Do you dream of owning your own business someday, or working for a company in a leadership position? Wherever your path may lead you, having the essential knowledge of business types, requirements to start a business, understanding of finances, business law, marketing, sales, customer service, and more, will ensure you’re on the path to success. Let’s explore your passion for business in this course.

Unit 1: The Basics of Business

The phrase ‘running a business’ makes something incredibly complex sound very simple. A good business needs dozens of elements to work together in order to be successful. Understanding the way a company’s structure is set up can give you a lot of information about the business itself. It’s a key skill for anyone who hopes to work for, or even start, a company in the future. In other words, almost everyone can benefit from learning about this topic.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Create and understand business plans and explain why they are so important

• Explain the different functions required to operate a business

• Recognize the importance of information and communication technology in a business context

• Distinguish different types of businesses and understand what’s needed to start one

Unit 2: The Finances of Business

Financial planning is crucial when it comes to running your own business. If you want your business to make a profit, then being able to grasp ideas like running costs, expenses, and margins is key. It may all sound a little complicated, but it is pretty logical when you get down to it. We’ll start with covering the basics of accounting, as well as how to budget. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can begin to think strategically and consider how you might benefit from the financial products on offer to a business owner. You might think that finances are a little tedious, but by the end of this unit, hopefully, you’ll see that no business can succeed without a strong understanding of its finances.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe and understand the accounting cycle

• Outline and understand a business risk assessment

• Investigate business costs and how to budget for them

• Evaluate different types of business insurance products and when they should be used

• Differentiate between types of financial institutions and the products they can offer

Unit 3: Marketing and Sales

Can you imagine what would happen if a business couldn’t sell anything? They wouldn’t be around for very long, that’s for sure. What helps a business the most is making sales, and in this unit, we’ll cover not only why they are so important but also how you can use marketing to help increase the number of sales a business makes in the first place.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Assess how marketing fits into the business plan

• Demonstrate your knowledge of market research, including demographics and targeted marketing

• Differentiate different marketing tools and classify the pros and cons of each

• Identify opportunities for innovation in marketing

• Explain the impact of sales as a part of business

Unit 4: Ethics and Business Law

No one wants to end up breaking the law, especially in business. Nevertheless, it can be very easy to do if you aren’t familiar with the laws and regulations that business owners must abide by. Thankfully, there is a lot of useful information available, and this unit will provide some guidance, not only on how to remain compliant with the law but also on how to run a business ethically to ensure you’re taking proper care of your employees. Businesses that function ethically have happier, more productive employees, and in return, you as a business owner may well see larger profits.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Analyze the effects that different aspects of the law can have on a business

• Identify sources of business crimes and strategies that can be used to prevent them

• Describe the legal requirements for running a business, including employment and labor laws

• Discuss why a business should be run ethically and the benefits this has for employers and employees alike

• Investigate how the use of data and technology by a company and its employees can create legal problems for the company

Unit 5: Computer Hardware

For just about any business today, computers are essential. Whether they are used for emails, your company website, digital image editing, or even to store all of your customer information, computers form an integral part of the day-to-day functions of most companies. Therefore, it’s important to understand not only how computers work but also how to get the most out of them and to ensure their longevity through proper maintenance. Computers can also be used across a network to facilitate the fast trading of information and access to very complex applications. Understanding how computers communicate and how a basic network functions will ensure you know how to set up your computer network in the way that suits your company best.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify what hardware you need to begin your business

• Differentiate between several types of computer networks and explain what each is used for

• Compare the key uses of hardware and software

• Plan maintenance and upgrade tasks typically undertaken in a business environment.

