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How to become a business administrator

By Ben Madden
Ben Madden

If you’re looking for a career in the business world, then becoming a business administrator may suit you. A business administrator supports businesses using their organisational skills, taking charge of the general operations of the business, or a particular section/team within the business’s structure.

Read on to find out more about the role of a business administrator, as well as what qualifications you can get to help you work towards a career in business administration!

What does a business administrator do?

A business administrator usually works in an office, helping to keep the business'  general operations running smoothly. There are many different things that a business administrator can find themselves doing, including overseeing teams, developing and implementing plans to achieve business goals and keeping track of important records and documents.

The nature of the role of a business administrator means that you can choose what industry you work in, providing you with variety. The vast majority of businesses require a business administrator, so you can tailor the roles you apply for based on your interests.

Working as a business administrator, you’ll get to know how different parts of your employer’s business work in detail, as well as understanding the relationships and interactions between different departments. Whether you’re managing day-to-day tasks, or planning for the medium and long-term, a business administrator is crucial to a business’s success.

What are the skills of a business administrator?

woman smiling at camera

Business administrators require a diverse skill set, as no two days in the role will look the same. You’ll often be required to work with all aspects of a business, including IT, finance, marketing and more. It’s a diverse job, and if you’re looking for a career that provides a high level of variety, then this may suit you. 

Some of the key skills that you’ll want to possess if you’re looking for a career in business administration include:

  • Problem solving: Being able to work your way through problems you’ve never faced before is key.
  • Communication: If you’re able to work in tandem with other members of the business, then you’ll find yourself primed for success.
  • Time management: Time management is one of the most transferable skills in the business world - both managing your own time and managing the time of the key members of the business.
  • Attention to detail: Getting the small details right is just as important as big picture thinking.
  • Data analysis: Want to get an edge on your competitors? Being able to make data-driven decisions will prove beneficial, no matter the industry.
  • Project management: If you want to be involved in projects that will shape a business’s future, then this is a crucial skill. 

How to become a business administrator

If you’re looking to become a business administrator, then it’s expected that you’ll have a qualification related to business administration. It’s a career that’s expected to be in high demand in years to come, so it’s important to stand out from the crowd with a nationally recognised qualification.

Employers will also look favourably on applicants that have experience related to their industry, as well as proven time management, problem solving and communication skills. If you’re able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication abilities, as well as your ability to keep a cool head in a crisis, then you’re likely to be well on your way to a career in business administration.

What courses should I take to become a business administrator?

woman looking at laptop on couch

Upskilled provides a range of courses related to business administration to help you take the next step in your career. We’ve selected a couple of courses that you may want to complete to gain the skills necessary to become a business administrator.

BSB30120 - Certificate III in Business (Administration)

The BSB30120 - Certificate III in Business (Administration) is an excellent course for anyone interested in becoming a business administrator and provides job-ready training across a range of routine, administrative and operational tasks. The course also facilitates the development of a range of business skills so you can equip yourself with the abilities needed to become a business administrator. 

The course typically takes 12 months, and requires entrants to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Completed Year 10
  • Have a Certificate I in a similar discipline 
  • Have 2 years of relevant work experience

It’s recommended that applicants are at least 18 years old when admitted to the course, but under 18s can speak with an Education Consultant to chat more about eligibility for enrolment.

BSB40120 - Certificate IV in Business (Administration)

If you’ve already got fundamental business administration skills, but you’re looking to complete some professional development, then the BSB40120 - Certificate IV in Business (Administration) is a terrific course to complete.

The job-ready training will teach you specialist skills, as well as help those already working as Office Administrators or Administrative Assistants. You’ll learn how to liaise with stakeholders, improve your communication skills and solve complex problems in the workplace.

The course typically takes 12 months, and requires entrants to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Completed Year 12
  • Have a Certificate III in a similar discipline 
  • Have 2 years of relevant work experience

It’s highly recommended that applicants are at least 18 years old when admitted to the course, but under 18s can speak with an Education Consultant to chat more about eligibility for enrolment.

Interested in a career in business administration, but don’t know where to start?

Upskilled provides a range of courses, including ones related to business administration, so you can start working towards your next dream job, or improving your current skill set.

Talk to Upskilled’s education consultants on 1300 009 924 to learn more about how becoming a business administrator can prove to be very rewarding!

Ben Madden
Ben Madden Ben Madden is a Melbourne-based writer, who loves all things music and sport. He’s a long-time and long-suffering Essendon supporter, and if you’re looking for any music recommendations, he’s your guy.