Business Office Technology

<h2 id="section---IsBusinessOfficeTechnologyForMe">Is Business Office Technology for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerDetails">Career Details</h3> <p>Business office technology has become increasingly important as more businesses are relying on digital technology and information. For this reason, office staff are expected to be familiar with common office technology such as computer hardware and software. Software programs may include word processing applications, spreadsheet programs and presentation or accounting software. </p> <p>Careers in business office technology may require a broad or specific skill set. For example, office support staff are typically required to have knowledge of several software programs and office devices. In contrast, help desk personnel need deep knowledge of a specific technology. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>You have several options when choosing a career in business office technology due to the broadness of the field. For example, you can choose to work as a computer support specialist, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Administrative_Assistant_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">administrative</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Training_is_Needed_to_Become_an_Executive_Assistant.html">executive assistant</a>, technology training coordinator or a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Jobs_for_Technical_Support_Specialists_What_Are_My_Options.html">technical support specialist</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentInformation">Employment Information</h3> <p>In May of 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported annual median salaries of $35,330 for secretaries and administrative assistants and $48,900 for computer support specialists. During the 2012-2022 decade, the BLS predicted average employment growth of 12% for secretaries and administrative assistants, while computer support specialists could expect faster than average growth of 17%. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInBusinessOfficeTechnology">How Can I Work in Business Office Technology?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>You have several education options if you choose to enter the business office technology field. For support positions, such as administrative assistant, most employers require a high school diploma. Employers increasingly prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in a related field for executive assistant opportunities. </p> <p>Computer support specialist positions may require a high school diploma, an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree depending on the position and employer. Employers typically look for candidates with a bachelor's degree in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Science_BSCS_Bachelors_Degree.html">computer science</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Engineering_Technology_Bachelors_Degree.html">computer engineering</a>, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3> <p>Certification in office technology is possible, and an effective way to demonstrate to employers that you are proficient in office technology. Many vendors offer their own certification programs, such as Microsoft or Oracle, and you can also pursue certification through vendor-neutral providers.</p>