• Investigate how to choose the right technology to fit a company’s needs

Unit 6: The Internet and Business

Just imagine what you could do if you had all of the world’s information at your disposal. It seems a bit like a fantasy. Surely you can’t get access to all of the knowledge that we have as a species. Perhaps not, but technology has brought us much, much closer to this through the use of the internet. There is so much information out there for us to discover that it’s become more and more important to understand how it all works. Throughout this unit, you will learn about the fundamentals of the internet and how it operates, how it can be accessed, the applications and tools used to make the most of it, and how to find and filter information effectively. The internet is different from many other types of networks, and being able to create content for it is key for a business in this day and age. Therefore, making the most of the internet is essential for anyone hoping to have their own company one day.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss how the internet functions and compare this with other types of networks used in business

• Utilize internet terminology and the web to take advantage of what websites can do for business

• Create effective internet searches and define internet search modifiers

• Explain the advantages of using web applications in business organizations

• Investigate ways to create the most effective internet searches

Unit 7: Web Design and Business

Online business is a very lucrative way of earning income for a business, but it requires a well-thought-out site with good content and eye-catching presentation to invite customers to visit and keep coming back. Understanding how to properly plan and implement a site, including utilizing features and graphics, is key and can be the difference between a successful site versus one that drives customers away. You should be encouraged to know that there are great resources available, and with careful implementation, even a first-time business owner can create a fantastic website!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain different types of websites and be able to identify which to use for a business

• Plan the creation of a website from its initial concept to the delivery of the final product

• Select appropriate web editors and coding languages to build and enhance a website

• Demonstrate understanding of website design including color theory

• Evaluate the effectiveness of graphics and animations in grabbing the attention of visitors to a website

Unit 8: Operating Systems and File Management

It’s easy to underestimate the crucial role that an operating system plays in our computer. Whether you’re installing software like browsers or word processors, or even your favorite PC game, none of that would be possible without an OS. There are several different operating systems, each of which comes in different versions, but they all fulfill the same function: they provide the foundation on which the software we use daily is built. Without an OS, you wouldn’t be able to open Gmail to read your email or run Word to complete that proposal you’re writing to get your startup company going.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the history and use of operating systems

• Safely create and move files in an operating system

• Correctly and efficiently name files under best practices used in business

• Safely store files while preventing data loss by creating backups

• Transfer, download, and save data to satisfy business standards

Now that you have the basics of business down from the previous course, it’s time to become better acquainted with the application of information management in business. Learn about professional conduct, teamwork, and managerial skills, while also examining careers in business technology. The basics of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software are also explored so that you become better prepared for jobs in this field.

Unit 1: Workplace Communication and Business

Communicating with others is a cornerstone of life. Be it chatting to friends, arguing with parents, or even listening to music, it’s all communication, but there’s more to communication than words. Being conscious of what and how you communicate with others is never more important than it is in the workplace, and this includes how you speak, how you behave, and more.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Distinguish verbal from non-verbal communication, as well as the different ways each form of communication is expressed

• Explain the importance of communication in the office or workplace

• Communicate effectively in a team

• Examine the ways communication can be used to resolve conflict

• Assess the use of project tools to manage projects and facilitate communication

Unit 2: Communicating by Email

Despite the ceaseless rise in popularity of social media networks, email remains a staple of communication. In other words, as far as business is concerned, there is no communication without email, and there won’t be for a long time. Because of this, it’s important to know how to “do it right.” Knowing how to write good emails is a necessity when working for a business. This means that you must be able to communicate clearly and take advantage of the tools available to optimize your use of email at work.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Write and phrase business-appropriate messages to clients and co-workers

• Work with different types of attachments and files

• Manage your incoming mail, including spam and junk

• Configure email settings to make your processing of email more secure and efficient

• Assess the use of email in conjunction with additional communication tools

Unit 3: Word Documents in Business Communication

When it comes to communication, the written word is one of the strongest assets we have. Business communication and private communication alike strongly depend on us knowing what to write and how to write it. However, nowadays that comes with a caveat. Since people tend to prefer electronic communication to hand-written letters, they require some tech skills along with the ability to write. Word processing software, cloud storage, and shared documents—it’s a package deal now.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Recognize and create a variety of important business documents

• Examine the use of different elements to create effective written documents in Word

• Assess basic design elements used to create visually appealing documents

• Publish and share written content in a business setting

Unit 4: Communicating Using Spreadsheets

Communication comes in many different forms, and not all of them are spoken—you can even use spreadsheets to communicate. In business, exchanging files is, of course, commonplace, and spreadsheets form a big part of that exchange. They are a convenient way to collect, track, and report data, and because of this, they are used to carry out a wide variety of tasks, from creating charts to reporting budgets. Information can be shared in many different ways, and the rows and columns of spreadsheets are a popular choice.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Examine the use of spreadsheets in business

