Administrative Officers:

What They Do

	Oversee and co-ordinate office administrative procedures as well as review, evaluate, and implement new procedures
	Establish work priorities, delegate work, and ensure deadlines are met
	Co-ordinate and plan for office services such as accommodation, relocations, equipment, supplies, forms, parking, maintenance, and security services
	Assist in preparation of operating budgets and maintain inventory/budgetary controls
	Prepare reports, manuals, and correspondence

Administrative officers work in business/government.

The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of administrative officers are found in Alberta and Manitoba while the lowest concentrations are in Quebec and New Brunswick.

Something to Think About

To enhance your professional knowledge and broaden your opportunities, consider:

	Dealing with clients (problem-solving)
	Gaining knowledge of business document production
	Reading policy/computer manuals

What You Need

	You must have a high school diploma and usually a community college diploma or university degree in business or public administration.
	You usually need experience in a senior clerical or executive secretarial position related to office administration.
	With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a manager in administrative services.
	Most recent entrants have a community college diploma or an undergraduate university degree.

Useful High School Subjects

	Computer-related courses
	English (Communication)

Current Conditions

Your work prospects are rated FAIR because:

	Despite a slight rebound in 2001 employment growth declined over the 1999-2001 period because office automation has allowed employers to do more with fewer people.Hourly wages ($17.24) are above average ($16.91), but the rate of wage growth is declining.
	The unemployment rate (3%) is below average (5%).
	The number of job seekers matches the number of job openings.

Outlook To 2007 Your work prospects will continue to be rated FAIR because: The employment growth rate will likely be above average because of increasing workloads and new technologies requiring administrative expertise. The retirement rate will likely be about average, and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job openings will likely slightly exceed the number of job seekers.

Preparing for the Competition You're more likely to succeed with skills in data management/communications.   Source: Government of Canada