Business Office Skills

busy office setting

Bakersfield College offers several courses, certificates, and degrees that provide students with the practical skills needed to succeed in today's fast-paced business world. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, and office management. Whether you are looking to start a new career or improve your current job prospects, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum that will help you achieve your goals.

receptionist smiling and handing card to customerWhat are Business Office Skills?

The study of Business Office Skills refers to programs of study that provide training in a range of administrative and office support skills. This includes courses in office technology, computer applications, recordkeeping, bookkeeping, customer service, and communication skills, among others.

The goal of BC’s Business Office Skills programs is to prepare you for administrative support roles in a variety of settings, including offices, business organizations, and government agencies.

Is Studying Business Office Skills Right for Me?

Individuals who would be good at studying business office skills tend to have certain qualities, such as:

  • Attention to detail
  • Organization
  • Communication skills
  • Technical skills
  • Adaptability
  • Customer-focused

These are just a few of the qualities that can contribute to success in a business office. Whether you are looking to build a foundation for a career in the business field or seeking to improve your skills in your current role, studying business office skills can be a valuable investment.

Business Office Skills Degree and Certificates

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The Administrative Office programs are designed to provide the skills and competencies needed to become an efficient, productive member of an office support team.

woman smiling; office setting in the background

Courses are designed to help students learn to analyze and coordinate office duties and systems, develop proficiency in the use of integrated software, and improve oral and written communication. Emphasis is placed on non-technical as well as technical skills.

business office setting no people

Courses are designed to help students learn to analyze and coordinate office duties and systems, develop proficiency in the use of integrated software, and improve oral and written communication. Emphasis is placed on non-technical as well as technical skills.

man sitting at a desk working on a computer

The Basic Internet Skills Certificate of Completion (NC) prepares students in today’s computerized environment to conduct basic internet research and to communicate with individuals via email.

laptop computer with graphs and numbers on the screen

The Basic Office Skills Certificate of Completion (NC) provides a framework for students to develop workplace skills and training that will qualify them for even more work opportunities within an office environment.

man in a warehouse setting standing while working on a computer

The Basic Office Software Skills Certificate of Completion (NC) allows students to learn the basics of navigating office software to accomplish a variety of office environment work tasks. 

woman sitting working on a desktop computer

The Beginning Computer Skills Certificate of Completion (NC) prepares students for their academic progression as well as their professional advancement by giving the basic knowledge of computer functions required in an office environment. 

two females talking while looking at a piece of paper

The Customer Relations Certificate of Completion (NC) allows students to develop customer relationship skills by dissecting the anatomy of a complaint and understanding different personality styles. 

woman talking with a digital presentation behind her

The Digital Marketing for Small Business Certificate of Completion (NC) allows students to develop strategic marketing skills. The program focuses on making an online presence for a small business by creating online visibility and business branding. 

man standing shaking the hand of a woman in an office setting

The Powerful Presentation Certificate of Completion (NC) allows students to explore and apply presentation delivery and formatting skills needed in today's workforce. Students learn persuasion skills to get their ideas heard at meetings, to sell themselves in an interview, and to organize any business presentation with clarity and impact.

male sitting at a desk working on a laptop computer

The QuickBooks Basics for Small Business Certificate of Completion (NC) provides a framework for student entrepreneurs to develop skills and knowledge in the bookkeeping software. 

man and woman walking in an office buidling looking at a tablet

The Recruiting and Managing Employees Certificate of Completion (NC) is intended to give small business owners the basic skills necessary for recruiting, hiring, and managing new employees.

tow females talking while looking at papers

The Sales Technique Certificate of Completion (NC) allows students to develop the basic sales techniques and skills to effectively handle a negotiation and sales environment. 

BC students walking and talking on campus
Paying For Education

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Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

Careers with Business Office Skills

The study of business office skills can be beneficial for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in administrative and support roles within various industries. These skills can prepare students for a wide range of positions, including:

  • Administrative Assistant: Performs a variety of administrative tasks, including scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and preparing reports.
  • Executive Assistant: Provides administrative support to executives and senior management, including managing schedules, making travel arrangements, and handling confidential information.
  • Receptionist: Greets visitors and manages incoming calls, as well as performs general office tasks, such as filing, copying, and data entry.
  • Office Manager: Supervises the day-to-day operations of an office, including managing staff, handling finances, and ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
  • Customer Service Representative: Interacts with customers to provide information about products or services, resolve customer issues, and handle customer complaints.

These are just a few examples of the types of careers that can be pursued with a solid foundation in business office skills. By gaining practical experience and knowledge in areas such as computer software, communication, and organizational skills, students can develop the competencies necessary to excel in these roles.


Academic Department: Business Education

Career & Learning Pathway: Business Pathway

Courses: Office Technology (OFFT) 


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