Office Administration - General
Overview
Do you possess excellent organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and a keen business acumen? If so, exploring a path in Office Administration - General could be a promising option for you.
In many ways, choosing a career in office administration means choosing to be at the core of an organization's operations. Lambton College's Office Administration - General program is ideal for those looking to develop their organizational, professional business, technical, and communication skills. It is an excellent stepping stone to a great career in office administration, offering students the required administrative support knowledge that will enhance the very important entry-level role in any office to be successful.
With a wide variety of hands-on practical experience such as, learning to expertly use a series of Microsoft Office programs, general accounting, social media marketing, fundamental office skills and soft skills for effective communication, graduates of this program are fully trained to meet the demands of today's challenging work environments. Graduates with these skills have the advantage of experiencing a range of work opportunities because these skills are highly transferable.
Office Administration students have opportunities throughout Lambton College to gain experience through experiential learning to grow their portfolios through participating in various activities and build their co-curricular records.
Start Here - Go Anywhere
This program shares the first eight months with our 12-month Office Administration diploma programs.
Students can complete this Office Administration - General program and then choose to either graduate with an Ontario College Certificate or continue into the last four months of one of the following Diploma programs:
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Real World Experience
Office Administration - General students are often sought after to fill internal student work study positions that are paid. These opportunities allow students to work in-between classes while gaining practical office experiences.
Other experiential learning opportunities that exist for students looking to gain real office work experience include:
- Participation in business meetings to learn and apply the skills associated with meeting planning, preparation, and minute taking.
- Simulated project settings where students demonstrate tech savvy skills and interpersonal skills.
Costs
- Year 1 $4,100.94
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Accounting Essentials
Administrative Assistants play a vital role in business operations, and understanding accounting fundamentals is a key qualification. This course introduces students to accounting for a small business concern with a study of the fundamental principles and methods of record-keeping. Topics covered in this course include the following: basic bookkeeping skills as well as accounting applications for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking activities, and payroll. This course is designed to prepare students with essential accounting knowledge and skills necessary to excel in an administrative role and contribute to the financial health of an organization.
Spreadsheet Essentials
This hands-on course introduces students to the power of spreadsheets with emphasis on creating worksheets that are always well-planned, well-constructed, and beautifully formatted. Students will manage large sets of numbers, names, dates, and analyze all kinds of information, so creating workbooks, worksheets, and chart sheets is needed. Students analyze practical business examples that develop the skills and know-how to apply them to different environments.
Professional Presentation Design
Students will develop proficiency using presentation software tools in this course. Students will learn how to create, design, and present business materials and presentations using a wide variety of editing and formatting features, sophisticated visual elements, sound, video, templates, interactive graphics and more. Emphasis will be placed on creating effective designs. Students use team building skills to develop and facilitate a group presentation.
Computer Technology
Emphasis in this course for students is placed on learning and unleashing the full potential of the latest Windows operating system where students learn about the sleek, intuitive interface and a host of innovative features designed to enhance productivity and creativity in the office. Students will also have a better understanding and practice the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its application, and learn about its implications for the future. Organizational skills and management of electronic information through cloud computing are also studied and practiced. Students will be introduced to social media and learn the importance of being a good digital citizen, knowledge of digital security, and effective Internet research using the latest browser technology.
Keyboarding & Proofreading
Students in this course will master the keyboard using a web-based software program, with an emphasis on proper keyboarding techniques, speed, accuracy, and skilled proofreading. Preparation of common business documents (ranging from emails to business letters to multi-page reports) ensuring documents are completed to today's business standards and are completed in realistic timeframes are emphasized. Timed keyboarding tests will be used to develop keyboarding skills. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to keyboard with a speed goal of 40 net wpm.
Administrative Documentation
Students in this course will learn the ability to produce documents with word processing software and use the correct document processing functions that meet acceptable business standards, all of which are essential in day-to-day functions of the office. Students develop skills creating and formatting documents for business-related correspondence with an emphasis on accuracy, ability to follow instructions, proofreading and editing. Working with multiple documents, applying the correct commands when formatting a variety of data, applying customization, using styles, are some of the important skills students will be learning and applying. Students in this course will continue to practice their touch-typing skills concurrent to the Keyboarding and Proofreading course.
Critical Thinking & Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Students explore different perspectives, and through synthesis, analysis, and response, strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. One of the pillars of Lambton College is a commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion, including Indigenization of the curriculum; where appropriate, readings in this course will reflect this commitment. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
General Education Elective
Office Management Skills
In this course, students will develop the administrative skills required in an office environment, including customer service, business ethics, time management, meetings and travel arrangements, and records management. Students will apply their knowledge of various software applications and their communication skills to complete practical, office-related tasks and assignments. Travel planning and meeting management are two key roles of the administrative professional. Students develop domestic and international travel planning skills, including itineraries, travel expense tables, and travel authorizations. Students further develop meeting management skills including arranging, participating, recording, and formatting meeting notices, agendas, and minutes.
