Becoming a virtual office assistant requires a high school diploma and office training. Community college, trade school, and online programs are available. Certification is optional but available. A virtual assistant performs administrative tasks and can specialize in a particular niche. Good communication, typing, and multitasking skills are important, as well as having the necessary equipment for a home office.
In general, the minimum preparation required to become a virtual office assistant is high school, followed by some office training. There are community college and trade school programs, as well as online educational options for those wanting to become a virtual office assistant, and many people with traditional business or business backgrounds can become virtual office assistants. To specialize or advance into a legal or medical position, one may seek additional training and, in many cases, certification. If one is self-employed, some additional requirements may include investment in office equipment.
A virtual office assistant has essentially the same job description as a traditional office assistant, except that he or she typically works out of their home office as a freelancer. In many cases, a virtual office has several advantages over a traditional office setup. For example, telecommuting is often more convenient for employees and can be more cost-effective for both parties.
Typical office assistant tasks include administrative tasks such as performing basic data entry and maintaining files and records. Other common activities include mailing, emailing and faxing documents, as well as writing business letters and reports. Clerical assistants are usually responsible for tracking budget information as well as making appointments and arranging travel for their supervisors. A virtual assistant can also focus on a specific niche – he or she can work in publishing as a virtual author’s assistant, for example; others are hired specifically for legal or medical transcription.
To become a virtual office assistant, one can train by following the conventional route of learning secretarial skills in high school and then completing a one- to two-year management program at a vocational technical school or community college. Increasingly, community colleges also offer programs specifically for virtual office assistants. Some examples of courses include computer technology and website design, as well as traditional skills such as transcription and accounting.
Instead of attending a local school, someone wanting to become a virtual office assistant can complete the entire course online. Several organizations offer coaching and training programs at varying costs. Although certification is not required to become a virtual office assistant, it is possible to obtain certification through the International Association of Virtual Assistants (IVAA). It offers the designations of Certified Virtual Assistant, Ethics Verified Virtual Assistant, and Real Estate Virtual Assistant. There are also several legal secretary certification programs available.
Some basic skills that are generally required to become a virtual office assistant include good verbal and written communication, as well as knowledge of business etiquette. For many office jobs, efficient typing skills are often required, and attention to detail and the ability to multitask are also considered important. Also, a freelancer typically needs certain equipment to set up a home office. At a minimum, he or she usually uses a computer, printer, telephone and a fax machine.
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