How to be an Office Administrator: Career Guide, Courses, Jobs, Scope, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

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Office Administrators are one of the most crucial roles and positions in any sectors or disciplines of professional ethics. The responsibility of the office administrator majorly revolves around the organization and working of various streamlines and business operations throughout the company or establishment.

An Associate degree is usually considered for the role of office administrator with some organizations preferring a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource or Business Management or an MBA as well. Some of the top colleges offering these courses are Symbiosis Centre for Management and HRD, NMIMS Mumbai, ICFAI Hyderabad etc. Most of the successful coordinators of the office are proficient in technology and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. The most important and most needed thing for the job title is high standards of customer service.

Graduates from Human Resource Management are hired in the Human Resource departments of top organizations. The average salary ranges from INR 3.67 to INR 17 LPA.

How to Become a Office Administrator: Quick Facts

Topic Description
Industry Human Resource
Eligibility Diploma: Class 12th Bachelor’s: Class 12th Master’s: Bachelor’s degree Doctorate: Master’s degree
Average Course Fee INR 10,000 to INR 8 lakhs
Average Starting Salary INR 3.67 to INR 17 LPA
Job Opportunity HR Executive, Assistant HR Manager, HR Manager, HR Analyst, office administrator, HR Head

What does a Office Administrator do?

A Office Administrator has a list of job duties and responsibilities that needs to be done each day for an organization to run successfully. Listed below are few of the responsibilities of a Office Administrator,

  • Follow office workflow procedures to ensure maximum efficiency
  • Maintain files and records with effective filing systems
  • Support other teams with various administrative tasks
  • Monitor office expenditures and handle all office contracts
  • Perform basic bookkeeping activities and maintain an updated accounting system
  • Deal with customer complaints or issues
  • Monitor office supplies inventory and place orders
  • Assist in vendor relationship management 

Steps to Become a Office Administrator

In helping students to be aware of the knowledge for the admission process of office administrator. Step by step is usually different in every university. But there are some generalized step by step guides to becoming a Office Administrator. The following steps are:

Step 1 – Make a decision: Individuals must need to do some groundwork before commencing starting a career as an office administrator or human resources department. There should be clear research done beforehand on the subjects which are to be chosen at class 12th, bachelor's, and master's level. The must thing to do before starting a career in a job as an office administrator is to check every available job prospects which include the different pay ranges.

Step 2 – Choose the subjects: For the job of office administrator, there is no requirement of studying any particular subject at the Bachelor's degree level. Individuals can be from any stream in their higher secondary or 10+2 level. There is certain significance at the master's level, like during the MBA program. The candidate needs to choose human resources management as the specialization for becoming an office administrator. Also, for doctorate degrees, a master's degree in HRM is necessary.

Step 3 – Prepare for Entrance Examination: Normally entrance exam scores are asked for PG Diploma, Bachelor's, and master's courses. At the bachelor's level, university-level EST scores are preferred which are NPATDU JAT, IPU CET, etc. For the master and PG Diploma courses, the most popularly accepted score is of CAT, XAT, GMAT, etc. Further for the doctorate degree GATE or NET exam scores are asked.

Step 4 – Select Good Colleges: A lot of top-ranking management courses offer HRM courses. Aspirants are expected to have proper research regarding rankings, placements, facility, faculty, internships, training, etc. There are many good colleges abroad too which offer a great value of course in HRM. A degree from abroad can add much better insight into your CV.

Step 5 – After Qualifying Exam: The common practice for admission into top colleges includes the candidate qualifying first for the entrance examination round. Further, they are expected to meet the cut-offs for the college which leads them to succeed into the next level. Further, the process wraps up with group discussion and a personal interview round. For doctorate courses, a research proposal is also required to be submitted. Some colleges also ask for a WAT round.

Types of Office Administrators

There are a variety of office management jobs, however, the basic duties of the coordinators remain the same. The primary aim is to supervise the smooth running of a company's administration. The other work can be meeting every need of office supplies and checking every other office equipment are in working order. Also, the office administrators can sometimes hire, fire, train, and promote employees.

Corporate office administrator

The corporate office management role includes the manager at each branch of the company. The district manager (usually at the head office) controls all other branch managers. So traveling between branch locations is a primary aspect of the role as office administrator. Additionally, corporate office managers design new approaches for the organization in HR and Marketing campaigns.

