Calling all office workers..what courses did you complete for your job?

I am me123 · 11-09-2020 05:33PM #1

Sorry if this is too broad a question..
I'm curently retraining in office work while on a C.E. scheme getting on the job training.
To date, I have completed a Reception & Office Skills course as well as a Book Keeping course. Both were QQI Level 5.
I am third level educated with a Level 8 in Childcare Management, worked in childcare for a few years and then changed my career to office work. I felt there was little or no career progression in creche work with a degree.
Now my C.E supervisor is suggesting I do another course while on the scheme. I am at a loss as to what to do a course in next.
My main goal is to get a role in the civil service or similar.
Any office staff able to offer any suggestions or what training courses or upskilling have you done for your job?
All suggestions welcome.
Thank you.

11-09-2020 06:44PM

I would suggest completing some basic training in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel etc. I’m not sure if the ECDL is still a thing, but whatever its equivalent is now. If you’re already at that level, move up to intermediate level in one or two of the individual packages.

You could also have a look at the job specifications and competencies for the Clerical and Executive Officer roles in the Civil Service - they will give you an idea of what they look for.

mdwexford · 12-09-2020 12:33PM

I’d agree, being proficient in Word, Excel and Access would be very helpful.

I am me123 · 12-09-2020 07:31PM

Thank you for the responses everyone.
Anyone know what the course content for ECDL is like?

listermint · 12-09-2020 07:35PM

Hold your roll for a second.

What is it you are actually interested in. What did you enjoy in school or what did you enjoy from the courses you did do.

Office work can be anything from front of house work to data entry to payroll to hr to accounts to data analysis to project management to facilities.

Don't just pick typing courses. Tbh ecdl is a load of ****e .

What do you enjoy.

I am me123 · 12-09-2020 08:54PM

listermint wrote: »

Hold your roll for a second.

What is it you are actually interested in. What did you enjoy in school or what did you enjoy from the courses you did do.

Office work can be anything from front of house work to data entry to payroll to hr to accounts to data analysis to project management to facilities.

Don't just pick typing courses. Tbh ecdl is a load of ****e .

What do you enjoy.

It might sound silly but I'd love a job where I could be a typist for someone (in a company or something similar). Typing up letters, documents ( but as a job, working for someone else).
Suggestions?

neonsofa · 12-09-2020 09:19PM

I am me123 wrote: »

It might sound silly but I'd love a job where I could be a typist for someone (in a company or something similar). Typing up letters, documents ( but as a job, working for someone else).
Suggestions?

Pitman training (and other places but I just know them off hand) do typing courses to improve touch typing speed.
You could also look into specialising in an area such as medical admin or legal admin if you wanted to do that kind of work, where you are documenting and doing the admin for others.

Have you seen a career guidance counsellor? Might be worth exploring before deciding on a course. That way you can make a plan towards the job you want, rather than doing a course just for the sake of it.

I am me123 · 12-09-2020 09:51PM

neonsofa wrote: »

Pitman training (and other places but I just know them off hand) do typing courses to improve touch typing speed.
You could also look into specialising in an area such as medical admin or legal admin if you wanted to do that kind of work, where you are documenting and doing the admin for others.

Have you seen a career guidance counsellor? Might be worth exploring before deciding on a course. That way you can make a plan towards the job you want, rather than doing a course just for the sake of it.

I am currently on a C.E. scheme as an Administrator in a Community Development organisation..a job I quite enjoy and feel I am well able to do the work I am assigned. I would quite like a similar job. My tasks include compiling staff timesheets weekly, typing letters, photocopying, compiling inventory lists as required by manager as well as ad hoc office duties.
I'd quite like a similar full time position..
Any ideas for further training in the above that would be of benefit?

touts · 12-09-2020 10:09PM

ECDL is a scam if it even still exists. I've hired lots of office workers and anyone who puts it down on their CV is simply saying I'm ****e at computers and I bought this qualification. Now it may be worth doing if you know nothing about excel etc but once you are happy put down "proficient with MS Office".

