Some administrative assistants can really be classified as administrative professionals. They fill diverse roles as office managers, event planners, operations managers, accountants and even maintenance workers – often having unique job descriptions based on the needs of their employer. In some industries, getting the job can require extensive interviewing and testing, but in any such role, organizational and problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, respect and responsibility are essential. Administrative assistants often find themselves wearing many hats and juggling tasks. They’re often tasked with keeping track of budgets and ensuring all departments adhere to the funds they’ve been allocated. At times, they’re enlisted as project managers in roles that require advanced organization and planning skills. And while executive assistants mostly engage with a company’s higher-ups, administrative assistants provide support at all levels of an organization.The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -11.6% employment growth for administrative assistants between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 235,900 jobs will be lost.

While a college degree isn’t required, many employers seek administrative assistants with degrees, and certifications can be a plus. Just as the tasks have evolved, the number of certifications, programs, webinars, seminars and professional organizations for administrative assistants have grown. Learning in a real-world work environment is also key. "On-the-job training is the best training," says Kricia Romero, a former administrative assistant for the criminal investigations division of the Fort Collins Police Services in Colorado. For her job, Romero underwent an extensive training process. "You learn a lot of programs, specifically law enforcement programs, and the office politics can be an eye-opener," Romero says. For nearly any administrative assistant, good writing and verbal communication skills are required, as well as experience with word processing and spreadsheets. These skills can be acquired through high school vocational programs, one- to two-year office administration programs offered at business or technology schools or even training programs provided by temporary placement agencies.