A post-secondary diploma program in office administration provides students with knowledge and skills to efficiently handle multiple official procedures efficiently and effectively. The two-year course covers office procedures, business communications, accounting fundamentals and automated office systems.

1. Education and Training in Office Administration
Office administration is a set of day-to-day activities that are undertaken to facilitate the smooth
running of an office. The activities may include recordkeeping, billing, and financial planning,
logistics planning, implementing policies, presentation preparation, composing business
correspondence and planning work assignments for staff. Administrative assistants may handle
multiple functions as a part of their job role. However, the exact responsibilities depend upon the
type of employment, and individual qualifications and experience.
Career Prospects
Employment prospects in this field are bright. Every office needs efficient personnel who can
ensure that everything behind the scenes is running smoothly and every detail is sorted out. It is
the responsibility of an office administrator to keep everything organized, from to-do lists, travel
arrangements, conferences and client meetings, office stationery supplies and so on.
Although the job prospects in this area are bright but the world of business has grown
exceptionally competitive lately. And therefore, the needs, preferences and expectations of
employers have also changed. You need to have certain competencies, along with basic education
in office administration that you would require for the job.
The role of office administrators has changed drastically over the years. You are expected to
possess excellent office and business skills, work on automated office systems, have up-to-date
knowledge of current business trends and requirements, and support officials in their day-to-day
tasks. You must also have extensive internet research abilities, document production skills and
client service and time management skills. Some employers may also expect basic accounting
skills.
Office Administration Training
A post-secondary program in office administration teaches you how to handle multiple functions
efficiently in an office. It prepares you for positions as administrative assistant, senior secretary,
executive secretary and administrative support officer, by covering full range of office and
business skills.
The two-year program covers a wide range of subjects, including Communications,
Microcomputers, Introduction to Word Processing, Transcription Techniques, Financial Procedures,
Word Processing Applications, Office Procedures and Communications, Accounting Fundamentals,
Executive Communications, Executive Office Procedures, Integrated Software Applications,
Computerized Bookkeeping and Executive Office Software.
Choosing the Right Office Administration Program
There are numerous office administration schools in Canada offering basic and advanced
programs in this discipline. However, all may not offer you industry exposure, which is required to
seek entry to the world of work after graduation.

2. Centennial College’s program incorporates an industry field placement in fourth semester, to give
you hands-on experience. This is an opportunity for you to put your learning into practice and gain
relevant industry contacts. Moreover, you get an understanding of how things work in a real world
setting and what contemporary organizations expect from office administrators.
The diploma that is earned reflects high standards of learning as it not only covers office
procedures but also provides you training in automated office systems, such as word processing,
spreadsheet, database and presentation software. Moreover, you can choose to apply your
academic credits towards further study at associated universities or pursue your career after
graduation.