Dreaming of an administrative career? This article is your guide to navigating this exciting field.
1. Education and Training for Administrators
Starting an administrative journey begins with the right education. Completing relevant college or online courses is crucial for fine-tuning your office skills. Whether it’s mastering business letters, accounts, presentations, or spreadsheets, these courses bolster your proficiency and speed in administrative tasks.
Relevant courses for admin include:
2. Apprenticeships: Earn and Learn
Apprenticeships offer a blend of hands-on learning and workplace experience. While apprentices might earn less than full-fledged professionals, these roles offer invaluable practical exposure that enriches future job applications.
3. Work Progression to Administrative Roles
Climbing the career ladder without being an official apprentice involves on-the-job learning and hands-on experience. Consider these tips for making progress:
- Opt for temporary contracts through recruitment agencies to accumulate diverse workplace experiences.
- Gain insight and valuable work experience by volunteering or shadowing office-based roles.
- Sometimes, qualifications alone might secure an entry-level role.
4. Skills and Qualities in Administration
Essential skills to secure an administrative role include:
- Strong administrative capabilities
- Attention to detail
- A collaborative and independent work approach
- Flexibility
- Exceptional written and verbal communication
- IT proficiency
- Strong problem-solving abilities
5. Career Progression in Administration
Administrators have a vast scope for career growth. Salaries typically range from £14,000 to £28,000 annually, with opportunities to diversify into IT, payroll, accounting, legal, financial, or medical administration roles, or even executive assistant positions.
6. Breaking into Administrative Roles
Starting your journey as an administrator requires a blend of qualifications, skills, and work experience. Completion of online administrative courses or apprenticeships, direct application, or progression through job roles could pave the way for a fulfilling career in administration.
Boost your job prospects by volunteering, shadowing, or having relevant business administration qualifications. Remember, time management, attention to detail, communication, and IT proficiency are your keys to success in administration.
Looking to get ahead in administration? Explore our online business and administration courses for in-depth learning that will help you get ahead.