This course will explore the various duties and expectations of the office professional, also known as the Administrative Assistant. Gone are the days of dictation and retrieving coffee – today’s Administrative Assistants are independent professionals who now take on many responsibilities previously held by managers.

There are also changes in the industry:

Flex-Time

Telecommuting

Compressed work weeks (i.e. four 10 hr days)

Job Sharing

Job responsibilities are changing – duties can range from reception support to clerical tasks to coordinating international travel and events.

Three main areas that can affect your success

Personal Appearance

Knowledge

Ethics and Actions

Avoid TRENDS! Buy quality clothes that will out-last today’s fad – consider too the culture and environment you want to be working in! Capitol Hill has a much different culture than say an Insurance Corporate office.

Knowledge is power! Why?

What are some things we need to be knowledgeable about?

Answer: Problem solving skills

Time Management

Communication Skills

Diversity Awareness

Work Maturity

Specific Job Knowledge

What is a "Code of Ethics"? – What constitutes "Professional Behavior"?

Answer: Professional Behavior includes being:

respectful, honest, courteous, non-gossiping, accepting criticism.

Ethics: Honesty, Integrity, Confidentiality, Moral Compass

It is my hope that as you progress through this course, you will not only gain a better understanding of what it takes to become successful in an office environment, but that you will appreciate the opportunity to learn new skills such as resolving conflicts, giving and receiving criticism, improving your listening abilities, and much more!