In many ways, choosing a career in office administration means choosing to be at the core of an organization's operations. Lambton College's Office Administration - General program is ideal for those looking to develop their organizational, professional
business, technical, and communication skills. It is an excellent stepping stone to a great career in office administration, offering students the required administrative support knowledge that will enhance the very important entry-level role in any
office to be successful.
With a wide variety of hands-on practical experience such as, learning to expertly use a series of Microsoft Office programs, general accounting, fundamental office skills and soft skills for effective communication, graduates of this program are fully
trained to meet the demands of today's challenging work environments. Graduates with these skills have the advantage of experiencing a range of work opportunities because these skills are highly transferable.
The General program is also a common year for the two-year diploma programs, so students who wish to further their acquired skills and obtain specialization before taking employment can automatically enter the second year of either the Office Administration
- Health Services or Executive programs. Students who choose to further their education by registering for
year two in either specialty are strongly encouraged to register for CPL-1003 Internship in Term 4 to gain work experience in an office.
Office Administration students have opportunities throughout Lambton College to gain experience and grow their portfolios through participating in various activities to build their co-curricular records. General students indicate their program develops their computer skills; likewise, these students say their main goal for enrolling was to prepare for employment.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Office Administration General students are often sought after to fill internal College work study. If they return for second year, they are often sought out for EBAT office positions as well as a range of summer office positions all over Lambton County. These
opportunities provide even more practical office experience and are paid. Experiential learning such as participating in business meetings to learn and apply the essentials of meeting planning, preparation and minute taking takes place during the
program. General Office Administration students apply their skills in simulated project settings and demonstrate, tech savvy skills with the latest technology and finesse in interpersonal interactions.
Job opportunities in this field are available in virtually every city. From hospital settings to medical clinics, and health and wellness offices, or from petrochemical to manufacturing, and small business to non-profit, or from education to government our students graduate with many employment options and are able to customize their careers based on their interests.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission
subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, it is mandatory to own a reliable laptop to complete tests and assignments.
Course List
OAG-1025: Document Production I and Keyboarding
Document Production I and Keyboarding is a comprehensive beginner course in both keyboarding and document processing. Proper keyboarding techniques are taught, practiced, assessed and geared to both inexperienced and experienced students. Drills, skill builders and timed writings for speed and accuracy are used for developing a minimum speed of 33 net words per minute with minimal errors. Beginner to intermediate word processing concepts will be applied to the production of a variety of business correspondence including proofreading and attention to detail while applying and using the correct Microsoft Word functions. This course integrates both information input speed and accuracy required to meet multiple deadlines encountered in subsequent courses and in today's fast-paced business environment.
OAG-1023: Online Communications and Social Media
This course covers the comprehensive features of Microsoft Outlook, an industry standard for online communications. Concepts and skills are introduced in this course through lecture and demonstration, with students gaining immediate hands-on access to the complete and web-based software. Topics include comprehensive commands in all Outlook modules. Emphasis is placed on learning the Windows operating system, including organizational skills and management of electronic information. Microsoft One Note is taught and includes the fundamentals of electronic note taking. Students will be introduced to social media, and they will learn the importance of being a good digital citizen and effective Internet research.
OAG-1153: Multimedia Presentations
This hands-on course focuses on tools and techniques for creating professional business presentations. Students develop the knowledge necessary to design and develop dynamic presentations using PowerPoint. Students learn to communicate their message to an audience with effective slide presentations that incorporate design factors, text, graphics, sound and other multi-media effects. Students use team building skills to develop and facilitate a group presentation.
MTH-1002: Business Mathematics
This course is designed to introduce the learner to the skills required to solve business mathematics problems. Basic arithmetic and algebra skills are covered, as well as business applications including percentages, markup/markdown, trade discounts, simple interest, and compound interest. No prior knowledge of financial mathematics is required.
COM-1013: Critical Thinking and Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
OAG-2214: Document Production II
This course is a further study in operating microcomputers and using word processing software. Emphasis is placed on mastering word processing concepts and applying them to format a variety of business documents. Accurate and efficient production of documents is an integral part of the course. Students will also learn to proofread using the techniques that professional proofreaders have found most practical and effective. In addition, students practice keying accurately throughout the course.
OAG-2204: Professional Workplace Skills
This hybrid course examines the various duties, responsibilities, and procedures required of an administrative assistant in today's office environment, incorporating both theory and practical applications. Students will learn effective interpersonal and business communications as well as applying practical business skills, including planning business travel, meetings and conferences, taking minutes, managing records, managing time and stress, and developing strong customer-focused skills. Students will also begin the process of creating an academic/work portfolio and will work through an office simulation using all skills learned to date. Students will explore Virtual Assistant opportunities, to reinforce the job opportunities available as an entrepreneur.
OAG-2314: Spreadsheet Management
This hands-on course introduces students to the power of spreadsheets. Students create workbooks, worksheets, and chart sheets suitable for the business world. Students analyze practical business examples that develop the skills and know-how to apply them to different environments.
ACC-2503: Financial Foundations
This course provides an introduction to accounting for a small business concern with a study of the fundamental principles and methods of record-keeping. Topics covered in this course include the following: basic bookkeeping skills as well as accounting applications for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking activities, and payroll.
JSS-1001: Job Search and Success
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of how to conduct a job search and how to succeed in the work place. This includes self-reflection, effectively designing a cover letter and resume, online job searches utilizing social media, behavioural based interviewing as well as marketing oneself effectively in a job interview. Job safety, successful work strategies and harassment and discrimination plan of action is also discussed.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
Program Maps
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
Many of our graduates use the Office Administration - General certificate program as a foundation for their careers in a business setting. They are able to demonstrate the basic skills needed to perform routine tasks to effectively and efficiently contribute
in a variety of office settings. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions such as office assistants, front desk coordinators, or customer service representatives in business, industry and government.
For both future careers and moving into the second year of either the Office Administration - Health Services or Office Administration - Executive programs, students from the General program have a solid foundation of office procedures including practical experience using the Microsoft Office Suite that are transferable to most occupations today.