Office Administration - General OAG

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 an asset. High school courses in business communication are good preparation for this program.

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
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent English grammar and proofreading skills
• A friendly, outgoing, professional personality
• Professional telephone manner
• Good at following instructions (oral and written)
• 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

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 a

Receptionist, data entry clerk, typist, customer service representative, or administrative assistant.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Often work standard office hours
• Overtime may be required to meet deadlines
• Work in a fast-paced environment
• Working at a computer station for long periods
• Continuous learning is mandatory

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

• Use word processing, spreadsheets, or presentation software to prepare invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements and other documents
• Answer telephones, greet visitors, meet with clients, and handle business and administrative details
• Open, sort and distribute correspondence (including faxes and electronic mail) and respond to routine inquiries
• Draft correspondence and reports
• Schedule appointments and meetings using electronic calendar systems
• Order and maintain office supplies
• Develop or maintain a records management system (including classifying and coding electronic and hardcopy files)
• Handle basic bookkeeping duties such as accounts payable and receivable and the reconciliation of accounts
• Operate office equipment such as fax machines, photocopiers, voice mail messaging systems and computer scanning equipment

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

• 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

• Graduates may qualify for entry into level 3 (second year) of the Office Administration - Executive or Office Administration - Health Services programs.

Last Modified: January 19, 2024