Localize Your School Search
Degrees and Schools
Although a high school diploma or equivalent and previous work experience are sufficient for some employers, an associate's degree in management or business from a community college or technical school can substantially increase employability for administrative services managers. A bachelor's degree in business, management, finance or human resources can help candidates land more complex, advanced roles within an organization.
Classes
Coursework for office manager students usually includes:
- Office technology and computer software
- Accounting and business math
- Marketing and business communications
- Management and leadership
- Analysis and research methods
- Human resources and organizational development
- Business law and ethics
Optional certification through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers Association (ICPMA) can offer additional leverage for job seekers.
Online Classes and Programs
Learning business and technical skills through an online program is a convenient way for aspiring office managers to get the training they need. There are many programs available, and they vary greatly in their offerings, so selecting a program certified by the ICPMA or APOM is a good place to start. Consider also the courses included in the program, and how well they support specific career goals.
Employment Requirements
In some small businesses, and for some first-line manager positions, a high-school diploma (or equivalent) and previous experience is often the minimum requirement. A two-year associate's degree in management or business from a vocational school or community college is preferred for many first-line office manager positions in larger organizations. If the role of the manager involves technical skills such as presentation design or audio/visual support, specific technical training and experience may be required. More complex roles require a bachelor's degree in business, finance or human resources.
How to Evaluate Office Manager / Administrative Services Management Schools
Business / management programs for office managers should be evaluated for:
- Course selection - Do the classes offered emphasize technical proficiency in relevant, in-demand office technologies? Do the course offerings comprehensively address the varied roles occupied by administrative services managers?
- Amenities and resources - What amenities as far as services, facilities, equipment, etc. does the school offer its students? Are the school's resources useful in helping students get financial aid or find a job?
- Class size and experiential learning - What is the ratio between teacher and students? Is computer lab time heavily emphasized?
- Tuition - Is tuition for the program reasonable, or does it seem that a large portion goes to less useful amenities?
- Graduate success - What are the percentages of students who graduate and graduates who are employed in their field?
Office Manager / Administrative Services Manager Job Description
Office managers, also called administrative services managers, direct many support services within an organization. In small businesses, they usually coordinate and oversee all support services, while in large companies there are different levels of authority such as first-line and mid-level managers.
Office manager duties can include oversight of:
- Clerical, secretarial and reception services
- Payroll and benefits administration
- Meeting, conference and travel planning
- Information management and data processing
- Mail processing and shipping
- Purchasing and distribution of supplies and materials
- Printing, copying and binding
- Filing systems and archiving
- Phone and voice mail systems
- Security and parking
- Utilities and building maintenance
- Personal property procurement
- Recycling and waste disposal
- Departmental planning
- Productivity and customer service
- Staff reviews, hiring and firing
Contract administrators specialize in the selection, negotiation and establishment of contracted services and products. Facility administrators specialize in managing building, information technology, environmental quality, utilities, leasing, security, cleaning and grounds maintenance.
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.
