Business administration: how to be an administrator for beginners (with digital skills)

What is the course about?

This course will equip you to do the essentials of administration work. You will understand what is expected of an effective administrator and develop the types of skills and strengths needed in good communication, efficient organisation and effective decision-making. You will focus on how to plan and prioritise tasks, create schedules, manage on-line files and emails, and communicate effectively in person, on the phone, on-line and in emails and other written communications. You will also practise how to organise and conduct meetings, take minutes and summarise information. You will take away key principles and practical skills to enable you be a confident and competent administrator.

This course will be delivered online and in person, and will involve tutor presentation and class discussion. Student preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged. To fully participate in this online class you will need:
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer/laptop/tablet with a fully updated browser (preferably google chrome). Your device will need a microphone, and preferably a camera.

What will we cover?

We will cover the key areas needed to be an administrator, including:
• what is the role of an administrator
•planning and prioritising tasks and creating schedules - including using Outlook to keep track of what you need to do
• managing on-line files and emails - including how to create effective file and email management systems
• communicating effectively in person, on the phone and on-line including via emails
• how to format and lay out an official letter in Word
• organising and conducting meetings
• taking minutes and summarising information
•managing simple basic data through Excel.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• identify what is required of an effective administrator
• plan and prioritise tasks and create schedules - including using Outlook to keep track of what you need to do
• manage on-line files and emails - including create an effective file and email management system
• communicate effectively in person, on the phone and on-line including emails
• format and lay out an official letter in Word
• organise and conduct meetings
• take minutes and summarise information
• use Excel to manage basic data.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for anyone currently an administrator or would like to become one. It is also for anyone who has to do a lot of administration work in their job who wishes to develop their office skills. The course will require a degree of competence in Word and Outlook so you are advised to complete our Becoming Confident series in Word and Outlook courses if you are unsure of your skills in this area. Our Becoming Confident in Excel course might also be beneficial to you.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will guide you to discover features of administration work rather than just tell you. You will work on your own and with other students on different tasks so you are always practising important in-demand life and work skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, prioritising, negotiating, collaborating and independence. You will learn in a step by step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually so you know how to improve and how to work in a way that improves your learning. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a pen, some lined A4 paper and a file to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts and a code for Google classroom so you can communicate with classmates and access materials, videos etc. online.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This course is part of our Business Administration and Professional Communication series:
• Business Administration (with digital skills): English communication skills for administrators and office workers (level 1-2)
• Business administration (with digital skills): English communication skills in a business environment (level 2)
• Business administration: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access (intermediate-level 2)
• Business administration: ICT skills for business (advanced)
• Business administration: how to organise with OneNote (intermediate)
• Business administration: how to organise and manage with OneNote, MS Outlook and OneDrive (intermediate)
• Business administration: maths for administrators (level 1-2)
• Business skills: how to collaborate using OneDrive and SharePoint (intermediate)
• Business skills: how to collaborate with Microsoft Teams (intermediate)
• Business communication skills: the principles of selling (an introduction)
• Professional communication skills: business writing from memos to storytelling (level 2)
• Professional communication skills: effective verbal communication in the workplace (level 2)
• Professional communication skills: effective written communication in the workplace (level 2)
• Professional communication skills: creating a positive image from job hire to promotion

There are also many other maths, English and digital skills courses which will also help you with your works kills. For more information, please contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / (telephone temporarily unavailable). Or ask your tutor.