What Does an Office Assistant Do?
Office assistant is a vague term that can describe many different types of jobs worked in an office. It can sometimes be used synonymously with words like administrative assistant, or it can refer to office support staff who help the work of administrative assistants, executive assistants, or secretaries. The average office assistant may work a variety of jobs in the office setting, and generally needs basic office skills for the job. An office assistant of this last type might do any of the following jobs: • Answer phones • File and organize information • Take messages • Run errands • Type • Do data entry or word processing • Work to support other office staff • Operate office equipment like copiers or fax machines • Use specific programs like Microsoft Word®, Excel®, or Access® • Provide customer support • Help with office accounting More advanced office assistants could be responsible for running an office, directly supporting executives, and supervising other office employees. Typi
Office assistants complete a variety of tasks including: • Welcoming students as they arrive. • Inviting students to return, as they leave. • Ensuring that students are registered in whatever subject areas they are seeking assistance in. • Ensuring that students are seen by tutors in a timely manner. • Assisting other staff in tasks relating to the day-to-day operation of the center. What skills do I need to be an office assistant? The skills required for the job of office assistant include the following: • Ability to communicate effectively. • Willingness to work with a diverse population. • Basic computer skills. • Ability to work independently, as well as take direction from other staff members. Do I need to be a student in order to be an office assistant? Yes, we primarily hire student workers. Do I need FWS in order to be an office assistant? We would like to encourage all FWS students to apply although it is not a requirement. We do have some limited funds to hire department fund