What you want is business related skills and experience. Things that teach you the practical day to day stuff of business. You are not going get a job as someone's typist. Those jobs don't exist any more. Even the highest exec will type for themselves. But you might get a job as a PA or personal assistant. What you want to get that is:

1 Good computer skills. Do ECDL if necessary but then burn the cert for fear anyone finds it.
2. Business skills. Look for a business related course. Try Springboard (although most of those courses are closing applications around now). Go onto skillsnet and see what's there. Check with your local ETB. Even try your local Enterprise office (LEO) they do cheap start your own business courses. They are designed for people looking to start their own business but hey you can always say you are and you never know what will come of it.
3. Get some experience. Look for receptionists jobs etc. You'll struggle to get them without experience but there are ways around that. Check with local charities if they need volunteer work. Maybe you could get a couple of days a week unpaid as a receptionist or in their office. It's a pain in the arse being unpaid BUT that not only gives you some experience but it will also signal to future employers that this is someone who is willing to work hard for long term goals.

EDIT Just read that you have experience through a CE scheme. That's a good start. But you need to add something to that. Lots of people do CE schemes because they have to. You need to show you are doing it because you want to. You do that by doing some other work and that's where the charity experience comes in. Show employers you want to get on and you want to work hard and you'll be attractive to them. The fact that you are on this board asking for advice is a good sign. You'll get there.

Edit2 as you have a degree I suggest you get onto Springboard tonight. Both UCD and Trinity have level 9 courses in Innovation and Creative thinking. The Trinity one adds Enterprise development to that. They are good courses. But the applications close soon. Do it now.

I am me123 · 12-09-2020 10:16PM

touts wrote: »

ECDL is a scam if it even still exists. I've hired lots of office workers and anyone who puts it down on their CV is simply saying I'm ****e at computers and I bought this qualification. Now it may be worth doing if you know nothing about excel etc but once you are happy put down "proficient with MS Office".

What you want is business related skills and experience. Things that teach you the practical day to day stuff of business. You are not going get a job as someone's typist. Those jobs don't exist any more. Even the highest exec will type for themselves. But you might get a job as a PA or personal assistant. What you want to get that is:

1 Good computer skills. Do ECDL if necessary but then burn the cert for fear anyone finds it.
2. Business skills. Look for a business related course. Try Springboard (although most of those courses are closing applications around now). Go onto skillsnet and see what's there. Check with your local ETB. Even try your local Enterprise office (LEO) they do cheap start your own business courses. They are designed for people looking to start their own business but hey you can always say you are and you never know what will come of it.
3. Get some experience. Look for receptionists jobs etc. You'll struggle to get them without experience but there are ways around that. Check with local charities if they need volunteer work. Maybe you could get a couple of days a week unpaid as a receptionist or in their office. It's a pain in the arse being unpaid BUT that not only gives you some experience but it will also signal to future employers that this is someone who is willing to work hard for long term goals.

Thank you.
Also I should mention I also do unpaid voluntary work in a youth club as a receptionist so I have experience in customer service, filing, dealing with telephone & face to face enquiries, ordering office supplies to name but a few. So I have nearly a years' experience in reception & admin. My job as administrator also involves a similar role of dealing with clients, telephone enquiries,etc..
Ideas for potential courses?

touts · 12-09-2020 10:21PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thank you.
Also I should mention I also do unpaid voluntary work in a youth club as a receptionist so I have experience in customer service, filing, dealing with telephone & face to face enquiries, ordering office supplies to name but a few. So I have nearly a years' experience in reception & admin. My job as administrator also involves a similar role of dealing with clients, telephone enquiries,etc..
Ideas for potential courses?

https://springboardcourses.ie/details/8746

https://springboardcourses.ie/details/8651

I am me123 · 12-09-2020 11:11PM

Are there any further education type courses that would be of benefit to preparation for working in the civil service, government clerical job, etc.?

mrslancaster · 13-09-2020 12:04AM

MS Office Specialist, Digital marketing skills, Project management, Data Analysis, all are always useful.
many companies need accounting skills at different levels.
Many still run weekly/ monthly payrolls in-house & have HR departments so need staff qualified in employment law & payroll processing.
Larger companies may have opportunities for someone with expertise in Insurance, facilities management, pensions, marketing, customer service.

