Office assistants provide an array of support tasks in various office and business settings. Office assistants may find themselves working in medical offices, insurance offices, veterinarian offices, private offices or in government offices. The duties of an office assistant will vary as widely as the working environment, though many assistants will help schedule meetings, file paperwork, organize office workspace, have first contact with customers and answer incoming phone calls.
Skill Set:
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are essential for an office assistant. Multitasking is also a much needed skill; most office assistants will be required to handle several tasks at once through out the working day. Computer skills, including knowledge of word processing software, keyboarding, and email functions, are crucial. The ability to use various office equipment is also very important.
Education:
While some office assistants are able to train on the job, most attend a vocational school, business college or community college to learn certain office specialist or assistant certifications. Training is typically two years or less.
Career Path:
Rather than try to get on-the-job training in an increasingly specialized workforce, it's highly advisable that individuals attend some level of formal schooling or training to increase skills in word processing, communication, business mathematics and accounting, customer service and organizational strategies.
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