What Business Administration Skills Do You Need for Entry-Level Careers?

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If you want a future career in business, an entry-level job can help you gain a foothold in the field. But before any door is open to you, you’ll need the basic business administration skills that are deemed essential in the workplace. Which do you already possess, and which will you need to hone?

Communication

Business executives and hiring managers agree that communication is the number one skill they look for in new hires. Being able to speak and write well and listen to what others have to say allows you to communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, and your supervisors. And in today’s virtual world, you need to be able to do it all online, whether in an email or on a Zoom call.

Critical Thinking

Right alongside good communication skills are the ability to think critically, figure things out, and solve problems. Those aren’t just good business skills; they’re excellent life skills. If you can do all that, any business leader would consider you an asset to their team. And it doesn’t matter the field you enter. Whether you work for a big corporation, a small business, or even a healthcare facility, these important business skills can set you apart and help you succeed.

Customer Service

Whatever business or service you provide, you won’t last long without excellent customer service. What can you do personally to keep clients coming back to your company instead of heading off to a competitor? You can learn a lot about this in a business degree program, but you probably already know a thing or two. If you’ve ever worked in retail or food service, you get it! Now bring that skillset to your business profession. Good customer service includes anticipating and listening to customer concerns and doing whatever it takes to help them have a positive experience.

Professionalism

In the workplace, you need a professional persona that’s focused on getting the job done. Be polite and courteous, follow the rules, show up on time, and maintain a positive attitude no matter what happens. It can take practice to develop professionalism, but it’s a valuable skill that will be necessary in any job you have.

Computer Skills

You need to have basic computer skills to succeed in business. That means knowing how to use the Internet, send emails, manage a digital inbox, and becoming familiar with the software your organization uses. You also need to know how to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentation slides with the Microsoft Business Suite. These skills are important because they will help you become more efficient and productive at work, and they allow you to communicate and collaborate more effectively with your co-workers. Your computer skills will be valuable in any job, and as technology evolves, you need to keep up with those changes.

Time Management

To work efficiently, you need to manage your time well. You may need to manage multiple duties, sometimes at the same time. To balance it all, you need to keep track of your time and stay focused on your work. You need to set priorities, work at a steady pace, and not allow yourself to become distracted. If you work in an administrative position, you may also manage your supervisor’s calendar or coordinate their meeting schedule or travel. That means you’ll need to be responsible enough to help manage their time as well as your own.

Leadership

Why do you need leadership skills for an entry-level career? Because someday you may want to be a leader! You don’t need to have a management position to be a leader. You can lead in any job with the right skills and attitude. When you take the initiative to start a task without being asked, you display leadership. If you encourage your co-workers during tough times, you display leadership. These skills are important because they can help you navigate the daily problems you face at work. And if you want to eventually climb the ladder, leadership skills can help you stand out from the crowd and show your boss that you’re ready for more responsibility.

If you’re ready to start the next chapter of your career, contact Charter College today. We offer a variety of business degrees and certificates that can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to start an entry-level career in the field. Classes are enrolling now. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.