Business & Office Administration
If you take pride in helping teams stay organized and enjoy managing schedules, records, or communications, Business and Office Administration may be a good fit for you.
The field has a range of job types, so there is a place for many different skill sets and backgrounds.
The Kroenke Group
Central Bank
Shelter Insurance
Central Bank
Central Bank
Taylor Claiborne, Shelter Insurance
Shelter Insurance is a trusted local insurance company offering a variety of business and office administration roles. With a strong commitment to serving the community and supporting employee growth, Shelter Insurance provides meaningful career opportunities. Watch this video to learn more about the business and office administration career field.
Career Progression*
By gaining hands-on experience, developing your organizational skills, and demonstrating a strong work ethic, you can grow into advanced administrative roles and even lead office operations or teams.
STARTING YOUR CAREER
These roles are great starting points and often require only a high school diploma or short-term training.
Salary range:
$35,000-$47,000
Possible Job Positions:
Receptionist
Office Clerk
Data Entry Specialist
File Clerk
Front Desk Coordinator
Scheduler
Administrative Assistant
ADVANCING IN YOUR CAREER
Often requires experience, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or industry-specific knowledge.
Salary range:
$50,000-$80,000
Possible Job Positions:
Executive Assistant
HR Assistant
Billing/Invoice Specialist
Office Manager
Facilities Coordinator
Administrative Supervisor
Office Coordinator
LEADING IN YOUR CAREER
Requires more experience or education and involves team or operations oversight.
Salary range:
$70,000-$150,000
Possible Job Positions:
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
Vice President of Administration
Director of Office Management
Business Operations Manager
*Data Sources: Salary and progression information is based on input from HR staff at Columbia businesses, statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and local job market listings found on Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.
What You Need to Succeed
Frequently asked questions about how to excel in a career in Business and Office Administration
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Yes, many entry-level office roles such as receptionist, office assistant, or data entry clerk offer on-the-job training. Having basic computer skills, good communication, and organizational abilities can help you get started even if you don’t have prior office experience.
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A high school diploma or GED is usually the minimum requirement for entry-level positions. Some mid-level and specialized roles may prefer or require an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field. Certifications in office software or bookkeeping can also be helpful.
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Hiring can be delayed if:
The employer receives many applications and needs more time to review them
The position requires multiple interviews or skills testing
Background checks, reference checks, or verification of education and work history take extra time
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Possible barriers include:
Not meeting the minimum education or skills requirements
Lack of basic computer or office software skills
Poor references or incomplete application information
For certain positions, failing a background check (especially roles handling money, sensitive data, or confidential records)
Your Path to
Getting Started
Click a path number for more information.
Discover which career in Business & Office Administration might be a good fit for you. Click to read a management article and take an Administrative Assistant quiz!
View Local Employers — We recommend applying on company sites instead of sites such as Indeed.com
Apprenticeships, Certificates, and Colleges/Technical Schools that could be helpful for career progression
Career coaching and career-related financial assistance in Boone County
Career Testimonials
Bobbi Malone, Executive Project Manager, EquipmentShare
Began by managing individual projects, then advanced to leading cross-functional initiatives that strengthened systems and improved operations across EquipmentShare. As the company’s first CORE Employee, recognized for connecting people, building processes, and driving strategies that impact the entire organization—leading in both work and life.
Damien Ewens, Assistant VP, Facility Management, Central Bank
Beginning as a part-time sales associate at Walmart during college, career path progressed through management roles in big box retail. A transition into the banking sector followed, serving as a processing supervisor. In 2010, the focus has been on facility management. With the guidance of mentors and support from strong teams, now serving as AVP of Facility Management at Central Bank of Boone County.
Sonya Collier, Credit Card Specialist, EquipmentShare
Started out as a Fundraising Specialist for Scouting America - Great Rivers Council while also earning my Bachelor’s degree. Transitioned into an Injury Claims Adjustor and Building Administrative Assistant before landing my current role at EquipmentShare as a Credit Card Specialist.
Additional Career Resources
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