Business Support departments perform a broad range of duties in almost every part of the economy. Business Support workers manage the many services that allow organizations to operate efficiently, such as secretarial and reception; administration; conference planning and travel; information and data processing; mail; materials scheduling and distribution; printing and reproduction; records management; telecommunications management; personal property procurement, supply, and disposal; security; and parking.

Even with projected employment growth, competition for business support positions should remain strong due to the substantial supply of competent, experienced workers seeking this type of work.

Persons interested in business support should have good communication skills and be able to establish effective working relationships with many different people, ranging from managers, supervisors, and professionals, to clerks and blue-collar workers.

Besides knowing a variety of office software applications, a business support associate should be analytical, detail-oriented, flexible, and decisive. The ability to coordinate several activities at once, quickly analyze and resolve specific problems, and cope with deadlines is also important.

Many employers prefer that their business support staff have an associate degree in business or management. However, a high school diploma may suffice when combined with appropriate experience.

Business Support associates usually work in comfortable offices. A standard 40-hour week is typical. Frequent deadlines and the challenges of managing staff and resources can be stressful.