Medical Office Management

The primary need is to have the knowledge of anatomy and lab procedures, as week as health care laws. The other crucial responsibilities include patient confidentiality and proper disposal of medical waste.

Legal office administrator

Practical Law experience and an extensive understanding of law procedures are required by legal Office management jobs. Law office administrators practice legal administrative assistants, payroll management, and the firm's HR department.

Virtual office administrator

This is a modern concept. Rather for working in a single company. HR professionals choose several smaller companies for part-time. It's no surprise that remote jobs of all calibers are on the rise, therefore Virtual office manager is an attractive option for steadily growing small businesses that don't require on-site office administrators.

How to become a Office Administrator in India?

Indian students have the access to diplomas, degrees, certificates, and full-time degree programs in Office Management. Students can also be admitted to a related specialization like Human Resources Management course to make a career as office administrator. A short description of how to prepare for becoming an office administrator is done below.

School Level Preparation

At the school level, there is no specific subject combinations or stream necessary to be taken up.

Students from any stream can apply for Office Management. One can, however, look into improving English fluency which is an important skill for the role of office administrator.

How to Become a Office Administrator after the 12th?

After completing school, students can now take up a short-term professional course in the related field. Full-time degree programs will be taught over 2 to 4 years. Preparation for a PG and UG course is described below.

UG Preparation

  • At the undergraduate level, management degrees are earnable like BBM or BBA.
  • The concentrations to choose for the above-mentioned degrees are Marketing or Human Resource Management.
  • Applicants must score at least 50% aggregate score at class 12th level.
  • Take a national or state-level entrance test to gain admission.

PG Preparation

  • For postgraduate courses, a bachelor’s degree in the same field is required.
  • The degree one can earn at the PG level is MBA.
  • A minimum aggregate score of 55% is necessary.
  • Entrance test scores like CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT are needed for admission.

Courses to Pursue to Become a Office Administrator

There are several courses that can be pursued for students who aspire to become office administrators. Mentioned below are few of them for your reference,

PG Diploma in Human Resource Management

Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management is a 2-year long course. The course admits students on a merit basis. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any concentration to be eligible. Some universities that provide this course are Amity University and Pearl Academy.

PG Diploma in Human Resource Management: Admission Process

  • PG diploma course in HR Management conducts merit-based admission. Applications are accepted through respective university websites.
  • Register on the website to start applying for the chosen course.
  • Fill up the application form and upload the necessary documents.
  • Pay the application fee through online modes.
  • Review the application and submit it.

PG Diploma in Human Resource Management: Entrance Exam

PG diploma course in HR Management admission process is on merit basis. There is no information on entrance examinations.

PG Diploma in Human Resource Management: Eligibility Criteria

Due to the PG diploma course in HR Management conducting a merit-based admission process, there is no information regarding entrance examinations.

BBA HR

BBA in Human Resources is a Management undergraduate program of 3 years in duration. Universities providing this course conduct both merit-based and entrance test-based admissions. Some popularly asked for entrance tests are CUCET, IPU CET, AIMA UGAT, SET, etc. BBA Marketing is offered in universities like Symbiosis International, Sharda University, Manipal University, etc.

BBA HR: Admission Process

  • Take a national or state university exam score or apply for the university written test.
  • Open up the university website to register for the application.
  • Create a profile and login to apply.
  • Fill up the application form.
  • Submit test scores and necessary documents.
  • Pay the application fee and submit.

All the above-mentioned dates are chosen with respect to previous year exams. Dates might change according to circumstances.

BBA HR: Eligibility Criteria

  • All applicants must have a class 12th completion certificate.
  • A minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC and ST) is required.

MBA Human Resource Management

MBA in HR Management is a two-year long program. The course provides basic to advanced study on all aspects of HR. Admissions are done through entrance examinations and GD/PI. The top colleges that offer this program are IIMs, Xavier’s, Symbiosis, IITs and FMS, etc.

MBA HR Management: Admission Process

  • Apply to take a national or state-level entrance examination like CAT, MAT, CMAT, etc.
  • Secure rank and apply to the college of choice.
  • Appear for the group discussion and personal discussion round in college, if shortlisted.
  • If selected, pay the admission fee and take admission.

MBA HR: Eligibility Criteria for the Exam

  • Individuals must have a bachelor’s degree in any concentration.
  • The minimum aggregate score required is 55%.
  • Final year students can also apply.