• Identify the ways to input data into a spreadsheet

• Investigate the use of basic formulas and functions to perform calculations

• Compare the use of charts, sparklines, and graphs

• Analyze, manipulate, and share data in a business context

Unit 5: Creating and Using Databases in Business

Data comes in many forms, of course, and one of the easiest ways to store data in bulk is to collect it in a database. In essence, databases are tables in which information is stored in rows and columns that group together similar or identical pieces of information or duplicates to make it easier to view. Databases are just about everywhere: they exist behind the scenes on websites, and they even form part of the software that makes your phone work!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare the use of database software like Excel and Access

• Create and set up simple databases

• Manipulate and understand the relationships between tables

• Explain the basics of data mining

Unit 6: Communicating Using Slide Presentations

While you could be forgiven for thinking of communication as primarily being something that occurs between two individuals, this is not always the case. It can also take place between one person and a group, which often occurs when a person delivers a presentation or something like a talk delivered at a conference. Teachers usually teach in groups, too. Regardless of who the participants are, however, there are tools available to make this type of communication easier for everyone to follow, and that is exactly what we will cover in this unit.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Create PowerPoint presentations

• Effectively communicate with a group in a business environment

• Edit, manage, and create slides for presentations

• Efficiently utilize presentations in business situations

Unit 7: Careers, Businesses, and Organizations

Just when you think you know it all, there’s more. In addition to learning how to use business tools, there are a few more things you need to know to succeed in a business environment—that is, skills that are a little harder to pick up because there isn’t exactly a tutorial for them. Sure, you know spreadsheets, but there’s a tutorial for that. You can take a course to learn about spreadsheets and databases. But what do you know about working on a team? How well do manage your time? These skills are some of the “more” you need to know about. They represent different skills than the kind we’ve discussed so far, but that doesn’t mean you can’t acquire them. We’ll teach you some of the most important ones in this unit.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain interpersonal skills and how to use them to your advantage

• Describe the importance of time management, dependability, and a positive attitude

• Inform others about the advantages provided by professional and student organizations

• Identify potential career plans and career options in the field of business technology

Unit 8: The Future of Business Technology

It’s pretty difficult to deny that technology is the future. Innovations and inventions hit the market nearly every day, and while a lot of them have little if any use for you, and many don’t even have a future in the marketplace, the trend to find new solutions to old problems via the use of technology is strong. Simplifying tasks, be they personal or business-related, is something that we as a species will continue to strive towards, so you as a student should do your best to keep up with the trends!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the impact that technology has on business

• Assess innovative technological ideas as prospective solutions to business problems

• Compare a variety of software tools used to create efficient resolutions in business

• Practice safe, responsible, and appropriate use of social media sites

Discover the fundamental knowledge that will help you pursue a business career, as well as always generate interest and buzz around the products and services offered. Explore different types of businesses and ownership forms, the impact of governments on business, and the marketing of goods and services. Learn about globalization, free trade, and various economic systems, as well as the impact of technology on business, business ethics, and social responsibility.

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Business

Did you know that more than 98 percent of businesses are classified as small businesses with less than 100 employees? Of course, the most successful of these business owners are those who understand the role of business in our society, clearly define the goals of their new enterprise, and create a solid strategy for long-term success. Just as an architect creates a blueprint before construction begins, the thoughtful business owner will create management and operational blueprints that position the new business to thrive in our competitive economy. Whether the business is a sole proprietorship or a large multinational corporation with thousands of employees, success depends on a solid foundation capable of withstanding economic challenges and competition that can shift with agility to get ahead of changing consumer behavior. Soon, you too will be prepared to recognize the importance of knowing what to expect before your grand opening!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the role of business in society

• Explain the different types of businesses

• Differentiate among types of business ownership

• Compare organizational and structural functions of business

Unit 2: Classifications and Types of Business

Have you ever thought about how a bag of chips gets to your local grocery store? Or where the potato chip factory gets the potatoes or the bag? Or who delivers the chips to the store? It takes a surprising number of businesses to create everyday products and many services to get them to your door. Fortunately, the United States supports an economic climate that is very favorable for businesses and that benefits the economy. Whether providing goods or services, this country depends on entrepreneurs to provide an endless variety of businesses to keep the economy strong.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Classify types of businesses that market goods and services

