Administrative assistants are essential parts of day-to-day operations in many companies. They organize files, prepare documents, schedule appointments, and support other staff.

Often an entry-level position, the administrative assistant position can lead to a career in operations or project management.

Administrative skills are important because they keep business processes running smoothly. Any successful, efficient organization should have both administrative professionals who have strong skills in this area, as well as individual contributors who have good administrative skills.

So, it doesn’t matter whether it’s in a company or for personal productivity. The most important thing for getting it all done is to get everything out of your head and into a trusted system that operates efficiently and smoothly.

Being an excellent administrative assistant means gaining trust and that starts with showing up reliably, always being available to help when you’re needed, and not having to be managed closely since your main responsibility is taming the chaos of the office, not adding to it.

What skills are needed?

• Interpersonal skills: Administrative assistants interact with clients, customers, or staff. They should communicate effectively and be courteous when interacting with others to create a positive work environment and client experience.

• Organizational skills: Administrative assistants keep files, folders, and schedules in proper order so an office can run efficiently.

• Writing skills: Administrative assistants write memos and business emails when communicating with managers, employees, and customers. Therefore, they must have good grammar, ensure accuracy, and maintain a professional tone.

Administrative assistants work in nearly every industry. Most work in an office setting. Some administrative assistants may work out of their own homes as virtual assistants too.

Let the journey begin!