How to become a Office Administrator Abroad

Pursuing management courses from abroad is one of the most sought-after professions; one does not have to worry much about the future if they become an HR manager. The top countries to pursue management courses abroad are Canada, the USA, UK, and Australia.

How to Become a Office Administrator in UK

Admission processes

  • Applications for masters in HR in the UK are principally accepted for the intake in Sep. Students are needed to own a bachelor's in HR or any connected field to use in UK universities.
  • The essential admissions method for following masters in HR in the UK has been represented within the sections below. Candidates should note that a number of the scores and documents needed are generic and thus, they ought to continuously visit the university website before making ready their application package.

Other Prerequisites 

  • Bachelor's degree in HR, the management or connected field
  • The basic idea of leading and team building
  • Scores of entrance exams needed for learning in Britain.
  • GRE or GMAT score
  • Average GMAT: 680
  • Average GRE: 325
  • Proof of English proficiency

Top colleges

University Course Fees (GBP/year)
University of Edinburgh MSc Human resource management (1-years) 25,100
University of Southampton MSc Human resource management (1-year) 24,060
Lancaster University MSc Human resource management (1-year) 22,000
Durham University MSc Human resource management (1-year) 25,500
University of Sussex MSc Human resource management (1-year) 22,500
Newcastle University MSc Global human resource management (1-year) 21,000
University of Bath MSc Human resource management and consulting (1-years) 22,000
University of Surrey MSc Human resource management (2-years with placement) 19,600
Royal-Holloway University MSc Human resource management 21,500

How to Become a Office Administrator in USA

  • International students like the USA because it is the final study abroad destination for its tutorial excellence. The range within the land permits the scholars to move with culturally heterogeneous entities.
  • The candidates should recognize the trivial things needed for the admission method in MS in HR within the USA. The admission method in the USA needs a variety of documents.

The section below provides details on Masters in HR admissions.

To be eligible for Masters in HR in the USA, associate degree human is needed to-

  • Have a bachelor's degree during a relevant field of study from a recognized university with eightieth and higher than marks
  • Provide several GRE or GMAT scores.
  • Provide proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent examination

Top University

University Name Program Fees (USD)
Harvard Business School 144,000
Yale School of Management 149,400
Northwestern University-Kellogg 174,692
Duke University- Fuqua 140,000
Dartmouth College- Tuck 155,040
University of Virginia- Darden 73,900
NYU-Stern 157,400
Cornell University: Johnson 148,052

How to Become a Office Administrator in Canada

  • Like most programs, the admission method for masters in HR varies from university to school. The admission method for international students is split into 2 elements.
  • Minimum GPA: usually, candidates United Nations agencies wish to review masters in HR should have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Most online graduate programs don't have the minimum grade point average demand for admission.
  • Standardized check Scores: International students applying for MS in HR in Canada should submit the check for various standardized tests like GMAT or GRE. The minimum necessities of those tests vary from university to school.
  • English Proficiency Requirements: Non-native English speakers needed to prove their proficiency. International students will submit the various tests just like the International West Germanic checking System (IELTS) or Test of English as an overseas Language (TOEFL) for identical.

Top Universities

University Master’s level Program/ Duration Total Program Fees (in INR)
University of Toronto Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources/ 2 yrs 47.3 Lac
Queen’s University Masters of Industrial Relations/ 1 yr 20.5 Lac
York University Master of Human Resource Management/ 2 yrs 22.6 Lac
University of Windsor MIM- Human Resources Management/ 2 yrs 26.15 Lac
University of Regina Master of Human Resource Management/ 2 yrs 18 Lac
Centennial College Human Resources Management (Optional Co-op)/ 1 yr 9.4 Lac

How to Become a Office Administrator in Australia

  • Most of the Australian universities supply masters in HR degrees via their business colleges. Hence, the admission method applicable to Australian management faculties will apply to a master in HR admission.
  • Undergraduate Degree: bachelor in business, commerce, or equivalent discipline is needed to urge admission to the master of HR in Australia. Some universities like the University of Sydney accept students from all disciplines.
  • GRE Score: A GRE score is needed by only a few universities for master in HR admission. In some cases, students not having minimum eligibility grades within the academic degree will submit a GRE score as a substitute.
  • Work Experience: Though not an obligatory demand for admission in most of the colleges, relevant work expertise within the field of HR offers students a position within the admission method of masters in HR in Australia.