• Identify types of retailers and suppliers

• Explain the significance of free enterprise

• Describe the role of wholesalers

Unit 3: Economics of Business Part I

How does a business know how much to charge for a product or service? There are a lot of elements that need to be considered when determining pricing. In a tightly controlled economic system, the government sets all prices. In others, retail business owners have to figure it out for themselves. In this case, there is a lot to consider, like how much the manufacturer charged the retail store for the product, the cost of shipping and packaging the product, and the gradual costs associated with keeping the product in their inventory until it is sold to the consumer. Still, factoring in all of the variables does not guarantee success; market and consumer demand are always changing. It is really important to understand how all the various factors impact each other and how to keep the price just right.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the concept of economies and economic systems

• Differentiate among economic systems

• Explain the principles of supply and demand

• Identify the function of prices in the market

Unit 4: Economics of Business Part II

Titus Maccius Plautus, a Roman philosopher, is generally credited with making the statement “you have to spend money to make money” more than 2,000 years ago. No matter how self-starting and motivated you are, all businesses will have expenses. While the future success of a financial venture is not perfectly predictable, proper planning can help minimize potential losses and errors. You need to understand the different kinds of expenses, not to mention how and why they vary. Part of spending or investing money wisely is also making sure that you have the best people managing those businesses and investments. Savvy business owners will know how to attract top workers with both good wages and solid benefits. Happy, productive employees should be everybody’s goal!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss factors impacting business profit, revenue, and expenses

• Explain elements that impact profit

• Analyze the benefits of specialization of labor

• Demonstrate the benefits of division of labor

Unit 5: The Role of Ethics in Business

Warren Buffett, one of the most successful business leaders and investors in the United States once said, “in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” In short, he is expressing the widely-held understanding that a positive and ethical environment is essential to any successful business. Ethics in business may include everything from having clearly defined expectations for behavior, to keeping clear lines of communication, and building a sense of doing what is best for your employer and colleagues. This sense of responsibility also extends to the greater community in which the company operates; this is where sustainability comes in. When businesses think about how they can benefit the environment, their employees, and the customers, we all benefit.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define and distinguish ethical practices in business

• Recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas

• Compare and contrast moral and legal issues in the workplace

• Analyze the benefits of sustainable practices

Unit 6: Global Impact on Business

International trade has a deep history dating back to the Silk Road in 130 BC. Today, trade with foreign nations is often a source of concern in the United States. Following the end of World War II, the United States took the lead in developing international trading policies and today has trading agreements with nearly one-third of all nations on the planet. Though much of the discussion in Washington, D.C., focuses on fears that a deficit—importing more goods and services than we export—costs American jobs and threatens our economy, that is not a completely accurate assessment. As sixth-century English poet John Donne wrote, “No man is an island.” The importance of global trade and our relations with other nations today only underscores this belief.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Debate and evaluate the importance of international trade to the US economy

• Critique the role of business in a global society

• Compare domestic and world trade

• Analyze the impact of imports and exports on the US economy

• Critique the benefits and drawbacks of protectionism including tariffs

Unit 7: The Role of Government

Can businesses in a free market do whatever they want? Not quite. There are many ways businesses are limited by local, state, and federal regulations, even in nations that are very supportive of business. There is a constant debate about the need for any regulation in a free market economy among legislators, government regulators, business owners, and consumers. Many responsible for building and protecting a strong economy will argue that some level of regulation is necessary to protect that free market economy driven by supply and demand. Other equally knowledgeable people will argue that left to function as a true free market, consumer decisions will drive a steady and sturdy economy. Whether business owners support or decry regulation, running a responsible business is not just about following the laws. It also requires recognizing and preparing for risks, which are part of running any business.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Determine the relationship between government and business

