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I definitely don't want to waste time or money on a business studies associate that could be useless, but I'd be willing to sacrifice time and money if it can give me a leg up when applying for office jobs and increase earning potential. Pretty much set on this for my career-- I have a lot of health problems that don't let me do physical work.
I'm hoping for a straight-forward yes or no answer on this one, I'm not open to alternative career suggestions or getting a bachelor's degree because reasons.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Working where there are probably 100 administrative assistants, I can tell you that you will be competing with people having 4 year degrees, and even some with advanced degrees like MBA. Yes, anything you can do, such as an AA will help.
I definitely don't want to waste time or money on a business studies associate that could be useless, but I'd be willing to sacrifice time and money if it can give me a leg up when applying for office jobs and increase earning potential. Pretty much set on this for my career-- I have a lot of health problems that don't let me do physical work.
I'm hoping for a straight-forward yes or no answer on this one, I'm not open to alternative career suggestions or getting a bachelor's degree because reasons.
Your best bet is getting a job as a receptionist. Some companies will promote you from the position, but that is a rarity. If you do become a receptionist, you will need to learn Excel, Word, Outlook and Powerpoint at least to be become an admin asst. Companies will test you, not just the employment agencies. So you gotta know the MS Office Suite inside and out. Plus, many companies want you to be in a specialized field, such as finance, construction or medical.
Here's the thing, it's not only about know Word, Excel, PPT, (and now add SharePoint) to the list, but knowing what to do with them, as well as any unique programs in the business you work for. What are the proper ways to do a letter; to file; to keep records. True modern admins don't just sit around and answer the phone and type, they create product. That's why the admin education is important. My bet is only one in ten admins actually knows how to do the job. But those who do are worth their weight. Be that one in ten.
Here's the thing, it's not only about know Word, Excel, PPT, (and now add SharePoint) to the list, but knowing what to do with them, as well as any unique programs in the business you work for. What are the proper ways to do a letter; to file; to keep records. True modern admins don't just sit around and answer the phone and type, they create product. That's why the admin education is important. My bet is only one in ten admins actually knows how to do the job. But those who do are worth their weight. Be that one in ten.
Don't forget about research projects and project management. Critical thinking is also a huge plus.
I have an associates in applied science for computer stuff. I can tell you right now with no experience an associates degree is just about worthless. Companies want people with no experience to have a bachelors. im not sure why you need a bachelors for a entry level position now but that's the new norm. next thing you will need is a phd for entry level.
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