Occupation

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

Human Advantage 70%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

Also Known As: Administrative Assistant (Admin Assistant), Administrative Associate, Administrative Clerk, Administrative Coordinator, Administrative Liaison, Administrative Resources Associate, Administrative Secretary (Admin Secretary), Administrative Specialist (Admin Specialist) +26 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
  2. Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
  3. Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
  4. Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
  5. Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.
  6. Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.
  7. Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations.
  8. Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.
  9. Maintain scheduling and event calendars.
  10. Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.
  11. Complete forms in accordance with company procedures.
  12. Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.
  13. Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet.
  14. Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters.
  15. Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions.
  16. Make copies of correspondence or other printed material.
  17. Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.
  18. Train and assist staff with computer usage.
  19. Order and dispense supplies.
  20. Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations.

Supplemental Tasks (11)

  1. Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll.
  2. Collect and deposit money into accounts, disburse funds from cash accounts to pay bills or invoices, keep records of collections and disbursements, and ensure accounts are balanced.
  3. Establish work procedures or schedules and keep track of the daily work of clerical staff.
  4. Provide services to customers, such as order placement or account information.
  5. Prepare and mail checks.
  6. Arrange conference, meeting, or travel reservations for office personnel.
  7. Supervise other clerical staff and provide training and orientation to new staff.
  8. Manage projects or contribute to committee or team work.
  9. Coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events, such as luncheons or graduation ceremonies.
  10. Mail newsletters, promotional material, or other information.
  11. Develop or maintain internal or external company Web sites.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
50%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
22%
Bachelor's Degree
11%
Some College Courses
10%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
7%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

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  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
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  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
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  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Teams
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  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
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  • SAP Concur
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  • SAS
  • Salesforce software
  • Slack
  • Teradata Database
  • Yardi software
  • Zoom

Software (132)

  • 3M Post-it App
  • ADP Workforce Now
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Airtable
  • Apache HTTP Server
  • Apache Pig
  • Apache Solr
  • Apple Keynote
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • Blackboard software
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • ClassDojo
  • Customer information control system CICS
  • Data entry software
  • Data warehouse software
  • Database software
  • Delphi Technology
  • Desktop publishing software
  • Dictation software
  • Dropbox
  • Evernote
  • FaceTime
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Filing system software
  • Fund accounting software
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • Google Sites
  • Google Slides
  • GroupMe
  • Handheld computer device software
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM InfoSphere DataStage
  • IBM Maximo Asset Management
  • IBM Notes
  • IBM Power Systems software
  • IBM WebSphere
  • Intrado SchoolMessenger
  • LexisNexis
  • LinkedIn
  • LogMeIn GoToMeeting
  • LogMeIn GoToWebinar
  • Loom
  • McAfee
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • MicroStrategy
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Microsoft Dynamics SL
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Minitab
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • NetSuite ERP
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Fusion Applications
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
  • Oracle Solaris
  • Oracle Taleo
  • Presentation software
  • Qlik Tech QlikView
  • Quest Erwin Data Modeler
  • SAP Business Objects
  • SAP Crystal Reports
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Schoology
  • Skype
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Social media sites
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Tax software
  • Timekeeping software
  • Veritas NetBackup
  • Web browser software
  • Web conferencing software
  • YouTube
  • people@work

Tools & Equipment (16)

  • Data input scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Dictation equipment
  • Digital cameras
  • Handheld calculators
  • Handheld computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Mobile phones
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Pagers
  • Personal computers
  • Personal digital assistants PDA
  • Photocopiers
  • Photocopying equipment
  • Scanners

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Leadership & Operations Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive You are here
Zone 5

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