Office Administration Program

The Office Administration program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in professional office roles. The program is 10 months long and leads to a rewarding career with weekends off, paid vacation, and health benefits.

Program Overview

The program teaches students to become valued members of the workplace, with skills such as:

• Creating and editing simple websites
• Designing brochures, business cards, and other printed materials
• Writing and editing professional emails, business letters, memos, and reports
• Managing data to create forms and reports
• Electronic and physical filing to ensure documents are easy to find
• Basic business math to help with accounting and bookkeeping
• Communicating with coworkers, patients, customers, and clients with empathy

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Office Administration program have a wide range of transferable skills and can become the backbone of any office. Career opportunities include:

• Administrative assistants
• Secretaries
• Office clerks
• Receptionists
• Executive assistants
• Office managers
• Registration assistants Many graduates progress to roles such as office administrators, operations managers, project managers, and more.

Program Details

• Class sizes do not exceed 20 students, and students are with the same cohort for the duration of the training.
• The program does not have an attendance requirement, but consistent attendance is recommended for success.
• Students should expect to complete 2-5 hours of homework per week, including pre-reading for each course.
• A 70-hour work experience is available at the end of the 10-month program, typically in the first two weeks of June.
• The Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology grade scale is used, with a minimum of 70% required to pass all courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many hours of class time are there per week? Full-time students attend scheduled classes from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Thursday, for a total of 24 hours of instruction per week.
• Is there a dress code for this program? There is no dress code for this program.
• Is more training necessary after graduating from this program? While not necessary, continuing professional development can provide more transferable skills and opportunities for higher-paying jobs.
• What are the starting wages for graduates? Starting wages can range from $18 to $22 per hour to $30+ per hour, depending on experience and the workplace.
• How many graduates get employment in the office professions? All graduates who want to work are hired into office jobs upon graduation.

Vancouver Island University

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Overview:

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, health, science, technology, and trades. VIU is known for its commitment to student success, providing a supportive learning environment and a variety of services to help students thrive.

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Services Offered:

VIU offers a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:

Academic Advising:

Personalized guidance on program selection, course planning, and academic progress.

Financial Aid and Awards:

Scholarships, bursaries, loans, and other financial assistance options.

Career Services:

Career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Library:

Extensive collection of books, journals, databases, and online resources.

Health and Wellness Services:

Counseling, health promotion, and fitness programs.

Student Housing:

On-campus residence options for students seeking a convenient and supportive living environment.

Campus Recreation:

Opportunities for physical activity, sports, and recreational activities.

Campus Store:

Supplies, textbooks, and VIU merchandise.

Food Services:

Dining options on campus, including cafes, restaurants, and vending machines.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

VIU fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community, offering students a variety of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, connect with peers, and develop their personal and professional skills. Students can participate in:

Student Clubs and Organizations:

A wide range of clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests.

Campus Events:

Social gatherings, workshops, performances, and guest speaker events.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Opportunities to give back to the community and gain valuable experience.

Athletics:

Participation in varsity sports and recreational leagues.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Location:

Situated on beautiful Vancouver Island, offering access to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Small Class Sizes:

Personalized attention from faculty and a more intimate learning environment.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and inclusive campus community that fosters a sense of belonging.

Practical Experience:

Emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications.

Career-Focused Programs:

Programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

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Academic Programs:

VIU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:

Bachelor's Degrees:

In various disciplines, including arts, business, education, health, science, and technology.

Master's Degrees:

In areas such as business administration, education, and geographic information systems.

Diplomas and Certificates:

In a wide range of fields, including trades, technology, and professional development.

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Other:

VIU has three campuses located in Nanaimo, Cowichan, and Powell River, providing students with a variety of campus environments to choose from. The university also has a strong commitment to Indigenous education and offers a variety of programs and services specifically designed for Indigenous students.