In order to be promoted to the position of office and administrative support supervisor, it is usually necessary to obtain additional education.  In fact, many businesses require at least an associate’s degree in order to be promoted to such a position.  Of course, it is also important to prove administrative abilities while on the job.  Since most people pursuing an supervisory position are also employed full time, pursuing a post-secondary education can be difficult.  This is why many people are turning to distance learning schools or earning their business management degree online.

Earning a business management degree online makes it possible to hold onto a job while pursuing additional education.  This allows a person interested in this career to prove his or her abilities on the job.  Characteristics employers look for when considering a promotion include superior office skills, organizational skills, and strong communication skills.  It is also important to be able to work as a team, to motivate others, to have strong leadership skills, and to be able to set priorities. 
 

An office and administrative support worker supervisor may work as a teller supervisor, a service manager, as a supervisor of the shipping and receiving department, or in a variety of other capacities.  The duties of the supervisor, therefore, depend upon the field in which he or she works.  No matter where the supervisor works, his or her basic responsibility is to coordinate and supervise the services provided by the staff.

An office and administrative support worker supervisor is also responsible for assigning duties to his or her staff and making sure they are working efficiently.  In order to do this properly, the supervisor must analyze each person’s weaknesses and strengths when assigning duties.  The supervisor also must make sure schedules are adhered to and deadlines are met. 

In addition, the supervisor must ensure all machinery necessary to complete the job is in proper working order.  The supervisor may make any necessary repairs, or may contact the proper personnel or service providers needed to make the repairs.  The supervisor also must make requests for supplies and equipment that are needed by the staff.
 

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for office and administrative support supervisors will grow more slowly through 2014 than the average occupation.  The main reason for this is because there will be more qualified applicants than jobs available.  In addition, many businesses are reducing their administrative staff as the jobs are being completed more efficiently through technological advances.  Gaining credentials and a business management degree online, however, can help put some candidates ahead of the pack when applying for a supervisory position. 

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics repots that the median annual earnings for supervisors of administrative and office support staff was $41.030 in May of 2004.  Supervisors working for insurance carriers earned an annual median income of $49,610, making them the highest paid group in the field.  The lowest paid group was supervisors working in depository credit intermediation, who earned an annual median income of $36,980.  There are often additional perks associated with the job, such as stock options and bonuses.