Office Software Specialist

1. Exhibits effective interpersonal skills and professional attitudes by demonstrating the ability to communicate with authority figures and peers; follow work rules and expectations appropriately; maintain confidentiality; and recognize an appropriate business appearance.
2. Demonstrate the use of critical thinking skills to analyze and solve business problems by demonstrating the ability to define problems, find relevant information, synthesize and evaluate information, and implement decisions.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in keyboarding speed and accuracy and knowledge of correct document formatting.
4. Demonstrate technical competency by utilizing a wide range of software applications necessary for business office operations; demonstrates initiative in learning to use new technology, and applies new technology accurately in office settings.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of roles and functions of various professionals; collaborate and problem-solve as part of the office team.
6. Demonstrate ability to set priorities, organize work, and sequence tasks appropriately, and consistently complete projects on a schedule.
7. Demonstrate the ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary in business applications including accounting, by working with percentages; decimals and fractions; understanding accounting principles as they are applied to business office bookkeeping; and using formulas for creating spreadsheets and databases.
8. Develop and evaluate customer service skills by ascertaining the characteristics of a customer service organization and using customer service skills in servicing customers professionally.

In this information-intensive economy, support professionals with advanced software skills are highly sought after by employers in a wide variety of industries. Most job applicants have some familiarity with Microsoft Word; however, individuals who can carry out mail merges, format documents expertly, and execute other complex functions will stand out above the rest. Business is data-driven, and office professionals who possess the know-how to integrate Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access to organize and manipulate information are in particularly high demand. Having the ability to create dynamic presentations for bosses and colleagues in PowerPoint is essential. QuickBooks is used in business for accounting, payroll, invoicing, reporting and more. If you’re seeking a job in a bookkeeping administrative role, a working knowledge of QuickBooks is definitely an asset.

Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Program Sequence 

Students can choose to complete this program part-time. Part-time students will take longer to complete their program than students who follow the full-time sequence listed on the official program guide. Because every course may not be offered each semester, it is important for part-time students to reach out to their faculty advisors for help in planning their long-term, part-time course sequence.

If you need help picking out your first semester courses, reach out to your faculty advisor or enrollment services.

 Part-time Options

Office Communications Specialist
Certificate

Administrative Office Specialist
AAS degree, diploma

Legal Office Specialist
AAS degree, diploma, certificate

Supervisory Management
AAS degree