Office Management and Secretarial Practice Course | Office Management Advanced Course

Program Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Admin Secretarial & PA QLS Level 5 prepares students for careers as successful PAs or secretaries. The 12-module program covers essential skills such as telephone handling, travel arrangements, meeting organization, and business writing. Graduates are equipped for a range of career opportunities and can earn between £20,000 and £50,000 per year.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Advanced Diploma in Admin Secretarial & PA QLS Level 5 is an endorsed office management advanced course designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become successful secretaries or PAs. This program aims to mold and shape a new generation of high-flying personal assistants by covering the primary duties and responsibilities of the professional PA, including meeting management, travel arrangements, shipping and mail services, record keeping, telephone communications, business letter writing, conducting presentations, and more.

Outline:

The course is structured into 12 modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of PA and secretarial skills.

• Module 2 - Telephone Skills: This module explores the art of effective communication by telephone, guiding learners through handling outgoing and incoming calls with confidence.
It covers screening calls, transferring calls, leaving and taking effective messages, dealing with difficult callers, and handling unexpected call volumes. It discusses the pros and cons of different shipping types, choosing the right shipping service, avoiding loss or damage during transit, and handling difficult or high-value consignments. It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of working with external travel agents, the advantages of making travel arrangements online, ensuring special requests are communicated, and the value of a pre-departure checklist.
• Module 5 - Organising Meetings: This module examines the role of personal assistants and secretaries in organizing and managing important meetings.
It discusses different types of meetings and their functions, the importance of good communication with delegates, and managing the meeting process.
• Module 6 - Time Management: This module introduces time management, focusing on procrastination and its consequences.
• Module 7 – Keeping Accurate Records: This module familiarizes candidates with important records and documents in a PA or secretarial setting.
• Module 8 - Writing Business Letters: This module explores the different types of business letters PAs and secretaries produce and receive.
It covers the characteristics and construction of a professional business letter, tips for effective proofreading, and the differences between personal and professional letters. It examines the stages involved in planning and preparing a presentation, incorporating visual aids, creating an impactful opening, and outlining the types of presentations PAs and secretaries may be involved in.
• Module 11 - Communication Skills: This module delves deeper into communication skills in the field of PA and secretarial services.
It teaches learners how to become more effective verbal and nonverbal communicators, providing constructive feedback, asking the right questions, and introducing probing techniques. It discusses nurturing an ethical working culture, using the ‘SMART’ goal setting methodology, and the benefits and challenges of the virtual workplace.

Careers:

The course opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities worldwide for those seeking a career as a secretary or personal assistant. Graduates can climb the career ladder with established employers or work independently on a freelance or contractual basis. The program emphasizes the freedom to work under one's own terms and enjoy a rewarding career where no two days are the same. Qualified and capable secretaries or PAs can expect to earn between £20,000 and more than £50,000 per year.

Other:

Brentwood Open Learning College offers some free certificate courses.