 ABOUT THE NSAPThe National Society of Administrative Professionals was founded to serve as a national organization and certification body in the administrative field. Accordingly, the NSAP has developed a certification exam designed to measure an individual's ability to perform administrative duties. TODAY’S ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS The market for qualified administrative professionals is becoming increasingly more competitive due to the high demand for knowledgeable and technically savvy individuals. Due to constantly changing technologies, administrative professionals have had to adapt in order to meet new challenges and responsibilities. Consequently, today’s administrative professional does much more than traditional definitions specify. Employers are now looking to hire individuals who are professionally strong in the areas of software applications and business administration. Leadership and initiative are also highly sought-after qualifications for administrative professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics, administrative professionals perform a variety of services including, but not limited to: • Training and orientation for new staff • Conducting research • Operating and troubleshooting office technologies • Performing and coordinating office administrative activities • Serving as information and communication managers • Planning and scheduling meetings and appointments • Organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files • Managing various projects • Disseminating information via telephone, mail services, web sites, and e-mail • Handling travel and guest arrangements • Creating spreadsheets • Composing correspondence • Managing databases • Creating presentations, reports, and documents • Purchasing from and negotiating with vendors Accordingly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates appropriate skills sets for administrative professionals such as: • Initiative • Discretion • Extensive knowledge of software applications • Ability to work independently • Ability to adapt to change • Ability to manage and organize • Good communication skills • Good punctuation, grammar, and spelling skills • Good customer service and interpersonal skills EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4.1 million jobs held by administrative assistants and secretaries in 2004, ranking this occupation among the largest in the U.S. economy. That number is projected to increase at a rate of up to 8%. Although there have been many developments in technology and automation, administrative professionals will continue to play a vital role in organizations due to the nature of their work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that administrative professionals can be found in industries such as: • Retail trade • Education • Government • Manufacturing • Construction COMPENSATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS Salaries vary, depending on skill, experience, and level of responsibility. However, certified professionals can often command a higher salary. To see a listing of salaries published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, click here TRAINING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Many administrative professionals have some type of formal training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this training is commonly completed via: • High school vocational programs • Business schools • Vocational/Technical institutes • Community colleges ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, [June 14, 2006] [http://www.bls.gov/oco/]." |
