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Nature of Work—Administrative assistants and executive secretaries must possess strong computer and Internet research skills, flexibility, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well with management and staff as well as with outside clients and vendors. Must be knowledgeable in office procedures, accounting, and language skills. Duties may include fielding phone calls, receiving and directing visitors, formatting documents, filing, and faxing. Related Job Titles—Administrative assistant, executive assistant, administrative support secretary, administrative specialist, departmental assistant, and office manager Employment Outlook—Employment of secretaries and administrative assistants is expected to increase about 9 percent, which is about as fast as average for all occupations, between 2006 and 2016. In addition to those resulting from growth, numerous job openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave this very large occupation for other reasons each year. Opportunities should be best for applicants with extensive knowledge of software applications, particularly experienced secretaries and administrative assistants. Projected employment of secretaries and administrative assistants varies by occupational specialty. Employment growth in the health care and social assistance and legal services industries should lead to average growth for medical and legal secretaries. Employment of executive secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to grow on average for all occupations. Growing industries such as administrative and support services; health care and social assistance; educational services (private); and professional, scientific, and technical services will continue to generate most new job opportunities. A decline in employment is expected for secretaries, except legal, medical, or executive; they account for about 47 percent of all secretaries and administrative assistants. Growing industries—such as administrative and support services; health care and social assistance; educational services (private); and professional, scientific, and technical services will continue to generate most new job opportunities. A decline in employment is expected for secretaries, except legal, medical, or executive; they account for about 47 percent of all secretaries and administrative assistants. Earnings—Median annual earnings of executive secretaries and administrative assistants were $40,030 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,410 and $50,280. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $62,070. Salaries vary a great deal, however, reflecting differences in skill, experience, and level of responsibility. Certification in this field usually is rewarded by a higher salary. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011 For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Resource Center, Student Services Center, S202, at (708) 974-5737. www.morainevalley.edu/jrc. |
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Moraine Valley
Community College's Administrative Assistant Program prepares students for
positions as administrative assistants, executive assistants and office
assistants. Graduates acquire skills in computer applications, written
communications and office procedures. Keyboarding, proofreading, document
formatting, and language skills are emphasized.
