ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TECHNOLOGY

Training-related Occupations:
Receptionists (SOC 43-4171), Secretaries (SOC 43-6014), Office Clerks (SOC 43-9061), Office Support Specialist, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Executive Assistant

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook, office and administrative support occupations are expected to grow by 6.8 percent, adding 1.6 million new jobs by 2012. Specific requirements vary by job responsibility. For first-line administrative services managers of secretarial, mailroom, and related support activities, many employers prefer to hire people who have an associate degree in business or management, although a high school diploma may suffice when combined with appropriate experience. Most positions at the management level require a college degree in business, although workers with only a high school diploma can work their way up to managerial positions. College course work in accounting, administrative and personnel management and data processing are especially useful. The median annual earnings of office and administrative support supervisors and managers were $43,510 in May 2006; the middle 50% earned between $33,730 and $56,130. The lowest paid 10% earned less than $26,530, while the highest paid 10% earned more than $71,340.

The Way to Work's Administrative Office Technology Training Track Competencies:
The Way to Work’s training program offers training in communications and current applications software. Upon completion, participants will be proficient in software, communication, customer service, Internet research, and office management skills needed to be an efficient and effective member of an office team. There are a number of ways in which alumni of administrative office technology can advance in their careers. If they do not have a high school diploma or GED yet, attaining their high school equivalency certification would enable them to get hired faster and get paid more. BMCC offers a variety of advanced training courses including Certified Administrative Professional Studies which can lead to employment as an office manager with a salary range of $33,000 -$44,000. The combination of advanced training and on-the-job experience can lead to being qualified for employment as office managers, administrative assistants, and executive secretaries in law, education, and technical areas as well as governmental agencies. The average salary range is $20,000 to $46,000.