Office Administration - Executive (Accelerated)
Overview
If you have a flair for organization, an eye for detail, and the ability to foster strong interpersonal connections, a career in Executive Office Administration might be a perfect fit for you.
In the realm of Office Administration, professionals engage in consistent interaction across all organizational levels. In the context of today's fiercely competitive global enterprises, the demand for office professionals is on the rise. These individuals are tasked with the responsibility of overseeing administrative functions crucial to the rapid and dynamic nature of office environments. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in providing effective support to management at every tier.
Employers seek administrative professionals possessing a diverse set of skills - from proficiency in business software programs to adept communication, excellent customer service, and impeccable organizational capabilities. It is these qualities that ensure the seamless operation of the office amidst the demands of the current business environment.
Students develop their technical skills including project management, computerized accounting, digital tools, business communications, interpersonal, social media marketing, and graphic design for print and media. With a wide variety of hands-on practical experiences built into the program, and emphasis on professional business applications, critical thinking, meeting and event management and problem solving, students can expect to develop and apply their skills through experiential learning, enhancing their readiness for the workforce.
This is a 12-month, fast-track program that includes three consecutive terms.
Real World Experience
Paid Student Positions
Office Administration students are often sought after to fill internal College office positions. Through financial aid programs, students can work on-campus in-between classes and also over the summer.
Experiences Built into Curriculum
Students participate in business meetings to learn and apply the essentials of meeting planning, preparation, and minute taking as part of the program.
Simulated Settings
Diploma students practice and apply all skills learned in the program in the Administrative Capstone course in Term 3.
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.
Costs
- Year 1 $7,390.53
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2024-2025 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
In this comprehensive course, students learn the latest Windows operating system features and a host of innovative features designed to enhance productivity and creativity in the office. Students learn the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its applications, and implications for the future. The course covers organizational skills, cloud computing, and digital information management. Students are introduced to social media, digital citizenship, digital security, and effective Internet research using the latest browser technology. Through immersive, hands-on projects, students integrate cutting- edge digital technologies, cultivating essentials skills for excelling in modern, technology - driven workplaces
Keyboarding & Proofreading
Students in this course will master the keyboard using a web-based software program, with an emphasis on proper keyboarding techniques, speed and accuracy. Students will acquire the skills to prepare various business documents, such as emails, memos and letters according to current business standards and within realistic timeframes. The students will also learn how to proofread using various tools and strategies. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to keyboard with a speed goal of 40 net wpm.
Administrative Documentation
In this course, students will learn to produce documents using word processing software, apply the correct document processing functions to meet acceptable business standards and AODA requirements, all of which are essential in day-to-day functions of the office. They will create and format documents with an emphasis on accuracy, proofreading, and editing. Some of the important skills students will learn is to apply the correct commands when formatting a variety of data and to use tables effectively.
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 including how to increase database validity and integrity.
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 learned in Administrative Documentation to create professional business documents. Using intermediate to advanced Word features, students will effectively manage long documents, along with integrating, sharing, and collaborating with others. Mail merge will also be explored. Timed keyboarding tests and practice will continue to be used to develop keyboarding skills. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to keyboard with a speed goal of 45 net wpm. It is recommended that OAG-1903 (Administrative Documentation) be taken first.
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
Digital Tools for the Office
This course will build on the Advanced Administrative Documentation course as students will advance their knowledge using document processing software to create well-structured documents with professionalism and ease, confidence in document integrity, while ensuring a polished appearance and a more user-friendly appeal. Students will also work with PDF software to create, edit, manage, share, and print PDF documents as well as create fillable forms and tables. Students will also demonstrate proficiency when using email, calendar, contacts, and tasks functions to manage and organize a variety of information using email and calendaring software.
Administrative Capstone
Students put their acquired skills and knowledge to work in the key areas of office and business administration, human resources, and finance in this capstone course. Students will apply to a career posting, prepare, and ultimately interview for a professional mock job interview to further develop professional Office Administration interviewing skills. Students will also complete recruitment testing as part of this process. Students will draw on skills they have mastered throughout the program to complete a variety of tasks assigned, while the activities completed are intended to challenge creative abilities, critical thinking, and time management. Students are assessed on both hard and soft skills with a strong emphasis placed on software applications including opportunities for integration and collaboration. Students will problem solve, collaborate in teams, demonstrate excellent customer service, show off organizational abilities and coordinate projects, as well as produce consistent and accurate documentation.
