Is becoming an administrative assistant right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become an Administrative Assistant
High school graduates can get basic office, computer, and English grammar skills in various ways: through high school vocational education programs, vocational–technical schools, or community colleges. Vocational schools and community colleges typically offer certification or an Associate Degree in Administrative Assisting. Many temporary placement agencies also provide formal training in computer and office skills.
Employers of more specialized positions, such as medical secretaries and legal secretaries, often require applicants to have some knowledge of industry-specific terminology and practices. Community colleges and vocational-technical schools usually offer instruction in these areas, such as healthcare administration and legal administration.
Though not required, certification can demonstrate competency to employers. Legal secretaries have a few certification options. Legal Secretaries International confers the Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS) designation in areas such as intellectual property, criminal law, civil litigation, probate, and business law to those who have five years of legal experience and pass an examination. In some instances, certain requirements may be waived.