Administrative Assistant Career

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Administrative Assistant Careers That Match Your Lifestyle

As an administrative assistant, you can easily create a career that fits around your lifestyle. Plus, administrative assistants work in almost every industry, you have a greater chance of finding a job that you enjoy and working with similar-minded professionals.

Skills You Need to Become an Administrative Assistant

At a minimum, administrative assistants need to:

  • Be able to competently use a computer and common software programs
  • Possess good written and spoken communication skills
  • Be well organized
  • Be able to manage their time efficiently
  • Possess problem-solving skills

Where Do Administrative Assistants Work?

The greatest number of administrative assistant jobs are in schools, medical settings, government agencies, and legal offices. With so many available options, you can seek out work in a company where you would enjoy working. In addition to the basic abilities listed above, some positions and industries require that administrative assistants possess additional skills and knowledge. For instance, if you are looking for work in a front office job, you will need to possess excellent attention to detail, good concentration (no succumbing to distractions), and above-average computer skills. If you want to work in a hospital or doctor’s office, you should have a basic working knowledge of medical terminology, while work in a legal office requires familiarity with legal terms.  

Benefits Available for Administrative Assistants

Benefits vary widely between jobs, but you can expect to receive at least some of the following:

  • Paid vacations
  • Medical insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Sick leave
  • Retirement benefits

Look out for the perks that are most important to you when deciding which jobs to apply for.  

Part Time or Full Time?

Another consideration is whether you would rather work part-time or full-time. There are advantages to both, depending on your needs and lifestyle. For instance, as a full-time worker, you are more likely to receive a greater number of benefits and, of course, a higher salary. You can learn more about what administrative assistants in Texas and other areas make by visiting the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

If your primary concern is being with your children, your choice may depend on the age of your kids. For parents of older children, the best option could be to seek part-time work. Lastly, you need to consider workload versus professional development. Although you will need to work more as a full-time employee, this may give you the opportunity to move up through the company to a higher position in the near future. 

Start your administrative assistant career by taking a course that offers training specific for the area in which you want to work. Employers in Texas see qualified administrative assistants as a valuable asset to their company, and you are much more likely to be hired if you hold a certification versus if you simply possess basic job skills and require on-the-job training. A certification may also open up more employment opportunities, including interesting jobs with higher salaries and better benefits that may eventually lead to positions with more responsibility.

Want to learn more about how National Certifications might help you in today’s job market?

What SCI Students Are Saying

"Just finished school for welding. Had the best experience with Southern Careers Institute, and had a lot of fun with my buddies. Already working at SpaceX. SCI is the place to be guys! Don't wait any longer, sign up!”

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Enrique H.
Welding

"I recently achieved my dream of becoming a CDL driver, passing my CDL exams at our local DMV in Edinburg. Mr. Gonzalez was such a great instructor, even though it was raining I passed with flying colors!”

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Juan L.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator

“I made a complete career change when I started my training at Southern Careers Institute. I needed a stable career to continue providing for my growing family. SCI provided me with the medical terminology and know how that I needed to understand and acquire a career in the medical field. SCI taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are in life right now; you always have room to advance and learn.”

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Denise S.
Medical Assistant

“I am extremely grateful for the assistance I received from SCI’s Career Services team. I enjoy where I work and what I do. SCI has helped me succeed in life by getting me the necessary education and by making me a stronger and more confident person.”

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Raquel S.

“Once I graduated from SCI, I had a sense of accomplishment that helped me through the job search process. SCI provided me with the opportunity to brush up on my skills, extend my accounting knowledge, and they boosted my self-confidence. I went to work two days after my last day of school.”

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Annette D.
Business Accounting

“When my youngest child graduated from high school, I told my husband that it was my time. I went back to school to change careers after spending 37 years in the business field. At SCI, the instructors are professional, and they care about what they are teaching you, as well as expect you to give 100% in return. I had problems understanding how to draw in syringes and give injections. I requested extra help from a knowledgeable instructor, and I was able to receive one-on-one training. Today, I draw injections for approximately 100 patients each week. I am very confident in what I’ve learned. SCI has given me the chance to do what I always wanted to do. Thank you for my education. I am doing wonderful.”

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Bonnie M
Medical Assistant

“I am now a certified Lab Tech. SCI helped me get an externship, and I came out with a job. After my little sister had cancer, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that allowed me to help others. I am happy about what I do.”

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Sidney B
Medical Assistant

“The best place ever!! Ms.Tonia rocks she is the best teacher… I love going to school my time there is amazing.”

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Andrea Garcia

“Southern Careers went beyond my expectations. Very impressed. The assistance I got from Career Services is truly amazing. They really went out of their way to get me placed. They really care and I am grateful to all of them.”

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Olga C.

“Southern Careers Institute totally surpassed my expectations. Once I finished school, the Career Services team helped me find a job. I would tell anyone thinking about starting career training that you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I wish I would have started my training sooner.”

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Valerie D.

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