Individuals who have a career as an office manager may be drawn to particular types of offices, such as healthcare, accounting, or academics, but in general, office management is a fairly broad skill that may be applied to almost any type of office.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete

Having relative experience will be a highly desired asset in this field.  However, having a high school diploma and completing an associate degree are both increasingly preferred.  Employers will want their office managers to be overall good leaders with excellent communications skills and a willingness to stay up to date on technology.  Good communications will be especially necessary, as office managers often have to work with a number of different people from different backgrounds and departments. Higher degrees may be required for higher level jobs, or for other areas in administrative management roles.  For example, a bachelor's degree in business administration will be required for roles dealing with human resources, finance, or accounting.  Even for lower management roles, a bachelor's degree may be required.  However, technical training may substitute for higher education.  

Office managers work with blue collar workers, clerks, supervisors, and many other professionals every day.  They often have to be very detail oriented, analytical, and decisive, as the many professionals who work under them will look to them for guidance.  Being able to stay on task and keep strict deadlines will also be important to keep the office functioning and running properly.  Individuals who like to lead will ultimately be most successful in this role.

While certification is not currently required for most entry-level office management positions, it may become more popular among employers.  Because the term "office manager" can mean any numbers of things, certification programs will help professionals to be more specialized within the workplace.  The Association of Professional Office Managers is currently working on developing certification programs to be included in their training for office personnel.  Certification exams will test everything from computer skills to workplace safety requirements. (BLS); (APOM)

Salaries for office managers will vary, depending on experience and the level of management; however, the average salary for office managers in 2008 was over $47,000 per year.  Higher levels of management can expect to find higher paying salaries.  Salary will also vary depending on what type of company is chosen to work for and what type of industry.  (BLS) 

Job opportunities for office managers are expected to grow by 11 percent.  Employment opportunities are projected to be about the same as average from now until 2018. With the growth of technology, office management tasks will be changing and growing, as well. 

In the future, employers will depend on office managers to keep a close eye on changes in technology.  Although technology may create more potential work for office management, it will also create more productivity in the workforce.  Technology can also be expected to create more variety in the average office manager's day, which could create a better working environment for all. Being skilled in a number of different areas will be very important for future office managers.  Employers will be looking for managers who can work a number of different areas, rather than those who are more specialized.  Since there are far more applicants than actual positions, applicants can expect to find keen competition in this field.    

Many roles in an office environment can be very similar to others.  Some may even have less requirements, responsibilities and training.  These types of jobs can also help prepare those who are looking for careers in office management, as it can give them the proper experience they need to climb the ladder of success.

Similar to office managers, administrative assistants have to keep a close eye on advancements in technology and perform a number of different tasks.  Administrative assistants schedule appointments, maintain filing systems and manage office-related projects on a daily basis.  High school graduates who have basic computer skills can often find employment as an administrative assistant.

Education administrators help plan and coordinate the curriculum and budgets at every level of learning.  Like office managers, they help to ensure that their business meets certain standards.  However, higher education will be required for this position, as most employers will want their employees to have earned a master's degree.

Contract managers, or sometimes called purchasing agents, negotiate and supervise contracts.  This occupation will also require sharp decision-making and leadership skills.  Activities such as invitations to bid, bid evaluation and the awarding and implementation of contracts will all be included in the general job description and title.  Proper training and education levels will vary, depending on the size of company.  However, higher paying positions may require a bachelor's degree. (BLS)