16 Administrative Intern Skills for Your Career and Resume

Administrative interns work in a variety of settings, providing support to organizations and businesses. These positions often require a range of skills, from customer service to data entry. If you are interested in an administrative intern position, it is helpful to understand what skills are most important for the role. This way, you can focus on developing the skills that will help you succeed in the position.

Multi-tasking

Administrative interns often have multiple tasks at any given time. They may be working on several projects, preparing presentations and updating files all at once. Being able to multi-task can help you stay productive throughout your internship. You might also need to switch between different types of work, such as administrative duties and customer service. Having the ability to quickly transition from one task to another can help you maintain a high level of productivity.

Problem solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. Administrative interns often use problem-solving skills when they encounter challenges in their work, such as when a computer program doesn’t function properly or when an employee needs help with a task. Being able to solve problems can also help you advance in your career because it shows that you’re capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

Travel Coordination

Administrative assistants often work with multiple departments and clients, so it’s important to have strong travel coordination skills. This can include scheduling meetings between different teams or individuals, arranging transportation for guests and ensuring that everyone is aware of any changes in schedules. It also includes the ability to plan out itineraries for business trips and vacations.

MS Office Suite

Administrative assistants use Microsoft Office Suite, a collection of software programs that includes word processing, spreadsheet and presentation tools. Having proficiency in using these programs can help you perform your duties more efficiently. You may also be able to apply what you learn as an intern toward earning a certificate in office administration or information technology.

Invoicing

Invoicing is the process of creating and sending an invoice to a customer. Administrative interns often use invoicing software, which requires them to input information about the product or service they’re selling, including its price, description and quantity. They also need to calculate sales tax and other fees that customers may owe. Invoicing can be challenging because it involves using complex software and calculating taxes accurately.

Time management

Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a way that ensures you meet deadlines. Administrative assistants often have many responsibilities, so it’s important for them to be able to manage their time effectively. As an intern, you may not have many duties yet, but learning how to manage your time can help you prepare for future roles.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for an administrative intern to have because they may be responsible for interacting with clients and customers of the company. This includes answering phone calls, responding to emails and messages from customers and providing information about products or services. Customer service skills can help an administrative intern build their professional reputation and make a positive impression on potential employers.

Decision making

Administrative interns often have to make decisions about how to handle various tasks. For example, if a coworker asks you for information and you don’t know the answer, you might decide to research it or ask someone else. You also need to make decisions about which projects to work on first, what deadlines are most important and how to prioritize your time.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. As an administrative intern, you may be responsible for scheduling meetings, maintaining files, managing budgets and other duties. Having strong organizational skills can help you manage your time effectively and ensure that all your responsibilities are met. It’s also important to have a neat and tidy workspace so that you can find what you need when you need it.

Answering Phones

Answering phones is a common task for an administrative assistant, and it’s important to be able to answer incoming calls in a professional manner. You can practice answering the phone by calling yourself or asking a friend to call you so you can practice your greeting and conversation skills. It’s also helpful to have a notepad nearby so you can take notes during a phone call.

Scheduling

Scheduling is the ability to plan and manage time effectively. As an administrative intern, you may be responsible for scheduling meetings, appointments or events. This requires attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks. You can also use scheduling skills when creating a calendar of events for your department or company. For example, if you’re working in marketing, you might create a schedule that details when social media posts are published each month.

Office Administration

Office administration skills include the ability to use computer software, file paperwork and manage calendars. Administrative assistants often perform a variety of tasks that require these abilities, so it’s important for an intern to develop them during their time in this role. Examples of office administration skills include creating presentations, sending emails, using spreadsheets and managing phone calls.

Event Planning

Event planning is the ability to plan and execute events, such as conferences or parties. Administrative assistants often take on this responsibility for their companies, so it’s important that they have strong event-planning skills. This can include researching venues, creating budgets, hiring vendors and coordinating with other departments.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. Administrative assistants often communicate with clients, coworkers and vendors via phone, email or in-person. Strong communication skills are necessary for any position that requires interaction with others. Examples of communication skills include active listening, speaking clearly and conveying complex ideas simply.

Shipping & Receiving

Shipping and receiving is the process of moving materials from one location to another. Administrative assistants often have to manage incoming shipments, track inventory levels and ensure that outgoing shipments are complete. This skill set involves using software programs for tracking purposes and keeping records of all incoming and outgoing items.

Filing & Data Management

Administrative interns often perform clerical duties, which may include filing and data management. These skills allow you to keep track of important documents and information for your employer. You can also use these skills in other career paths, such as law or finance. For example, a financial analyst might need to organize large amounts of data to analyze trends.

How Can I Learn These Administrative Intern Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the administrative intern skills mentioned. Many of these skills can be learned through on-the-job training, meaning that you can learn them by working in an office environment and observing how others perform these tasks. You can also learn these skills by taking classes or attending workshops that focus on office administration and management. Additionally, there are many books and online resources that can teach you the basics of these skills. Finally, it is always helpful to shadow or work with a more experienced administrative intern to learn the ropes.