIn is also a good resource for open positions.

If you'd like to work as a virtual assistant, these sites — as well as Upwork, oDesk, and FlexJobs — offer remote job postings. Make sure to research these carefully before applying. Then, apply to these positions with a professional and updated resume.

Can I become an administrative assistant without a degree?

Many employers do not require a college degree for administrative assistant positions. These entry-level roles can get you in the door in industries that excite you. If you'd like to work in the medical or legal fields, consider attending courses at a community college, bootcamp, or trade school where you can learn the industry-specific terms.

With or without a degree, prospective administrative assistants need specific skills and a solid understanding of word processing, spreadsheet programs, and database software. Some employers provide on-the-job training to help you get acquainted with their particular business protocol and industry.

Do I need a degree to become an administrative assistant?

No, you do not need a degree to become an administrative assistant. However, for those who would like to advance in their career, an associate degree in administrative assistance or a bachelor's degree in business can help you stand out from the crowd and lead to higher-paying positions, such as executive assistant.

Experience in the field can help administrative assistants increase their earning potential without a degree. Certificate programs can also help professionals expand their skills in key areas without the financial investment of a degree.

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