• Differentiate among the roles of government in business

• Articulate the role of organized labor

• Analyze different types of risk

Unit 8: Data and its Growing Importance on Business

Technology and business go hand in hand. Both are evolving to better serve consumers, but this also adds additional responsibilities for businesses, which are now responsible for keeping their client’s information safe online. Technology and the internet also change the ways that businesses and consumers interact; companies can learn a lot about their customers by examining consumer behavior online. Similarly, there is a lot that data can tell businesses about their internal workings and how to streamline processes. It all depends on using technology well.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Evaluate and critique information literacy skills implemented to improve productivity in the workplace

• Identify the ways technology impacts business

• Discuss the significance of data mining for businesses

• Articulate appropriate security and privacy practices in business

Take your knowledge of business basics, finance, and marketing to the next level. Learn how to create a marketing strategy that promotes and attracts customers to sell a product or service. Explore important basics of business finance, including accounting, budgeting, and investing. Learn what careers are available in business and the important employability skills you’ll need to ace the interview and land the job!

Unit 1: Marketing

All businesses need to consider the customer experience, and marketing puts this thought into action. It is all about drawing customers in and keeping them loyal to the business. Since products exist to fill needs, marketing helps business owners figure out which customers are best served by their products. Then it lets the public know what it has to offer. But marketing is also anticipating needs and understanding how customers make decisions. Good marketing can boost business, so even small businesses can benefit from a little marketing savvy.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Illustrate the function of marketing

• Discuss the importance of marketing in the global economy

• Demonstrate the relationships between marketing and other elements of business

• Explain the meaning and significance of the marketing concept

Unit 2: Market Segmentation

Reaching the right consumers is an important part of marketing, but how does a business know who they are? That’s where market research comes in. There are many ways to divide the population into those who are likely to buy a business’s product and those who are not. Or maybe it is a product that almost everyone needs, so mass marketing is the way to go. Regardless, once a business understands exactly which customers it is trying to attract, it can target the right people and spend its marketing dollars wisely.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Recognize elements of marketing

• Identify and analyze target markets

• Differentiate between targeted and mass marketing

• Compare methods of defining target markets

Unit 3: The Marketing Mix

Marketing does not do businesses much good until it reaches the public, and that is where strategy comes in. Once a target market is identified, the next step is to bring these customers to the business’s door or website. This takes thoroughly understanding the product, considering the right promotion, knowing how to get the product to the customer, and finding the price that maximizes profit. These steps are the 4Ps of marketing and what it takes to get the message out to the public – ready to dive in?

What will you learn in this unit?

• Create an effective marketing mix

• Identify effective marketing strategies

• Discuss the 4Ps of marketing and their components

• Differentiate between marketing goods and services

Unit 4: Principles of Money

When it comes to finances, businesses need to know the basics. After all, everything from the types of payments a company accepts to how transactions are structured will impact the bottom line. But there are also many external factors, such as interest rates and lending laws, that shape how businesses can obtain and extend credit. Not only do they need to comply, but understanding different ways to access credit can help a business choose the method that best meets its needs.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify types of currency

• Evaluate forms of financial exchange

• Discuss the importance of credit

• Identify appropriate circumstances for using credit

• Recognize the legal obligations associated with financial exchange

Unit 5: Basic Financial Management

Businesses are not the only ones who need to manage their money! Individuals also need some financial savvy to make sure that their money is properly managed. Even something as basic as a paycheck contains valuable information to help you understand where your dollars are going and how much you are paying in taxes. But don’t worry, together we can break this down, learn how to create a budget, and keep your finances on track!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain income

• Interpret a pay stub

• Prepare a basic tax return

• Compare different banking services

• Develop a personal budget

Unit 6: Business Finance

Keeping track of finances is one of the most important tasks of all business owners. Not only do businesses need to stay profitable, but they also need to be able to anticipate their financial futures. That is where accounting comes in. Being able to read a few basic reports reveals a lot about where a business is financially. Many businesses will also have investments, and these can be a great way to bring in additional revenue and secure a solid financial future.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the role of finance in business

• Articulate the concept of accounting

• Analyze balance sheets and income statements

• Differentiate among types of investments

• Determine how to find the right financial advisor

Unit 7: Basics of Finance

Getting a job is an important step in building a career, but what does it take to land one? Being professional begins well before your first day of work. There are opportunities throughout the application process to demonstrate the skills that employers are looking for and ways to build them before you hit the job market. Communicating effectively and working well with others are among the top skills that employers want to see, and now is a great time to practice them!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Recognize and demonstrate professional behavior

