5 Things No One Told You About Business Administration Until You Were Doing It

When we think of a “business administrator role“, we often envision an office environment, computers, a coffee corner, the sound of a printing machine, and busy activity. Sounds like an ideal workplace, right? However, that is not the case in the real world.

The business world is chaotic. Once you are actually in the real setting, you will realize that there is a lot of backend mess and tight deadlines. Working as a business administrator is similar to many other types of jobs, and it can be a challenging role.

In this blog, we will delve into the realities of working in a fast-paced environment. It gives you a peek into what no one says out loud. The real, everyday stuff that happens after your first day on the job.

You Become the Go-To Person for Everything

Your role might be labeled as “administrator,” but in most offices, that term can mean anything. One day, you are working on a business report. The next day, you are preparing for a meeting, working on market research, or finding a last-minute file your head supervisor forgot about.

So people ask you questions. “Do you know where the office keys are?” “Can you call the repair guy?” “Where is the budget form again?” This can sometimes be overwhelming, but it is a reality, and sometimes you need to adjust and adapt to meet the demands of the role.

One of the best ways to stay sane in this particular job role is to ensure you take thorough notes and keep all files in the office organized.
 

People Skills Matter More Than You Think

You might think business administration is mostly paperwork. That is true, but it is also about teamwork. Every task connects to someone. You talk to coworkers. You communicate with the clients. You check in with your boss. You even follow up with vendors.

Some people will be friendly. Others, not so much. You will need to stay polite even when someone is upset or rushing you. You learn how to talk clearly. You also learn how to listen. That is how you avoid mistakes and establish trust.

No one tells you how much of your job depends on communication. But you feel it right away once you are in the role.

You Will Get Better at Solving Small Problems—Fast

Every company is bound to have minor problems in any organizational environment. A failed piece of hardware in a workstation, a room booked twice, a lost parcel, seemingly minor issues. That alone may seem insignificant, but when combined, it can have a significant impact on productivity and disrupt the regular work routine.

In such cases, your role is often expected to come in with strength. You usually serve as the problem solver in the office. This is a competency that cannot be learned solely from textbooks. Instead, it is honed through experience as the days pass.

Multitasking Is Not a Skill—It Is the Job

Business administrators often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. You might be answering a phone call, replying to an email, printing a report, and checking a calendar.

All within five minutes. You learn to track your time. You figure out what is urgent and what can wait. You become accustomed to switching between tasks without dropping anything.

This can initially feel tiring. However, it soon becomes a regular daily activity.

You Are Part of the Bigger Picture

Working as a business administrator is not about minor jobs. You arrange meetings, oversee communication, handle paperwork, and address any unexpected issues that arise.

Whilst doing such jobs, you are giving the other people enough time to concentrate on their work. Without you, things might go awry. Although most of its occurrences are behind the scenes, your role has a significant impact not only within your department but also on the overall growth of the business.

Conclusion

Northwest Career College offers a Business Administration Program designed to prepare you for the real world. You will gain practical office skills, along with hands-on experience in a classroom that understands how real-world workplaces operate.Enroll Now at Northwest Career College.