Online Executive Assistant Classes and Courses

Executive assistants provide advanced administrative support to business managers and executives. Individuals interested in becoming executive assistants may benefit from the online office administration courses offered at many 2-year colleges.

Overview of Online Executive Assistant Classes and Courses

Executive assistant duties may include dealing with customers, handling correspondence, preparing documents and managing filing systems. Executive assistant classes are offered online through certificate, diploma and associate's degree programs, such as an Associate of Applied Science in Executive Assistant. In addition to working as an executive assistant, students are eligible for such positions as receptionist and administrative assistant.

Course Requirements

Online executive assistant courses require that students have regular access to a computer with high-speed Internet access and current word processing and spreadsheet software applications. An e-mail address and experience using Web browsers is necessary. Many schools offer orientation classes to first-time online students.

List of Online Executive Assistant Courses

Introduction to Customer Service Course

This introductory course focuses on the basic skills necessary for effective customer service. Emphasis is given to proper responses to customer requests, conflict resolution and basic negotiation skills. Students may participate in role-play sessions and labs that offer real life experiences in an office environment.

Introductory Keyboarding Course

Students with limited touch-typing skills have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with computer-aided typing while developing proper keyboarding skills and increasing speed and accuracy. Classes may also introduce fundamental word processing techniques for preparing letters, reports and presentations. This course is recommended at the start of a program.

Word Processing Applications Course

Instructors introduce students to the current software applications and the methods used to enter, design, revise and print office documents, such as letters, contracts, reports and presentations. Classes begin with advanced word processing skills, including the use of templates, macros and mail-merge functions. Students often produce a portfolio of their work as a final project.

Spreadsheet Applications Course

This introductory course on spreadsheet and chart preparation focuses on Microsoft Office Excel software. Classes cover beginning through advanced Excel functions, including graph analysis, hotkeys and formulas. Students learn typical financial terminology while creating, formatting and editing business spreadsheets and graphs.

Effective Business Communications Course

Students learn to communicate well in business situations. They train in the art of effective oral and written messages, including e-mail, memos, letters and reports. Students may be asked to prepare individual and group oral presentations. Prerequisites to this course may include introductory word processing and keyboarding classes.

Professional Office Skills Course

This course presents techniques useful for developing a professional image and the people, time management and communication skills essential for successful office administration and support. Classes may include proper business attire, business ethics, conflict management and organizational dynamics. The course may be offered in the latter portion of an office administration certificate program.