General Description
The Administrative Office Assistant—Bilingual and the Legal Office Assistant—Bilingual Intensive Training Programs at Southwestern College prepare students to work in general business or legal offices. Each program is briefly described below:
Administrative Office Assistant - Bilingual Intensive Training
Bilingual (English/Spanish) office personnel are in demand in San Diego County. Students are trained to work in a bilingual office setting in an entry-level position. Students learn office procedures, telephone techniques, reception skills, document processing, keyboarding skills, and word processing using the Microsoft Word and other applications that are part of the Microsoft Office Suite—PowerPoint, Excel, and Access. The program also includes a work experience component.
Legal Office Assistant - Bilingual Intensive Training
The legal community requires clerical personnel who have excellent legal office and interpersonal skills. In addition, those who possess bilingual skills are in high demand. The program trains students in basic legal terminology, legal forms, and office procedures required in public and private legal offices, clinics, and the courts. The program also includes a work experience component.
Career Options
Below is a sample of the career options available for the office assistant—bilingual major. Some of these options require completion of a certificate. Positions with higher levels of responsibility may require an associate or bachelor’s degree: receptionist, office assistant, bookkeeper, clerk typist, word processor, secretary, legal office clerk, legal secretary, legal assistant, education secretary, administrative assistant, executive assistant, virtual office assistant, interpreter/translator, bilingual, and office supervisor. Many entry level positions are available in business, industry, education, and government for students with solid technical, organizational, and communication skills.
Consult with a counselor to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), which lists the courses necessary to achieve your academic goals.
