Industry Spotlight: Admin & Business Support
By Teri Bisceglia, GCDF, CPRW
Receptionist | Custodian | Security Supervisor | Director of Environmental Services | Sales Manager | Construction Manager | Childcare Administrator | Food Service Manager | Business Operations Specialist | Purchasing Agent | Claims Adjuster | Compliance Officer | Budget Analyst | Project Management Specialist | Accountant | Insurance Underwriter | Loan Officer | Information Security Analyst | Computer User Support Specialist | Food Prep Worker | Legal Assistant | Graphic Designer | Cashier | Correctional Officer
Question: Why would I list all these different jobs? What could they have in common?
Answer: They all belong to the Administrative and Business Support Services Industry! This is such a broad industry. It’s incredible when you see the diversity of jobs within one industry. So if you’re interested in this industry, you will have lots of choices. There may be opportunities there that you had not considered previously. It also offers many job seekers the opportunity to career change within the industry.
WHAT IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE & BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES INDUSTRY?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry is "engaged in activities that support the day-to-day operations of other organizations. The processes employed in this sector (ex: general management, personnel administration, clerical activities, cleaning activities) are often integral parts of the activities of establishments found in all sectors of the economy.”
The industry includes Office Administrative Services, Facilities Support Services, Employment Services, Business Support Services, Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services, Investigation and Security Services, and Services to Buildings and Dwellings. While the industry has many companies that offer the specific services mentioned, it’s important to remember that companies and organizations across industries have a need for many of the jobs identified in the Administrative and Business Support Services industry. The Administrative and Business Support Services industry growth is an estimated +8% over the next five years, creating job and career opportunities from entry-level to senior management. I’m sure you have noticed the job boards are full of openings!
WHO'S HIRING IN THIS INDUSTRY?
Administrative and Business Support Services industry companies (as well as the companies who utilize administrative and business support services) offer job seekers and career changers opportunities for a variety of jobs and careers. In our local area alone, there are over 400 industry employers - and over 3,600 industry employers within 50 miles! Local employers in the Administrative and Business Support Services industry include DeLeon & Stang, BMC Insurance, Ruppert Properties, Securitas, e-End, Arachnid Works, Lee Building Maintenance, and Cintas - just to name a few.
To learn more about companies in this industry and their job opportunities, you can visit The Local Landscape section on FrederickWORKS.com.
“Companies in this industry offer job seekers and career changers opportunities for a variety of jobs and careers. In our local area alone, there are over 400 industry employers - and 3,600+ industry employers within 50 miles! ”
WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT?
Salary ranges are influenced by a variety of factors, including company size, number of employees, and the economy, as well as the candidate’s experience, education, and training. The Local Landscape provides average salaries and corresponding education/training levels for some of the typical occupations in the Administrative & Business Support Services industry.
Here are a few examples:
Receptionist, High School Diploma, Average Salary: $14.52 per hour
Environmental Services Supervisor, Post-secondary Certificate or License, $18.60 per hour
Emergency Management Director, Bachelor’s Degree or Above, $51.63 per hour
The image below represents a sample career pathway in this industry. An advertising/sales agent with an average salary of $11 - $12 per hour and a high school diploma may advance to a marketing specialist with an associate’s degree and average salary of $15 - $18 per hour to a public relations director with an average salary of $30 - $35 per hour and bachelor’s degree. This example demonstrates the potential of going from entry-level to management. A career pathway is just a glimpse into the possibilities within an industry. You can enter a pathway at any point based on your own experience and training.
WHAT ARE THE SKILLS I NEED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE?
Computer literacy is an essential skill for success in Administrative & Business Support Services. Almost every job in the industry requires some work on a computer. A custodian may need to log supplies use. A human resources specialist may need to calculate and track employee benefits. A security supervisor may need to email their employee about a new assignment and create a weekly work schedule. If you’re changing careers and feel you don’t have the computer skills to be successful, don’t panic! Frederick County Workforce Services’ Skill Up Frederick offers free online training for Frederick County residents and might be the resource to help you become more competitive. Check it out here: www.frederickworks.com/skill-up-frederick.
Remember, it’s vital to identify how your current skills may transfer to a particular industry when you’re considering a new job or changing your career. You learn whether you already have the skills you need to be a successful candidate or if you’ll need training to upgrade your skills to meet industry requirements. The good news is that many of the skills you’ve acquired throughout your work life are transferrable and in demand! These include communication, customer service, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership/management. You can check out The Local Landscape’s Top 10 Advertised In-Demand Skills for brief definitions and real-world examples.
Bottom line: This is an industry where career and job opportunities are in great supply!
So if you're thinking that a career in the Administrative & Business Support Services industry might be right for you, then check out The Local Landscape: Admin & Business Support Services page to learn more.
Sources:
The Local Landscape – Administrative & Business Support Services
Administrative and Support Services: NAICS 561, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.