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Executive assistants are administrative professionals who contribute to the effectiveness of an office in an important way. They manage projects and budgets, make travel arrangements and manage events, prepare communication and take on a collection of essential tasks. Excellent at time management, project management and multi-tasking, they are critical to any organization. You will learn from professionals who are current in their field and will have the opportunity to enhance your resumé with real-life work experience.
Classes in this program are offered in a compressed format on three consecutive days each week.
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This two-year diploma program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required of an executive office assistant. You will gain extensive practical understanding and knowledge of office concepts; business operations and procedures; current computer software; and how to collaborate on various management activities.
You will develop your skills through various learning methods such as group and individual projects, discussions, lectures, case studies and office simulations.
Emphasis is placed on the practical demands of the job including:
If you choose to pursue this option, you should enjoy working on computers and interacting with others. In addition, you must be willing to work to develop a professional level of ability in business skills.
Please note: You will be required to achieve a keyboarding speed of 45 net words per minute to graduate.
Upon successful completion of your first year, you may elect to finish your studies and graduate with a one-year Ontario college certificate in Office Administration. Please make arrangements through the Office of the Registrar.
Students will be provided various Microsoft Office user specialist (MOS) certification opportunities.
You can increase your marketability by leveraging the learning built directly into the program to help you obtain the following additional credentials:
First-year students enrolled in a diploma program or select graduate certificate program through the Faculty of Business will receive a membership to all eight of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students access to local businesses at a regional level.
The eight Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a workplace field placement component. This will take place within an office environment, and will provide you with practical, hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts learned in the Office Administration – Executive program.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
*Mac Computers
NOTE: Some required software applications are not available for MAC OS or Chromebook. Please ensure that you have access to a PC.
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