OFFICE MANAGER CAREER PATH
Office managers generally have significant responsibilities, ensuring one or more assigned departments or office locations run smoothly. The office manager career path can be personally and professionally rewarding for self-motivated, detail-oriented individuals.
WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING SHOULD ASPIRING OFFICE MANAGERS HAVE?
Each hiring organization makes decisions about the type of prerequisites, training and experience they want incoming office managers to possess. In some cases, it may be possible to find a job working as an office manager with little more than a high school diploma.
However, many employers require or express strong preferences in the office manager job description for candidates who have earned business-related college degrees. Obtaining a certification — such as the Certified Office Manager (COM) certification — may improve a candidate’s chances of being hired.
Successful office managers are those who possess excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills. Office managers are expected to maintain efficient offices and work environments. Those who can effectively prioritize tasks and analyze information generally do well in their careers. Business administration degree programs help students develop these skills — preparing them for fast-paced careers such as office managers and other roles.
WHAT ARE SOME TYPICAL OFFICE MANAGER DUTIES?
The office manager responsibilities list varies from employer to employer. However, there are some common tasks and expectations among office manager duties. Responsibilities may include:
- Supervising administrative personnel
- Booking travel for executives or department employees
- Providing/coordinating orientation for new employees
- Organizing meetings and managing calendars
- Developing and maintaining budgets
- Managing databases
- Maintaining office supplies
- Manage/maintain office facilities
- Maintaining technology equipment and machinery
- Recommend changes to office policies and procedures
- Coordinating with third-party vendors and suppliers
- Periodic reporting to company leaders
WHY CONSIDER THE OFFICE MANAGER CAREER PATH?
Office managers can be found in businesses of almost all sizes, across all industries. The work environment is usually in an office setting and should not be physically demanding in most cases. The role can be fast-paced and exciting for people who thrive on organization and who are able to manage multiple priorities.
An attractive office manager salary is another reason many people choose this career path. Office managers earned a median annual wage of $96,940, as of May 2019 — with the highest-paid earners working in the insurance and finance industries.
PREPARE TO BE AN OFFICE MANAGER WITH A BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE
If the office manager description and duties outlined above seem interesting, take the first step toward your future success with Generations College. Our Business Administration degree program helps students develop problem-solving skills and learn to communicate more effectively. Our exceptional instructors teach key business-related concepts including finance and accounting, entrepreneurship, business ethics, human resources, marketing and sales, information technology, and much more.
Pursuing this accredited two-year degree program on our Chicago campus or online — from the comfort of your home — will prepare you to work in a business environment and will give you the confidence to tackle office manager duties after graduation.
Contact us to learn more about this flexible program. Then, apply online to begin training for a career as an office manager.