Advanced Spreadsheet Production
This course is designed to build on the Spreadsheet Essentials course. Students participate in hands-on training activities that include the creation of advanced formulas, templates to automate and validate data entry and using wizards and queries to import data into spreadsheet software. A variety of analysis tools will also be explored in this course. Students will engage in analyzing information, data analytics, and data visualization using analysis tools. In addition, students will explore software services, apps and connectors that work together to create graphical, interactive dashboards and reports that visually share data.
Business Computing, Collaboration & Productivity
Project management techniques are crucial to the success of administrative professionals in any organization. This course provides the student with the project management knowledge and skills to work effectively to support projects and to create systems for staying organized. Elements of the Project Life Cycle within the project management framework, techniques of project planning and prioritizing, and other topics such as project scope, project risks and factors for success, project reporting, and communication are studied. This course emphasizes teamwork and explores other shared workspaces as it pertains to collaboration and productivity. Through discussion and application of all aspects of project management knowledge areas, students will learn about the techniques and tools used to successfully manage projects to acquire a working understanding of project management and theory. Specific project management tools are taught in OAX 3013, Term 3.
Database Management Fundamentals
Managing organizational information and project planning are essential in achievement of greater efficiencies in the workplace. Students develop skills in database and records management through the creation and management of tables, relationships, queries, forms, and reports. Through a series of hands-on activities, students develop a range of valuable skills for database and records management.
Social Media for Administrative Professionals
Expanding on the OAG 1703 course, students will continue to explore the fundamentals of social media and assess how social media impacts and influences fields, such as communication and marketing, as well as how it informs future trends and developments. This course explores other online marketing tools and tactics, such as email, digital advertising, and content marketing, that businesses can use to build relationships with their customers. Students engage in simulated social media, email, and digital advertising campaigns to gain a better understanding of how to use these tools in their marketing efforts.
Advanced Administrative Documentation
In this course, students will expand their word processing and document production skills previously learned in Administrative Documentation using advanced formatting techniques and tools to create professional business documents. Students will identify and apply formatting techniques that comply with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, related to the production of business documents, and learn more about streamlining text formatting, creating business stationery and text-based graphics. Students will also gain a solid understanding of and apply skills when integrating other software into their documents. Timed keyboarding tests will continue to be used to develop keyboarding skills and continue to build on keyboarding skills developed in the Keyboarding and Proofreading course, increasing accuracy and speed. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to keyboard with a speed goal of 45 net wpm. Administrative professionals consistently perform at the highest industry standard for keyboarding.
Human Relations
This course provides a forum for enhancing students' abilities and understanding of the value to human social interaction through communication and connection. This course places a strong emphasis on applied learning in the context of communicating with others, recognizing that personal development evolves from social interaction. Course topics include the study of emotion-focused brain functionality, self-understanding and awareness, understanding the importance of perception skills in relationships, developing strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills, recognizing prosocial leadership skills, understanding and establishing healthy team dynamics, and addressing conflicts in relationships.
Communications for Business
This course provides students with the skills required for professional, written, and oral communications essential to business success and subsequent courses. Students will develop database and internet research skills; prepare professional written business communication; and create, practice and deliver professional oral presentations. Students will research and document borrowed information in a business report and will demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills.
General Education Elective (optional)
Contact
Program Information
1-844-LAMBTON
Business, English & Liberal Studies
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Many of our graduates use the Office Administration - General certificate program as a foundation for their careers in a business setting. They are able to demonstrate the basic skills needed to perform routine tasks to effectively and efficiently contribute in a variety of office settings. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions such as office assistants, front desk coordinators, or customer service representatives in business, industry and government.
For both future careers and moving into the second year of either the Office Administration - Health Services or Office Administration - Executive programs, students from the General program have a solid foundation of office procedures including practical experience using the Microsoft Office Suite that are transferable to most occupations today.
Job opportunities in this field are available in virtually every city. From hospital settings to medical clinics, and health and wellness offices, or from petrochemical to manufacturing, and small business to non-profit, or from education to government our students graduate with many employment options and are able to customize their careers based on their interests.
Accreditations & Certifications
Microsoft Office Specialist - Associate
The Microsoft Office Specialist - Associate certification is awarded through Microsoft for each test passed. Students are encouraged to practice through self-study and preparation through Certiport.com. Please Note: certificates and costs associated with certification are beyond the scope of the program and are recommendations only.
Professional Associations
Membership opportunities are available for students at an extra fee with the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Consult Sherri Veilleux, Program Coordinator, for more information.
More Information
Skill Demands
Students must be able to use a keyboard and other computer-related equipment. Student may also be required to sit for extended periods of times. If you are an adult learner looking to get ahead by refreshing your basic math skills or computer skills, please contact Academic Upgrading.
Some students with disabilities may require academic accommodations to equalize opportunities to meet the academic demands of this program.
Mac Users
Please be aware that students in this program cannot use Macbooks - a Macbook is not an acceptable alternative laptop option.
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.