Bookkeeping for the Office Professional
This course introduces learners to computerized accounting systems and illustrates the practical uses of computers in an office setting. The learners work with Sage 50 Accounting Software in order to enhance the theoretical concepts learned in previous accounting courses.
Graphic Design for Print & Digital Media
Administrative professionals are often called upon to create unique digital content. Students develop desktop publishing skills using specialized desktop publishing software that integrate design principles and techniques building on skills learned in Social Media for Administrative Professionals. Students produce professional documents, including brochures, newsletters, ads, logos, social media posts, web sites, flipbooks, and other business-related documents.
Human Resources Management
Effective Human Resources Management (HRM) is critical to the success of organizations today. Students are provided with an overview of the key concepts of HR management and explore the history and theory of the HR function. Students are introduced to the core competencies of effective HR practitioners and examine their own strengths and weaknesses. Topics that are explore include Strategic Planning, HR Planning, HR Administration, Talent Management, Training Learning and Development, Performance Assessment, Total Rewards (including Compensation and Benefits) Employee and Labour Relations and Health and Safety in the workplace.
Project Management Tools
This course is designed to build on the Business Computing, Collaboration, and Productivity course that where students acquired a working understanding of project management and theory. In this course, students will leverage the capabilities and through application, apply these to two essential productivity tools. Students will use comprehensive project management features, learning to create timelines, allocate resources, and monitor progress, as well as utilize the diagramming and visualization expertise to bring project data to life with detailed flowcharts, diagrams, and organizational charts. Through the application of project software tools and techniques, students develop the skills required to manage successful projects.
Events, Meetings & Conferences
With ever-changing organizational needs, administrative professionals are relied on to provide essential leadership and support for the planning and coordination of events, meetings, and conferences. In this course, students first gain theoretical knowledge and then utilize this and prior knowledge and skills, working as part of a team to plan, execute, and evaluate an event that meets the goals and project timelines of a stakeholder.
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
FUNdamentals of Entrepreneurship is a gamified business simulation where students assume the role of an entrepreneur pursuing their passion of selling clothing online and in their retail store. The player subcribes to the guidance of a business coach and will build a successful venture in a virtual neighbourhood. The player can upgrade their store and operations by completed learning modules and testing. Through self-paced gameplay, students learn important concepts from Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Health and Safety, Risk Management and more. In the process, they acquire the skills to effectively run a company as they upgrade their operation by completing learning modules and quizzes. Each student has a unique playing experience via ingame customizations, such as avatar creation, and store design. All content is contained within the game - no textbook is required. Students who have successfully completed MAN-1183 are not eligible to take this course.
General Education Elective
Contact
Program Information
School of Business and Sustainability Leadership
Room B2-106
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates have the professional skills, knowledge, and practical experience to pursue rewarding careers in business, industry, government, manufacturing, education, transportation, hospital administration, law, and numerous other professional services. Some job titles used for these types of positions are accounting clerk, administrative assistant, executive assistant, office manager, senior administrative support officer, support coordinator, and human resources assistant.
Graduate Success Stories
Kristen Mason
"Lambton College's OAEX program gave me the support and practical tools I needed to be successful in today's competitive work environment. The teachers are passionate about their work, and empower students to take charge of their own educational success. I felt like I was part of a community, and have made lifelong friends."
~ Administrative Assistant to Sarnia Complex Manager, Imperial Oil
Jason Thompson
"Lambton College provided me with the knowledge and skills to be successful in my career. The curriculum was taught by professionals in the industry and covered the latest and most up-to-date digital tools. This, combined with a hands-on internship, empowered me to easily transition into the workforce with confidence."
~ Quality Project & Instructional Design, Lambton College
Courtney Dickinson
"During my time as an Office Administration student, I took advantage of a work study position in the School of Health, Community Services, and Creative Design. This, along with my internship, gave me the hands-on experience I needed to be the successful candidate for my dream job after graduation."
~ Staffing Clerk, Bluewater Health
Accreditations & Certifications
Microsoft Office Specialist - Associate or Expert
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).
Pathways
Transfer to Programs outside of Ontario
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - International Business
- Upon completion of the BBA, students can also access pathways into the JAMK MBA program
- Bachelor of Arts in Business & Sustainability - minimum B average in Lambton College program
More Information
Skill Demands
Students must be able to use a keyboard and other computer-related equipment. Students may also be required to sit for extended periods of time. 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 or the courses within it.
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.