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For fast-growing careers, health-care is where it's at. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistant will be among the fastest-growing occupation through 2016.
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DESCRIPTION
The backbone of every organization includes a core group of people who are knowledgeable about every detail concerning office operations. These personnel are equipped with the know-how to handle filing, keyboarding, a variety of computer software, and different business applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties of General Office Professionals are too different and separate for them to be classified in any specific way. Rather than doing just one job, General Office Professionals have duties that are as diverse as the needs of their employer. Some days may be spent filing, typing, or working on the computer, others may be spent entering data at a computer terminal. They may also operate photocopiers, fax machines, or other office equipment, prepare mailings, proofread copy, answer telephones and deliver messages.

New employees may operate calculators or record inquiries, while more experienced workers may handle greater responsibilities. They might maintain financial or other records, check reports for accuracy and completeness, handle and adjust customer complaints, take inventory of equipment and supplies, answer questions about the company’s services and functions, and help prepare budgets.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Those General Office Professionals who greet customers and visitors usually work in areas that are highly visible and carefully designed and furnished to make a good impression. Working conditions are usually pleasant, workstations are clean, well lighted, and may be relatively quiet.

EMPLOYMENT
Opportunities for people interested in becoming General Office Professionals should be very good. The large size of this occupation should produce a significant number of job openings. Job seekers who have typing and writing skills, basic computer skills, and knowledge of office machine operations should have the best opportunities.

Because they have so many different skills, General Office Professionals find work in almost every kind of industry. Therefore, employment is not dependent on any single part of the economy. Also, because they perform a wide variety of office duties using many types of equipment, their employment is not necessarily dependent on any particular technological development.

General Office Professionals usually work with others. Therefore,they should be cooperative and able to work as part of a team. They must also be willing to change, to meet the unexpected requirements of the job.

ADVANCEMENT
General Office Professional who show strong communication, interpersonal and analytical skills may be promoted to supervisory positions. Others move into different clerical jobs, such as receptionist, typist, or secretary.

*Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2008 (2006-07) Edition