Administrative Skills and Duties
An administrator provides office support and is vital to the smooth running of a business. Skills can vary by industry but typically include:
- Written communication
- Verbal communication
- Organization
Administrative Agencies and Tasks
An administrative agency is part of the executive branch that administers and enforces particular laws, such as the Department of State and the Food and Drug Administration.
Common Duties
Common administrative duties include:
- Answering calls
- Finding information
- Interacting with stakeholders
- Developing procedures
- Responding to inquiries
The Focus of Administrative Work
Administration focuses on managing an organization, which often involves the following areas:
- Human resources (HR)
- Budget
- Strategic planning
- Legal affairs
- Tenders
- Facilities
- Security
Essential Administrative Activities
These activities often encompass:
- Accounting and financial control
- Purchase of supplies and stock
Distinction and Development in Administration
Administrative law is law promulgated by an administrative body according to that body’s area of responsibility. In contrast, administrative skills enable one to efficiently maintain a high level of quality in their work, which include:
- Technical skills
- Human skills
- Conceptual skills
Administrative Career Path and Rewards
Administrative jobs are found in nearly every industry, with duties that include coordinating conference rooms, welcoming visitors, and taking meeting notes. Advanced positions like database administrators combine administrative work with software engineering, offering salaries over $90,000 per year.
The administrative job hierarchy includes positions like:
- Receptionist
- Administrative assistant
- Office manager
- Executive assistant
- Administrative analyst
- Chief administrator