It really depends on what you want to do or the sector you'd like - business admin skills are transferable to all kinds of organisations.

Do you want to work with external customers/clients/suppliers for example or with other employees?

Did your childcare management course have any business modules that you liked?

If you worked directly with children and you have a degree in CC management and you worked in youth charity, maybe apply to CC agencies like Tusla, Pobal, some of the local Childcare Committeess or similar for admin type roles; also Charities in the CC area like Barnardos, ISPCC, Jack & jill, sensational kids, make a wish, Laura lynn.
Depends on where you are in the country too. Best of luck OP

I am me123 · 13-09-2020 09:50AM

mrslancaster wrote: »

MS Office Specialist, Digital marketing skills, Project management, Data Analysis, all are always useful.
many companies need accounting skills at different levels.
Many still run weekly/ monthly payrolls in-house & have HR departments so need staff qualified in employment law & payroll processing.
Larger companies may have opportunities for someone with expertise in Insurance, facilities management, pensions, marketing, customer service.

It really depends on what you want to do or the sector you'd like - business admin skills are transferable to all kinds of organisations.

Do you want to work with external customers/clients/suppliers for example or with other employees?

Did your childcare management course have any business modules that you liked?

If you worked directly with children and you have a degree in CC management and you worked in youth charity, maybe apply to CC agencies like Tusla, Pobal, some of the local Childcare Committeess or similar for admin type roles; also Charities in the CC area like Barnardos, ISPCC, Jack & jill, sensational kids, make a wish, Laura lynn.
Depends on where you are in the country too. Best of luck OP

Thanks a mill. Really appreciate you taking the time to reply.
In my Level 8 I quite liked enterprise. But not sure if there would be much courses in this. I don't ever see myself returning to creche work or working directly with children ever again..
I'm thinking maybe about studying Train the Trainer ( or whatever it's eqivalent is now) so I could train to tutor in child care. I feel it would be of more use with my degree.
Thoughts on the above?

mrslancaster · 13-09-2020 01:51PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks a mill. Really appreciate you taking the time to reply.
In my Level 8 I quite liked enterprise. But not sure if there would be much courses in this. I don't ever see myself returning to creche work or working directly with children ever again..
I'm thinking maybe about studying Train the Trainer ( or whatever it's eqivalent is now) so I could train to tutor in child care. I feel it would be of more use with my degree.
Thoughts on the above?

IMO train the trainer courses are very useful if you need to design/develop/deliver in-house training to employees e.g. if you were managing a creche & wanted to upskill staff but if you want a job teaching recognised childcare modules you might be competing with people with teaching qualifications. It's an enjoyable course though & very popular.
Agree with an earlier poster about MS word etc, IMO proficiency in MS Office would be needed for any admin or tutoring job.

poundhound · 13-09-2020 02:47PM

Your level 8 qualification will stand you in good stead in the Civil Service. It doesn’t matter if it’s relevant to your role or not. It shows you have an appetite to learn.

I am me123 · 19-09-2020 09:38PM

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Ive made the choice to do a Spreadsheets (Excel) course.

A good choice yes or no?

Thoughts?

GalwayGrrrrrl · 20-09-2020 06:32AM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Ive made the choice to do a Spreadsheets (Excel) course.

A good choice yes or no?

Thoughts?

It’s seems to me that you are putting all office jobs into one category. There are such a wide range of office jobs that it’s impossible to know whether Excel would be needed or not.
It’s no harm to have a working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Excel and Access but unless you know more specifically what type of job you are aiming for it’s hard to give you much advice.

I am me123 · 20-09-2020 10:31AM

GalwayGrrrrrl wrote: »

It’s seems to me that you are putting all office jobs into one category. There are such a wide range of office jobs that it’s impossible to know whether Excel would be needed or not.
It’s no harm to have a working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Excel and Access but unless you know more specifically what type of job you are aiming for it’s hard to give you much advice.

