Always in Demand – why Administration will never be Automated
We’ve seen an influx of life-changing technological advances in the last few years – which influenced not only the way we live our personal lives but have also revolutionised the way in which we work. Technology now permeates every industry and is a key part of every role. However, with some workers fearing that they may soon be replaced with an electronic computerised counterpart, what does this mean for anyone choosing a career or embarking on further education?
Technological immunity in business administration
One surprising sector, for which immunity has been granted when it comes to technology, is administration – which is why business administration courses still prove popular today. Many think that with Dictaphones and word processors, the ‘art’ of administration is dying. But, this is in fact not true, it is a role for which there is always great demand in the workplace – a role for which a human touch is required.
‘Administration’ is an umbrella term for many different positions in a company – each of which requires slightly different skills. As a whole, administrative staff are often required to cover a lot of ground under their job title, which makes for a varied and challenging role. Additionally, many people who occupy administration roles actually find themselves placed with much more responsibility than their job specification entails, even in comparison with their co-workers. This is possibly because they tend to work very closely with management and have the responsibility of maintaining confidentiality at a high level. They can also be tasked with taking care of finances and other very important elements of the role that can sometimes be overlooked.
The development of business administration roles
The introduction of technology into a role, which was once possible only with a pen, paper a typewriter and a filing cabinet, has undeniably been discarded. There is no need for certain elements such as transcribing from voice recordings, typing up written documents and maintaining huge paper filing systems. However, new technology has added new facets to a once simple role such as emailing, looking after online diaries, creating spreadsheets and other documents and running online accounting systems. Books like [amazon template=product&asin=B00S846USQ] expound on this.
In fact rather than ‘dumbing down’ or negatively impacting administration as a job, technology has enhanced and progressed administration roles from what used to be seen as a lowly career up to an important and indispensable group of people. These are people who greatly influence a company and keep everything in working order behind the scenes. Now, administration staff work closely with their colleagues, often at a high level, to ensure the smooth running of a business, aided by technology rather than being replaced by it. And whilst technology can, of course, replace the need for writing, transcribing and proofreading, it will never be able to listen and offer advice, bounce ideas back to staff and be discreet, empathic and considerate when carrying out its duties. These are all qualities which are essential in the administration industry and which employers demand when looking to fill an administrators role.
How to get into business administration
Business administration courses can give you the best start on your journey to a role in administration – and offers a firm footing on the first rung of the career ladder. You’ll get a good grounding on what each role entails and learn the key qualities and skills required to become an indispensable part of a company. You can even learn part time, fitting in your education around existing work and commitments. For those either looking to change career or start anew after having a family, this can be a godsend. Even for those who are already working in administration, a course such as this can offer fresh, invaluable insight which can help you to progress further in your current role.
