Office Administration - Executive (Co-op) OAE

Holland Code: C (Conventional)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Literacy Grade 12 English is required.  Strong writing skills are essential.

Math Basic math skills are required and reviewed in level one, including whole numbers, percentages, decimals, and calculating interest. Basic accounting skills are taught/reviewed in level one and reinforced throughout the program, both manual and computerized.

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, keyboarding skills). Applicants with a high comfort level for rapid technological change tend to fair better in our classrooms and also in the field.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• The ability to pay careful attention to detail
• Tact and the ability to stay calm during busy periods and when callers are persistent or rude
• A genuine interest in people and in helping others
• Enjoy using technology and the ability to adapt to changing technology
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A friendly, outgoing, professional personality
• Good at recording and following instructions
• Excellent English grammar and punctuation
• Good organization and time management skills
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Multi-task effectively and efficiently
• Ability to prioritize and problem solve
• Ability to work under pressure with deadlines
• Ability to problem solve
• Flexible

Useful background experience for this program would be

Part time work in a customer service related position.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become an …

Administrative Assistant; Office Manager; Executive Assistant; Executive Secretary; Personal Assistant; Private Secretary or Accounting Clerk.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Often work standard office hours, but overtime may be required to meet deadlines
• Often sitting and using a computer
• May prepare and/or give presentations
• Work independently and in teams

Places you may find yourself employed include

Banks; schools, universities and colleges; law firms; government departments; medical and dental offices; hospitals; veterinary clinics and animal hospitals; real estate and insurance offices; small and large businesses or nonprofit agencies.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Executive Assistant

• Establish and co-ordinate administrative policies and procedures for officials, committees and boards of directors
• Analyze incoming and outgoing memoranda, submissions and reports and prepare and co-ordinate the preparation and submission of summary briefs and reports to executives, committees and boards of directors
• Prepare agendas and make arrangements for committee, board and other meetings
• Conduct research, compile data, and prepare papers for consideration and presentation by executives, committees and boards of directors
• Meet with individuals, special interest groups and others on behalf of executives, committees and boards of directors to discuss issues and assess and recommend various courses of action
• Liaise with departmental and corporate officials and with other organizations and associations on behalf of executives, committees and boards of directors.

Admin Assistant

• Prepare invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements and other documents
• Answer telephones, greet visitors, meet with clients, and handle business and administrative details
• Prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, and record and transcribe minutes
• Open, sort and distribute correspondence and respond to inquiries
• Schedule appointments and meetings, make travel arrangements, prepare expense reports, order and maintain office supplies
• Develop or maintain a records management system (including classifying and coding electronic and hardcopy files)
• Train staff members in computer applications and troubleshoot hardware and software problems
• Research information on the Internet and assist in the maintenance of company websites
• Handle basic bookkeeping duties
• Use desktop publishing software to produce business documents

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)
• London Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Some courses in the office administration executive program count towards a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation from the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)
• Credits earned in this program may be used as a basis of admission and/or provide transfer credits to university programs.

Last Modified: June 5, 2024