Thanks.
My main long term goal is to get into the Civil Service as a Clerical Officer. I am currently working as an office administrator on a C.E scheme & also working voluntarily as a youth club receptionist in order to gain hands on experience in the meantime.
I am currently placed on the 2020 Temporary Clerical Officer panel for the 2020 campaign for the Civil Service having passed the interview in February last.

Conqueror · 20-09-2020 01:24PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks.
My main long term goal is to get into the Civil Service as a Clerical Officer. I am currently working as an office administrator on a C.E scheme & also working voluntarily as a youth club receptionist in order to gain hands on experience in the meantime.
I am currently placed on the 2020 Temporary Clerical Officer panel for the 2020 campaign for the Civil Service having passed the interview in February last.

A random Excel course won't necessarily help you if you're looking to be a CO. Your level 8 degree is more than enough to meet the entry requirements and a lot of COs don't engage with Excel on a daily basis anyway.
COs are allocated by the Public Appointments Service based on where the next vacancy is. Of far more interest to interviewers will be your use of IT programs in your college course and the two roles listed above (and any others you might have in your past!), as well as the other competencies: team work, delivery of results and customer service and communication skills. In an interview, you have to pass all of these competencies: getting 100% in information management and processing is of no use if you fail in any of the other three areas.

If you really feel the need to work on a course to get into the civil service (with the caveat that there are no guarantees that this will work), Kilroy's College run a correspondence course that could help prepare for interviews.

Samuel T. Cogley · 20-09-2020 02:43PM

If you're looking to enter the Civl Service do things to further your examples of the competencies. You'll be sent on course appropriate to your job once you're in.

LimeFruitGum · 20-09-2020 05:06PM

If you just want an administrative role where you are left alone to type away all day, why not look into transcription? I'm sure there are courses available in that. Plenty of work transcribing interviews in various fields like marketing or legal. A friend of mine did a stenography course in Wicklow after his degree and worked in the courts for a bit before landing an AO role in the Civvies.

I am me123 · 20-09-2020 09:34PM

LimeFruitGum wrote: »

If you just want an administrative role where you are left alone to type away all day, why not look into transcription? I'm sure there are courses available in that. Plenty of work transcribing interviews in various fields like marketing or legal. A friend of mine did a stenography course in Wicklow after his degree and worked in the courts for a bit before landing an AO role in the Civvies.

Wow thank you. That sounds like such an interesting job.
What would the job be listed under when looking for a job in this area? Transcriber or something similar?
Thank you kindly again.

solidasarock · 21-09-2020 12:49AM

Similar to OP I had a level 7 in a non related field but got a level 5 in office management during the recession when work dried up.

I also started off on a CE scheme to get some office experience but then spent 2 years working a temp agency and eventually got hired by a company I temped for full time (who I eventually quit after a few months)

Currently a CO in the civil service but plan to progress and will start working towards a level 8.

For the civil service once you know your way around MS Office and have a good head on your shoulders you should be bale to get in the door as a CO or EO. Any other qualifications will come in handy while you work your way up that ladder.

I am me123 · 21-09-2020 09:30PM

solidasarock wrote: »

Similar to OP I had a level 7 in a non related field but got a level 5 in office management during the recession when work dried up.

I also started off on a CE scheme to get some office experience but then spent 2 years working a temp agency and eventually got hired by a company I temped for full time (who I eventually quit after a few months)

Currently a CO in the civil service but plan to progress and will start working towards a level 8.

For the civil service once you know your way around MS Office and have a good head on your shoulders you should be bale to get in the door as a CO or EO. Any other qualifications will come in handy while you work your way up that ladder.

Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.
Random question, Community Employment scheme participation related..
Were you required to complete a number of training courses while on the scheme? Is there a set number of courses to be completed by C.E. employees?

Calling all office workers..what courses did you complete for your job?

Comments