Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

The administrative assistant keeps offices functioning—managing calendars, preparing documents, handling communications, and providing the organizational support that enables others to focus on their core work. A typical day involves constant small tasks that collectively keep operations running. Perhaps 35% of time goes to communication management—answering phones, routing inquiries, and handling correspondence. Another 35% involves document and information management: preparing materials, maintaining files, and managing databases. The remaining time splits between scheduling, meeting coordination, and supporting specific projects or executives.

People who thrive as administrative assistants combine organizational skills with flexibility and genuine satisfaction in supporting roles that enable others' work. Successful assistants develop expertise in office systems while anticipating needs before being asked. They manage competing priorities and maintain composure when juggling multiple demands. Those who struggle often find the supporting role unsatisfying or cannot handle the constant interruptions that administrative work involves. Others fail because they lack the attention to detail that prevents errors or cannot adapt to different personalities and work styles.

Administrative assistance has transformed from typewriter-era secretarial work to technology-enabled support, with the role's future uncertain as automation handles more routine tasks. The profession has declined as technology has enabled self-service for many administrative functions. Administrative assistants appear in discussions of office automation and changing workplace structures.

Practitioners cite the variety of tasks and the relationships with colleagues as primary rewards. The work provides exposure to various business functions. The jobs are widely available. The role offers entry to organizations that may provide advancement. Some executives value assistants highly. Common frustrations include the undervaluation of administrative work and the limited advancement potential without additional education. Many find the routine aspects tedious. The work offers little autonomy. Technology has made the role feel increasingly vulnerable.

This career requires a high school diploma with additional training valuable. Computer skills, communication abilities, and organizational capabilities matter more than credentials. The role suits those who enjoy supporting others and can handle varied demands. It is poorly suited to those who need visible recognition, find supporting roles unsatisfying, or want clear advancement paths. Compensation is modest, with executive assistant positions to senior leaders offering higher pay than general administrative roles.