May 4, 2004

Administrative Assistant Classes Enrolling Now At Boise State

It was once thought that technologies such as laptops, e-mail and cell phones would make clerical support obsolete, said Sue Madarieta, manager of the Center for Business and Management at the Selland College of Applied Technology at Boise State University. But the reality is that the proliferation of technology in today’s offices has transformed the job descriptions and increased the demand for highly trained administrative assistants, she said. Today’s busy offices require administrative assistants who can operate multiple software packages, do basic desktop publishing, maintain Web sites, build spreadsheets, research and create databases and much more. To meet the demand for highly trained assistants, the Selland College is now accepting applications for fall enrollment in a variety of training programs that start August 23. They include a 15-week office occupations program and administrative assistant, legal administrative assistant and accounting technology programs that can be completed in two years or less. “In small companies assistants have to know a lot more than they used to know, ” Madarieta said. “They have to keep up with trends in the tech field and be able to weigh product and software function and cost because many times they act as purchasing agents and support help for others at work.” In a 2004 survey of its members, the International Association of Administrative Professionals found that 66 percent say that technical training is one of the most significant issues facing administrative assistants in the future. The Selland College welcomes high school graduates and also caters to adults who are returning to school after years away, even if they do not have a high school diploma. “We provide personal service and care to all of our students,” Madarieta said. “We want to make a significant difference in their lives by providing them with training from skilled instructors who have years of professional experience in the fields they teach. Assistants who keep up with the technology are pretty much assured that there will always be a demand for their services.” For more information on administrative assistant programs at Boise State, call 426-1431. -30- Contact Sue Madarieta Boise State Selland College of Applied Technology 426-3989 smadarieta@boisestate.edu   Media Contact Sherry Squires Boise State communications and marketing 426-1563 ssquires@boisestate.edu