Administrative all-stars: elevating office administrators
Posted on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024
April 24 is Administrative Professionals Day. According to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), the event started in 1952 to provide administrative professionals a collective voice.
Today, almost every business has an administrative professional working in its office.
Algonquin College offers three programs (two diplomas and one certificate) that can lead to a successful career in this line of work.
“There is a misconception in the industry that (the job) is only secretarial in nature, and all assistants are women,” said Connie Poupore, professor and coordinator of Pembroke’s Office Administration – Executive program.
“Today, administrative professionals have more accountability and leadership requiring a higher level of critical thinking. Administrative professionals run the day-to-day operations and are on the front lines. With further experience, graduates may progress to positions as senior executive assistants, office managers or may explore entrepreneurial options.”
Vilma Ramsey, also a program coordinator and professor in the Office Administration – General program, said skills learned in the Algonquin College programs are “highly transferable,” providing a “really valuable skill set that works across many different sectors.”
Studying at the College provides in-demand skills, a great program reputation and high job placement rates.
“Our graduates are working in the private and public sector, in government, health care, real estate, in school boards, medical offices and accounting firms,” said Poupore. “They are looking for graduates with project management and strong leadership skills and our graduates are extremely well prepared.”
She noted that demand for certain proficiencies has changed since COVID, with a focus more now on a virtual environment. “There is more emphasis on the need to be skilled as a virtual assistant working in a flex or hybrid position both on site and from home,” Poupore said. “In our rapidly evolving work environment, students learn to manage daily workflow using digital communication tools and a variety of collaboration applications working on digital platforms.”
Offered through the School of Business and Hospitality, the two diploma programs include Office Administration – Executive (Co-op and Non-Co-op Version) and Office Administration – Health Services. A one-year Office Administration – General certificate program is also available.
Students not only graduate with essential office skills, but they also attain critical skills such as resourcefulness, responsibility, creative thinking and problem solving. In addition, there is also an option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-op work term.
Learn more about Office Administration at Algonquin College.
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A key part of that is the Indigenous Education Council (IEC), a group of 12 volunteers who are committed to providing support, developing plans and initiatives and guiding the College towards meeting the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities on campus.
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