How Do I Get Administration Work Experience?

Administrative work necessitates familiarity with a variety of office systems, including filing, phone, computer, and software. In most organizations, there is an entry level path into administrative work that begins with you working as an assistant with no prior experience required. You can gain administration work experience taking special training, volunteering, pursuing an internship, or participating in special programs that you qualify for if you want to qualify for a mid-level position or a higher rate of pay.

Work experience is typically gained applying for entry-level jobs that do not require experience and working your way up. Administrative work entails basic office tasks, so you could work as an administrative assistant without prior experience, for example. The quickest way to gain administrative experience is to apply for any entry-level administrative position that does not require previous experience. These types of jobs aren’t difficult to come by, but they’re usually low-paying.

You can get administrative work experience in a variety of ways before you start looking for a permanent position. Volunteering may be the most convenient option. Many volunteer organizations require assistance with administrative tasks and are not picky about who they use. You can volunteer in the office of a church or synagogue, for example, to gain valuable experience.

Participating in internship or workstudy programs while in school is another way to gain administrative work experience. These opportunities are frequently extended as a requirement and do not necessitate prior experience. Both types of jobs can help you fill out your resume if you choose activities that reinforce skills you’ll need for an administrative position.

Taking advantage of the numerous training and certification programs for administrative workers is perhaps the most systematic and targeted way to gain administrative work experience. For a fee, private schools, community colleges, equipment sellers, and software developers provide a variety of training and certification programs. You can, for example, take a typing test to determine how many words you type per minute. You can also obtain certification in the use of common office software.

In most cases, training or certification can replace on-the-job experience. Many employers prefer formal training and certification over generic work experience in an environment where you may not have received thorough training. When applying for a job in administration, you will likely have an advantage over other applicants if you have the financial means to enroll in a formal program or if you can supplement traditional experience with formal training.