How do I Become an Administrative Officer?

Communication, computer software, organizational, and interpersonal skills are typically required for administrative officers. An administrative officer is responsible for a variety of tasks, most of which are related to the business or organization’s operations. This is a position that can be found in large organizations with multiple administrative and management layers. Working as an administrative officer provides the most satisfaction to those who enjoy interacting with others and managing multiple tasks.

To work as an administrative officer, most people need a degree or diploma in business administration or management. These courses are offered at both community colleges and universities. A community college program typically lasts one to two years, while a university degree lasts three to four years. A college program’s main advantage is that it focuses on developing practical skills, whereas a university training program is usually more theoretical.

Anyone who wants to work as an administrative officer must have excellent communication skills. Candidates must be able to write for a variety of audiences while also providing clear instructions and guidelines. Any business relationship relies heavily on oral communication skills, and the administrative officer is an important part of the communication strategy.

Almost every task that an administrative officer performs requires the use of office productivity software. He or she must have expert-level knowledge of the organization’s tools. When a new version of the software is released, it is critical to keep these skills up to date by enrolling in upgrade courses. Self-training in typing and other technological skills is possible, but most people learn these skills in a college training program.

When you work as an administrative officer, you’ll need to be very organized. Every major project or initiative in most organizations involves the administrative officer in some way. It’s critical to work with competing priorities and complete tasks for a variety of projects. In most companies, the administrative officer is also responsible for providing organizational support to senior management.

Conflict resolution, assertiveness, and personal discipline are all necessary interpersonal skills for administrative officers. The ability to collaborate with people in a variety of roles is usually critical. Due to the nature of the materials that the administrative officer must review, this position frequently has a confidentiality requirement. For anyone in this position, personal discretion and tact are essential.