The role of the administrative assistant has changed more in the last few years than in the previous two decades. What used to be mostly paperwork and scheduling is now a role that requires digital fluency, emotional intelligence, and the judgement to prioritise correctly under pressure.

This training course from the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy prepares administrative assistants, secretaries and office coordinators for that reality. Participants build practical skills in time management, professional communication, digital collaboration tools and handling workplace relationships, so they can support their teams and executives with genuine confidence.

Who Should Attend?

• Heads of administrative departments.
• Reception staff and secretaries.
• Project assistants and personal assistants to managers.
• Staff working in control and coordination sections.
• Business school students preparing to enter the workforce.

Objectives

• Adapt to the modern, digitally transformed responsibilities of the administrative assistant role.
• Prioritise tasks and manage time effectively using practical planning tools.
• Write professional reports and correspondence, and communicate clearly across channels.
• Use collaboration and project management tools confidently in daily work.
• Apply emotional intelligence to manage stress and workplace relationships.
• Build the behavioural and leadership qualities of a trusted office professional.

Module 1: The Administrative Assistant Role Has Changed, Here Is How

• From paperwork to strategic support: what actually changed.
• Core responsibilities in a digitally transformed office.
• Common challenges assistants face today and how to adapt.

Module 2: Mastering Your Time and Priorities

• Prioritising with tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix.
• Building daily and weekly plans that actually get followed.
• Beating procrastination and handling multiple tasks at once.

Module 3: Communicating and Writing Like a Professional

• Active listening and body language in office communication.
• Writing clear administrative reports and emails.
• Choosing the right channel for the right message.

Module 4: Digital Tools for the Modern Office

• Collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack and Google Workspace.
• Project management tools such as Trello and Asana.
• Protecting data and privacy in a digital workplace.

Module 5: Managing Relationships with Clients, Partners and Colleagues

• Building lasting professional relationships with clients.
• Handling complaints and measuring client satisfaction.
• Strengthening collaboration across departments and partners.

Module 6: Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure

• Recognising and managing emotions in the workplace.
• Using emotional intelligence to strengthen professional relationships.
• Practical techniques for managing stress and tension.

Module 7: Thinking Like a Leader, Not Just an Assistant

• The difference between managing and leading.
• Becoming an informal leader within your team.
• Adapting confidently to organisational change.