Career Path for Office Administration

What is Office Administration?

Office administration involves managing the daily operations within an office environment. Employees who handle these responsibilities are known as office administrators or office managers.

Duties and Responsibilities of an Office Administrator:

Office administrators perform a variety of tasks, including:

Organizing and maintaining files.
Handling phone calls and responding to emails.
Sorting and distributing mail.
Assisting with inventory control.
Providing secretarial support.
Supervising and coordinating staff activities.
Overseeing junior staff members.
Engaging with clients.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Become an Office Administrator:

To succeed as an office administrator, one should possess:

Strong supervisory skills.
Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
Proficiency in using computers.
Solid organizational skills.
Additionally, office administrators need to be familiar with the following office equipment:

Computers.
Filing systems.
Voice messaging systems.
Fax machines.
Photocopiers.

Minimum Entry Requirements for Studying Office Administration:

At a TVET College, the typical entry requirements for Office Administration courses are:

NC(V) Programme in Office Administration: Grade 9 Certificate plus specific college requirements for the program.
NATED Programme in Management Assistant: Grade 12 Certificate or NC(V) Level 4 Certificate in Office Administration.
Steps to Become an Office Administrator:

Visit or contact a TVET College to inquire about admission requirements for the Office Administration or Management Assistant courses.
Gain practical knowledge about the field by visiting companies that offer office administration services.
Reach out to DHET Career Development Services for free career advice and information at 086 999 0123 or via email at careerhelp@dhet.gov.za.
Consider taking an aptitude test to see if office administration is the right career path for you.
Attend career exhibitions in your area to connect with educational institutions and gather application forms.

Job Opportunities for Office Administration Graduates:

Completing an Office Administration course at a TVET College can open doors to roles such as:

Administrative Officer/Clerk.
Personal Assistant (PA).
Receptionist.
Secretary.
Transport Administrator.
Hospital Administrator.
Inventory and Supply Officer.