Business Technology Programs
Index
What is Business Technology?
Picture yourself in an office setting interacting with many different people. Each
workday you are involved with business concepts, business communications, computers,
software applications, technical office skills, and a variety of office equipment.
This active and high-tech environment describes work in the modern office of today.
What skills do I need to be successful in this field?
You must enjoy working with others and making full use of your communication skills.
People who are successful in this field like to apply their computer and software
knowledge, as well as format and edit business documents. Those who excel are determined,
motivated and enthusiastic about change. If you possess these qualities, then the
office is a good career environment for you!
What Business Technology programs are offered at SFCC?
Complete
Career Planning Guides are available on the Degrees & Certificates page for these options:
- Business and Software Applications (3 quarter certificate)
- Office Assistant (3 quarter certificate)
- Administrative Assistant (6 quarter A.A.S. degree)
- Information Processing (6-quarter A.A.S. degree)
- Administrative/ Computer Specialist (6 quarter A.A.S. degree)
- Certified Professional Secretary (by non-traditional means)
The
Office Assistant Certificate requires three quarters to complete and
gives you a working knowledge of office procedures and techniques. If you need to
update your office skills or find office employment quickly, this is the program
for you!
Business and Software Applications is another certificate option.
The
Administration Assistant and the
Information Processing options
incorporate the office assistant curriculum. These programs allow you to expand
on this basic knowledge and excel in one or several areas.
The
Administrative/ Computer Specialist curriculum is designed to prepare
students for careers as management information specialists, salespersons for vendors
or retailers of microcomputer hardware and software, and technical support specialists.
The advanced classes develop skills in microcomputer applications for business systems,
operating systems, and local area networks. Topics include programming system software
concepts, using applications packages, database concepts, telecommunications, and
support of end users.
Students in all of these six-quarter office administration options polish their
business communication skills through letter and report writing. They also become
experts at using popular word processing and spreadsheet software. Upon completion,
they receive an A.A.S. degree.
What courses will I take at SFCC?
To gain Business Technology skills, you'll enroll in keyboarding and formatting
classes using the latest versions of popular business software programs. You'll
learn word processing desktop publishing, spreadsheeting, and e-mail.
To enhance your office knowledge, you'll take additional classes in business communications
and correspondence, records information management, business math and accounting.
You'll also gain practical experience and the ability to discuss job and career
opportunities through practicums, internship classes, and a job preparation course.
What careers are available?
There is continued strong demand for administrative and office support professionals.
As technology continues to play a major part in the job descriptions of these positions,
many new jobs will be available in a variety of industries. Opportunities abound
in a wide range of positions for Business Technology graduates. As businesses seek
to maximize the productivity and efficiency throughout their operations, advancement
opportunities are wide open for graduates of the Business Technology program.
Examples of job titles include:
- Administrative Assistant
- Secretary
- Executive Assistant
- Executive Secretary
- Office Manager
|
- Executive Word Processor
- Desktop Publishing Specialist
- Receptionist
- Office Clerk
- Management Information Specialist
|
- Computer Sales Associate
- Technical Support Specialist
|
Besides getting a degree, how can I document what I
have learned?
Microsoft Certification Program
Microsoft Certification provides employers a
standard by which to assess skill levels in the various Microsoft Office products.
Students gain marketable skills and will be able to document their abilities using
the MOS certification.
Becoming Microsoft certified documents skills needed to drive a
wide range of desktop computing tasks to completion with the kind of efficiency
that businesses need and employers notice.
The Business Technology Department at Spokane Falls Community college has classes
to teach skills needed for the exams. Please call Gwen Eltz at 533-3486
for more information.
Proficiency Certificates / Certificates of Excellence
In addition to the degrees and certificates awarded by SFCC, the Business Technology
Department awards Recognition of Proficiency certificates in a variety of areas
including business writing, office management, keyboarding and business document
formatting, and information processing. In order to receive a Recognition of Proficiency
Certificate, a student must complete a pre-determined list of courses with a minimum
grade of 3.0. A Certificate of Excellence is earned with a minimum 3.5 in each course.
Please call Gwen Eltz at 533-3486 for more information.
What will I able to earn in this field?
The type of work you do, your level of skill and technology, and the location of
the business you work for will play a key role in the salary you receive. Entry-level
positions usually start above the minimum-wage level, and advancement is usually
rewarded with pay raises. The average pay range for competent administrative support
professionals is $1,800 to $2,700 per month.