Office Occupations- What it means to have a "desk job"

Many people have come into my office in search of training that will help them get a "desk job".  However, someone stating they want a desk job is just as ambiguous as me saying I want a job outdoors.  Although the place that the job occurs narrows the field a bit, there are still hundreds of jobs that could fit into the category of a desk job.  Knowing that you want a job at a desk or an office setting is a good first step, and there are some basic skills that every office employee will need to have. Once an individual receives basic training, they will need to evaluate their strengths and passions in order to find a job that fits their unique qualities.

Amundsen Educational Center's Office Occupations program was designed to teach individuals the skills they will need to be successful in a variety of office settings. The three concentrations offered allow students to chose a track that fits their needs and abilities with the best chance for success.  Since Amundsen Educational Center is a vocational school, training begins a the student's level and success is measured on improvement and competency.  

All Office Occupations students are taught foundational office subjects, such as basic keyboarding, 10-key, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, email, Business English, Job Readiness, Introduction to Computers, Digital Literacy, and Accounting I. Additional classes are assigned based on the particular track they have decided to follow.

Students in this area of study often vary in age and experience. Some of our students are recent high school graduates who have decided that college is not a good fit for them, while others are changing careers or are looking to reenter the workforce. 

Accounting Clerk

The Accounting Clerk program prepares students for the world of accounting. Upon graduation, students will be qualified for entry level positions in a variety of accounting fields. Students will receive training in the bookkeeping program QuickBooks, which many companies use today. Since students receive training in accounting as well as other computer programs, they will be desirable employees because they are qualified for a variety of office and bookkeeping duties.

General Office Clerk

The General Office Clerk position is the most basic Office Occupations track we offer. Students will have the opportunity to take the Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate Exam upon the completion of their Microsoft Office courses. Recipients of this certificate are highly esteemed in today's workforce. ​ This track focuses on foundational office skills that an individual would need in order to be a receptionist, secretary, data entry, or support personnel. ​

Computer Information Processor

The Computer Information Processor position expands upon the General Office Clerk track. Students will be competent in all Microsoft Office programs, which is extremely desirable in employees.   Students will have the opportunity to take the Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate Exam upon the completion of their Microsoft Office courses. Recipients of this certificate are highly esteemed in today's workforce. ​ Graduates of this track would be qualified for the same types of jobs as students who earn a General Office Clerk diploma, however, they would be capable of a heavier workload and increased responsibility.

Find out more about our Office Occupations program here.

Amundsen Educational Center
995 Roald Ave. Soldotna, AK 99669
​907.260.8041   [email protected]