Are you interested in several areas of business, from accounting to human resources and marketing? Do you want a dynamic career that will utilize each of your talents and skills?

Pursuing a career as a business administrative specialist or assistant can be an exciting professional path. Individuals in the field play a vital role in keeping a business or organization’s office running smoothly and efficiently.

Have you set your sights on professional success? Or, maybe you’re researching and plotting your next steps?

Consider how your strengths could be applied to this growing industry by browsing an overview of the occupation, including business administration duties and more.

What Tasks Does a Business Administration Specialist Perform?

Business administration specialists provide communication, business, human resource management and accounting support to an organization. Not only do business administration specialists perform tasks and responsibilities associated with secretaries, but they can also manage events and administrative projects.

Wondering what a full administrative specialist job description might look like? Common responsibilities include:

• Answering phones, transferring calls and taking messages
• Scheduling appointments and maintaining up-to-date calendars
• Arranging staff meetings
• Handling faxes
• Preparing memos, invoices, and other reports
• Editing documents in Microsoft Office Suite and/or similar processing systems
• Maintaining digital databases and paper files
• Performing bookkeeping and basic business math
• Greeting visitors and answering guests' questions
• Managing subordinate administrative staff
• Coordinating space and office organization
• Purchasing office supplies, furniture and equipment
• Coordinating office operations, events, charities or outings

Depending on the business or industry, your duties as an administrative specialist will differ.

For example, a nonprofit might require you to take a bigger role in human resources, help with marketing and sales materials and record fundraising budgets. Alternatively, a technology startup might rely on your accounting skills and personable attitude to greet new investors visiting the office.

What Is the Job Outlook for Administrative Specialists?

It’s a great time to jumpstart your career as a specialist in business administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for administrative specialists and secretaries is expected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024.¹

Overall, large numbers of employees who retire are creating openings for new job prospects. Combined skills of using word processing systems, answering phones and performing accounting in spreadsheets are projected to lead to the best job prospects, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Earn Your Business Administration Specialist Diploma at OBC

Because of the business-focused nature of this career, most employers expect specialists to possess strong organizational and project management skills, as well as a diploma or degree in the field. Earning credentials is a valuable way to signal to recruiters and potential employers that an applicant is trained in business acumen.

At Ohio Business College, students can earn a Business Administration Specialist diploma to better prepare for the fast-paced business world. OBC business administration specialist students learn hands-on skills and knowledge in:

• Accounting
• Business
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing

Have questions? OBC understands the needs of its students, and our advisors are equipped to assist you with the application process. In fact, career counseling services are available from the time you enroll until graduation and beyond.

Ohio Business College Career Services offers:

• Individual career counseling sessions
• Resume and cover letter development
• Job-focused coursework
• Internet job search techniques
• A guide to winning interviews and navigating salary negotiation
• Employment services
• Employer services
• Career placement assistance
• Networking opportunities with area employers

Let us know how our Career Services department can help you start your career in business administration at OBC. Contact us today with your questions.

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Sources:

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants. Accessed Sept. 19, 2017. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.html.