bluedotCollege of Marin Home page buttonCampus Directory page buttonSite Search page button
TechPREP logo Photo montage imageCollege of Marin logo
spacer imageCareer Pathways In partnership with Marin County High Schools/ROP

TechPREP Home
Programs
Auto Tech
Auto Collision Repair
Business
Business Office Systems
Computer Info Systems
Multimedia Studies
What are the steps?
Program Contacts
FAQs
More Student Resources
Activities Calendar
Admissions
Course Catalog
Job Placement
So you want to be...
an ADMINSTRATIVE ASSISTANT?

What do they do?

Administrative Assistants play a vital role in the success of a business since they are responsible for understanding and supporting the handling of information in todayÕs electronic office.

Their tasks usually require preparing documents, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as interpreting policies and procedures. They may also orient and train new employees, represent a department at meetings, and supervise other staff.

What abilities and skills should I have?
  • Perform a variety of support functions centered around information handling in a microcomputer environment
  • Speak and write effectively
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others
  • Analyze and solve problems requiring numerical ability
  • Be able to handle confidential matters and set priorities
  • Knowledge of office equipment, procedures, and practices
  • Competence in using a variety of business software applications
  • Organizational and administrative ability and ability to supervise staff
  • Familiarity with Internet use
  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) training available

  • What's the work environment like?
  • Fast-paced and deadline driven
  • Indoors, in modern offices
  • Must be competent in the use of computers and business software
  • Work is generally sedentary, but often requires stamina and energy to keep up with the pace of daily and special projects
  • May work for several executives

  • Why Choose the Administrative Assistant Certificate program at College of Marin?
  • One-on-one training
  • Experienced instructors
  • Latest equipment
  • Strong industry ties
  • Affordable tuition
  • Financial aid
  • Industry tours
  • Job placement
  • Convenient location
  • For more information contact:

    Brian Wilson or Vivian Olsen,
    Certificate Coordinator
    Phone (415) 485-9610; 485-9322
    brian.wilson@marin.edu
    www.marin.edu

    What do they earn in Marin County and the Bay Area?

    In Marin County and the Bay Area:
    Entry pay ranges from $1,170 to $2,500 per month.
    Top pay ranges from $2,080 to over $4,050 per month.

    Get a head start in high school.
Take these high school courses to prepare for this career:
  • Keyboarding
  • Word Processing
  • Spreadsheet Design
  • Database Design
  • Business Communication
  • Using the Internet
  • For scholarship information, visit www.marin.edu/admissions/aid.html


    The Career Pathways featured in this document are products of a partnership between College of Marin and Marin County High Schools. This partnership is funded by the Carl Perkins Vocational Technology Education Act of 1998.



    Copyright © 2005 College of Marin, 835 College Avenue, Kentfield, CA 94904 (415) 457-8811