An administrative assistant is a supportive role in an office that provides general office support for individuals and/or teams within a business. They are responsible for managing and distributing information among their co-workers, answering phones, and doing other administrative work. Administrative assistant responsibilities include handling administrative requests and queries from senior managers, organizing and scheduling appointments with admin software, planning meetings and taking detailed minutes, and developing and maintaining a filing system. They also update and maintain office policies and procedures, assist in the preparation of regularly scheduled reports, and use computers extensively to work with spreadsheets, create presentations and reports, and manage databases. Administrative assistants must be comfortable with computers, general office tasks, and excel at both verbal and written communication. They should be professional, polite, and attentive while also being accurate, and always be prepared and responsive, willing to meet each challenge directly. Ultimately, a successful administrative assistant should ensure the efficient and smooth day-to-day operation of the office.