(023/024/026) Associate in Applied ScienceThe program is designed to prepare students for employment as an administrative secretary, secretary, or other office positions in private business and governmental organizations. Many office and administrative services courses are offered in an open laboratory classroom. Students progress on an individual basis. See laboratory personnel in Room 3K4 for placement in appropriate classes. Work and EmploymentSecretarial and administrative office work continues to evolve along with new office automation and organizational restructuring. In many cases, secretaries have assumed new responsibilities and learned to operate different office equipment. Secretaries are responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical duties that are necessary to run and maintain organizations efficiently. Secretaries increasingly use personal computers to run spreadsheets, word processing, database management, desktop publishing and graphics programs—tasks previously handled by managers and professionals. Some secretaries perform highly specialized work that requires knowledge of technical terminology and procedures. Employment opportunities should be quite plentiful, especially for well qualified secretaries. Special ConsiderationsWorkers usually have the following skills and aptitudes: communicate well, work under pressure, concentrate despite distractions, show good judgment and common sense, are dependable and responsible, patient, systematic, neat and accurate. Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College Counseling Office, 815/835-6354; Mary Ann Hurd, Assistant Professor of Office and Administrative Services, 815/835-6202. |