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Degrees and Schools

One degree area well suited to office supervision is business administration. One-year and two-year programs in business administration are offered by most vocational schools, community colleges and trade schools. Colleges and universities offer four-year degree programs in business, business administration, and business technology. Most programs often include opportunities for internships and job placement, and award certificates, diplomas, associates or bachelors degrees. Additional education in information technology can be highly advantageous for many office supervision positions.

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) offers voluntary professional certification that can provide leverage when competing for a job or promotion. Additional certification in software programs such as Microsoft Office can also boost employability.

Classes

Business administration coursework for those studying to become office supervisors or administrative managers typically combines classes, computer lab work and supervised practical experience. Courses can include:

• understanding organizational structure
• time management
• interpersonal relations and conflict resolution
• project management
• basic accounting
• principles of human resources and ethics
• other business and technology classes

Online Classes and Programs

There are many training classes, certificate programs and two- or four-year degree Business Administration degree programs available online. Good programs coordinate internship and job placement opportunities. Students considering online options in business administration to further their office management careers should also, of course, consider the reputation of the program.

Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).

Employment Requirements

Employers generally expect office supervisors to have some postsecondary education, and many companies require a bachelors degree for all employees above an established level. Relevant experience is essential, as many supervisors are promoted from administrative support positions within an organization. Skills in using office software and basic computer troubleshooting are fundamental requirements of most supervisors.

How to Evaluate Schools

When comparing degree programs in business administration, consider asking these questions:

• Reputation and location - How does the school or program rank nationally? Is it geographically located in a city with a well-developed business community?
• Class structure and amenities - Is the program hard to get into? Are classes or labs crowded?
• Financial aid - What types of financial assistance such as grants, scholarships, student loans and work/study are available?
• Graduate success - Does the school have a well-developed internship and job placement program? What is the program's track record for placing graduates in jobs?

Supervisors of office workers coordinate the many tasks that support day-to-day operations of businesses, government and institutions. These types of supervisors might also be known as office support supervisors and managers or administrative support supervisors and managers. They may supervise small or large teams that perform almost any support role in any industry - from overseeing shipping and receiving to managing bank tellers or reservations agents.

The responsibilities of office supervisors can vary widely, but typically include:

• planning work schedules and duties that address organizational needs and support organizational initiatives
• assigning and reviewing work implemented by teams of any size
• knowing the strengths and weaknesses, skills and competencies, and work pace of each team member
• assessing performance, rewarding success and addressing areas of need
• tracking, analyzing and responding to many details and channels of communication
• training new and existing employees in procedures, policies and technologies
• resolving problems that arise due to employee absences or departures, etc. by reassigning tasks or stepping in themselves
• ordering or approving purchases of office machinery such as fax machines and copiers
• requesting technical support or personally troubleshooting computer or office machinery problems
• encouraging communication within the office, between their team and other teams or departments
• identifying and addressing individual employee issues or team issues that need conflict mediation or human resources input
• reporting status of projects and ongoing activities to higher level managers