Overview
Administrative assistants perform a variety of administrative duties in support of managerial and professional employers. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Prepare, key in, edit and proofread correspondence, invoices, presentations, brochures, publications, reports and related material from machine dictation and handwritten copy
Open and distribute incoming regular and electronic mail and other material and coordinate the flow of information internally and with other departments and organizations
Schedule and confirm appointments and meetings of employer
Order office supplies and maintain inventory
Answer telephone and electronic enquiries and relay telephone calls and messages
Set up and maintain manual and computerized information filing systems
Determine and establish office procedures
Greet visitors, ascertain nature of business and direct visitors to employer or appropriate person
Record and prepare minutes of meetings
Arrange travel schedules and make reservations
May compile data, statistics and other information to support research activities
May supervise and train office staff in procedures and in use of current software
May organize conferences.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$37,249
$52,286
$72,996
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
5,768expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a one- or two-year college or other program for administrative assistants or secretaries or Previous clerical experience is required.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Administrative assistants in B.C.
- Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) Designation - Administrative Assistants
Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) Designation - Administrative Assistants
To work as an administrative professional in B.C., you may choose to earn the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional designation. The designation is earned by completing the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) program, for which you must be a member of the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP).
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.