This document is the first chapter of a textbook about office administration. It discusses the growing demand for administrative assistants and their typical responsibilities, which include managing schedules, correspondence, meetings, and clerical staff. It notes that most jobs are in secretarial roles. Education and training can include an associate's degree or courses from colleges, technical schools, or professional organizations. Employers value technical, communication, collaboration, customer service, problem-solving, and professionalism skills. The chapter outlines management responsibilities and challenges, and stresses the importance of understanding an organization's structure, industry, and goals.