Top Universities

University Course (Duration) Fees (AUD)
University of Melbourne Master of Management in Human Resources (2-years) 45,824
The University of Western Australia Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations (2-years) 40,100
University of Technology Sydney Masters in Human Resource Management (1.5-years) 63,261
University of Newcastle Master of Human Resource Management (1.5 years) 39,845
Macquarie University M.Com with HRM (specialization) 38,000
Curtin University Master of Human Resources (1.5 years) 45,500

Benefits of Career as a Office Administrator

office administrator is a career that can be fearful from the outside world but that’s only the case for people who are not experienced. However, there are plenty of benefits in this field of work. Some of such benefits are as follows.

  • Salary: office administrator is a fast-paced and demanding field. However, the salary for the job is very good and lucrative. This is a huge growth opportunity in this working field. The average pay for an office administrator, irrespective of experience, is INR 9.41 LPA. The highest salary goes up to INR 17 LPA.
  • Job Security: When candidates are experienced in their working area, job security is really not a problem. office administrators with a good portfolio and experience are always in demand. Candidates who have experience of over 20 years are reported to be getting salaries of INR 16 LPA and more.
  • Positive Impact of the career: office administrator is a field that requires a bag full of creativity and managing skills. The office administrator is normally seen to be helping employees in any possible solution and managing the office environment seamlessly. With the increase in the number of projects done, their credibility improves too.
  • Higher studies: office administrator is offered at all levels of education. For working candidates, there are short-term certificate and diploma courses. Full-time degrees include Management courses in HR specialization. The field also has immense research capacity to earn a doctorate degree.
  • Unique Experience: office administrator is a very distinguished career in the aspect of its job responsibilities. Managers get to travel to exciting events, meet with the higher-ups of top brands, get perks like discounts and freebies, etc.

Skills Required to Become a Office Administrator

The office administrator must have standout skills to manage the teamwork and office working experience. The table lists skills employers look for in budding office administrators.

Analytical skills Attention to detail
Team working abilities 2+ years experience in office administration
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities Creative and passionate
Strong sense of discretion and professionalism Strong organizational and time management skills

Salary of a Office Administrator

Salaries of office administrators can range from INR 3.67 to INR 17 LPA. This variance in salary is because of factors like the city in which the Manager works, gender, and the number of years of experience. The average salary for an office administrator is ? 14,327 per month in India. All salaries have been tabulated below.

City Wise Salary

Cities Average Monthly Salary (in INR)
Mumbai ?31,790
Bengaluru ?23,790
New Delhi ?22,980
Raipur, Chhattisgarh ?13,790
Pune, Maharashtra ?14,252
Chandigarh, Chandigarh ?14,439
Chennai, Tamil Nadu ?16,169
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra ?18556

Gender Wise Salary

Gender Average Monthly Salary (in INR)
Male ?23,750
Female ?18,450

Experience Wise

Experience Average Monthly Salary (in INR)
Entry Level ?8,760
Early Career ?10,200
Mid-Career ?28,900
Experienced ?52,460

All the above-mentioned salary is average salary based upon the reported sources. Salary might change in the actual scenario.

How to Become a Office Administrator: FAQs

Ques. What are the minimum eligibility criteria for admission to HR Management courses?

Ans. The minimum eligibility criteria are class 12th in any stream from a recognized education board. A bachelor’s degree with suitable marks in any particular. However, Bachelors in business management candidates are preferred most for the Master's course.

Ques. What teamwork skills in relation to an office administrator position?

Ans. office administrators have to play important roles in a team or group. The ability in setting relationships with other team members should appear in the interview and the candidate should mention the contribution to the success of the team.

Ques. What are some skills needed to become an office administrator?

Ans. Successful office administrator possess analytical skills, attention to detail, team working abilities, strong written and verbal communication skills, creativity and passion, 2+ years experience in office administration, Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ques. Which industries is the office administrator hired in?

Ans. Human Resource Management's specialist or for the job of office administrator areas are Training & Development, Motivation, Compensation & Benefits, Recruitment & Selection, Labor relations, Labor Welfare, Industrial Relations, Labor Legislations, etc.

Ques. What are the English language proficiency test scores accepted internationally?

Ans. In international universities, language test scores accepted are TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, GRE, PTE, Cambridge Language Test, etc.

What are the top countries offering MBA in finance management?

Ans. Some of the top countries which offer MBAs in HR are Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Singapore, USA.

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