Administrative assistant managers are often people who are detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers and computer systems. This type of management position is most common in large, multi-national corporations with a large number of administrative assistants and other support staff. The administrative assistant manager’s main responsibility is to supervise staff and provide support to the firm’s executive and senior management.
The majority of people who aspire to be administrative assistant managers follow a fairly standard career and training path. He or she looks for work as an administrative assistant or as a support person. After three to five years in this position, the candidate completes a post-secondary business or management training program. Some managers actively encourage administrative assistants to advance in their careers, while others do not.
Although many candidates take this route, others first complete their post-secondary education before applying for a position as an administrative assistant manager. The training program is typically in business, administration, or management and can be completed at a college or university level. It is critical to gain relevant management experience for this career path.
Management techniques, business skills, communications, and team building are among the skills taught in these programs. Degree programs range in length from two to five years and are available at both the college and university levels. There are also shorter certificate programs in management, accounting, business, and supervision that can help fill a specific skill gap.
Work experience ranging from years as an administrative assistant to operations management experience is required to become an administrative assistant manager. Computer skills and the ability to communicate effectively should be highlighted and demonstrated to potential employers.
The majority of large corporations prefer to promote their employees from within. Internal candidates have experience with the current business process, hierarchy, and organizational structure, which is especially true in administration. This background will help them quickly adjust to the new position, reducing the learning curve that comes with any new job.
Keep your supervisor informed of your long-term career goals and any new work-related skills you acquire to advance to the position of administrative assistant manager. Volunteer to help out with extra responsibilities or supervise a small project. Make the most of these opportunities to demonstrate your abilities in order to be considered for an administrative assistant manager position.