Why a Career in Office Technology?

Office technology is a rapidly changing field, and Wayne College adjusts its courses and degree options as the business climate changes. Wayne College’s Office Technology program offers a number of academic options that allows you to focus your business career on an area of technology that most appeals to you. Students learn skills in accounting, communications, management, computer networking, spreadsheets, databases and computer presentations.

Many students first choose to complete a certificate program to gain marketable job skills, become employed in the field and then finish an associate degree to prepare themselves for management positions. Many of the courses in the associate degree curriculum fulfill general education core curriculum requirements or serve as prerequisites for advancement to a bachelor’s degree.

Salary Information
The Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide reports the national average for starting salaries in the field of office technology: systems administrator, $50,000 to 75,750; business office manager, $31,900 to 53,100; help-desk technician, $27,500 to 54,500; information specialist, $26,000 to 53,000; and PC technician, $28,500 to 42,000.
Your starting salary will depend on your level of education, skills and experience, the type of organization, and geographic area.

The Office Technology program at Wayne College has several programs designed to prepare individuals for administrative support and business office management positions including:

Application Software Option
254300 Curriculum Guide (PDF)
This program option is technology intensive and designed to create power computer users and computer software application specialists. Graduates will be highly skilled in a variety of application software packages; will be knowledgeable of computer hardware; and will have the ability to hire, train and supervise staff; conduct research on the Internet, hire and supervise staff, prepare written communications such as technical manuals and reports, and operate and troubleshoot new office technologies.

Business Office Manager Option
254309 Curriculum Guide (PDF)
A business office manager coordinates various support services, including purchasing and facilities management. Duties may range from selecting vendors and supervising purchase processes to directing mailroom and maintenance employees, coordinating building safety checks and employee training. Communication, staff management and accounting skills are essential for the successful business office manager.

Computer Support Specialist Option
254310 Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Computer support specialists provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and other users. These troubleshooters interpret problems and provide technical support for hardware, software and systems. They answer telephone calls, analyze problems by using automated diagnostic programs and resolve recurring difficulties. Support specialists may work either within a company that uses computer systems or directly for a computer hardware or software vendor. Increasingly, these specialists work for help-desk or support services firms, for which they provide computer support to clients on a contract basis.

Networking Support Option
254311 Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Network administrators design, install and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), network segment, Internet or intranet system. They provide day-to-day onsite administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government and large corporations. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users. This option incorporates Microsoft Corporation standard courses and prepares students to qualify for Microsoft’s Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Engineer (MCSE) certification.

Information Specialist
254201 Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Information specialists help ensure an organization’s smooth and efficient handling of information. Core responsibilities for information specialists include performing and coordinating an office’s administrative activities; storing, retrieving, and integrating information for dissemination to staff and clients; planning and scheduling meetings and appointments; organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files; managing projects; and conducting research. In addition, information specialists often use computers to do tasks such as create spreadsheets; compose correspondence; manage databases; and create presentations, reports, and documents.

What is Office Technology?

Office technology describes the support network for all types of businesses. As technology in all areas of life increases, modern businesses have a greater need for people with technology skills. Manufacturing companies, law offices, government offices, small businesses, medical offices and large corporations require skilled office personnel to handle the daily functions of their operations. These can range from managing and training the office employees to managing projects, researching topics on the Internet, preparing computer presentations, troubleshooting hardware and software problems, managing local and wide area networks, and coordinating videoconferences.

Why should I attend Wayne College for my certificate/degree in Office Technology?

Experienced Faculty
Classes are taught by dedicated faculty members who have completed advanced study, hold appropriate credentials, and are experienced working in the office technology field.

Up-to-date Curriculum
The curriculum is frequently updated to keep pace with the ever-changing technical and personal skills needed in the Office Technology field.

Convenient Class Schedules
Office Technology courses are offered during the day and evening. Convenient two-day a week courses, one-night a week courses, and alternative learning courses (online and blended learning formats) are available.

Credit for Prior Learning
Currently under development, the Credit for Prior Learning Experience Program will offer experienced office technology workers a chance to have prior work experience evaluated for academic credit.

Credit for National Assessment Certifications
Students holding National Assessment Certifications such as Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certifications can be awarded academic credit for specialized office technology courses.

Job Placement
Current students and graduates enjoy an excellent placement rate in a variety of office technology positions.

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