Administrative Assistant Jobs: From Typewriters to T1 Lines

by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

Administrative assistant jobs have come a long way. In the 1960s, secretaries were lucky to have an electric typewriter. Then the 80s introduced word processors. But it was the introduction of Microsoft Office and the Internet that really revolutionized office assistant work. Formal training in technology has become more important than ever.

Nearly forgotten are the days when administrative assistants were called secretaries and donned knee-length skirts, tucked blouses, stockings, and heels. Those days involved long days of transcribing, translating shorthand into typed letters, and making carbon copies.

Technology has largely eliminated those tedious tasks. In their place new duties have emerged. Today’s office assistants and administrative assistants must know how to use a variety of hardware and software programs as well as the Internet.

Administrative assistants may be called upon to conduct Internet research or to update a Website with HTML tags. They may have to engage in simple computer hardware and software troubleshooting techniques like fixing laser printer paper jams and restoring crashed operating systems.

Continuing Education for Administrative Assistants

Being up to speed on the latest technology has never been more important for professional office assistants and administrative assistants. What’s the best way to maintain your edge? Since technology changes so quickly, it’s important to update your skills at least annually. Take a couple of courses every few months to ensure you have the expertise that is esteemed in the market place.

Here’s a list of some of the skills that may be valued in an office assistant/administrative assistant:

Internet technology: Know how to create and edit simple web pages using HTML and software programs such as Dreamweaver; perform Internet research.

Software programs: Microsoft Office is still the standard software package used by most organizations. Know how to manipulate the more advanced features of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to stay competitive and efficient.

You’ll find classes dedicated to every software program you use on the web or locally. Examine your skills and see where you have room to improve-and increase your skills set today.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in postsecondary education and career development.