• Articulate and follow company policies

• Collaborate effectively to accomplish a task

• Demonstrate time management skills

Unit 8: Business Careers

Thinking about your career can be daunting. Fortunately, business, finance, and marketing present a lot of options. No matter what your skills and interests are, there is probably a career to match! And, since one of the keys to a successful career is having a plan, now is a good place to start thinking and considering your many options. Of course, there are many resources to help you explore careers, and once you know what your goals are, the path becomes much clearer.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explore the skills and experiences that benefit entrepreneurship

• Evaluate different jobs in business, finance, and marketing

• Assess personal job skills

• Develop a career plan

• Set SMART goals

Businesses worldwide and across every industry are always on the lookout for highly skilled administrative professionals to help their businesses be successful and thrive. Explore what it means to have effective verbal and written communication, speaking, and listening skills to work with diverse people and teams. Then dive into learning how to leverage various technology and software businesses use to stay connected and productive.

Unit 1: Starting Out

The possibilities for your future have no limits, only those you set for yourself. Businesses across the globe need well-prepared individuals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to help businesses be successful and thrive. That’s why millions of people today are choosing to work as administrative professionals, and you can too. Why not choose a career that’s rich in history and allows you the opportunity to give your time and attention to work that is important and makes a difference?

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the role of the administrative professional.

• Identify common roles for administrative professionals.

• Compare different industry and business structures.

• Describe ways to present yourself professionally in the workplace.

Unit 2: Developing Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the skills you use every day to interact and connect with others. Give your interpersonal skills a boost by raising your awareness of ethics, diverse cultures, office politics, and working with your manager. Administrative professionals who are more keenly aware of who they are communicating with will have greater success for effective communication in the workplace and everyday life. Let’s get started!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe ethical terms related to business.

• Recognize individual differences in the workplace.

• Define office politics.

• Identify ways to build an effective partnership with your manager.

Unit 3: Speaking and Listening

The ability to communicate effectively plays an important role in our daily lives. What you say and how you say it makes an impression on people. You cannot simply press an undo or delete button when you say something, whether intentionally or unintentionally inappropriate. With more businesses expanding across the globe, your success in the workplace will depend on your ability to listen to and understand others.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the importance of effective communication in the workplace.

• Define and describe active listening skills.

• Discuss the importance of body language when communicating.

• Identify ways to speak with confidence.

Unit 4: Working the Frontline

Working the frontline as an administrative professional will be one of the most impactful positions you will hold within a business or company. This highly desired career choice for millions across the globe offers the opportunity throughout the workday to interact with others, perform a variety of administrative tasks, and be a brand ambassador for the company and the executives and managers you support. If you enjoy delivering exceptional customer service with a smile, consider a position on the frontline. Companies need you to make a positive lasting impression on their visitors and customers.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discover ways to handle and greet visitors and customers

• Explain strategies for effective telephone communication

• Describe appointment management

• Identify ways to handle inbound and outbound mail

Unit 5: Writing in Business

Writing skills are one of the many must-have skills of an administrative professional. How would you rate your writing skills? In any given workday, administrative professionals create, edit, and format several important types of written correspondence, such as letters, emails, reports, memos, and many others. So, let’s take a peek into what’s needed for writing in business.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the different ways to research and gather information

• Discover the importance of using good Business English

• Prepare effective written business correspondence

• Identify additional details for finalizing written correspondence

Unit 6: Technology Basics

As the technology landscape continues to evolve and change, businesses and organizations can expect to incorporate new technologies regularly. While there is no crystal ball to look into the future of work, administrative professionals can expect that many of their daily activities will remain connected to a variety of technologies. It’s an exciting time to be an administrative professional because you’ll have a chance to incorporate and test the latest technology for your workplace. Let’s get a glimpse of how administrative professionals interact with technology in their day-to-day work.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explore how administrative professionals use technology

• Identify the basic functions and uses of computers and digital devices

• Differentiate between pieces of office equipment

• Explain the different tools available for remote work

Unit 7: Software Applications

Are you looking for a way to increase your productivity and marketability as an administrative professional? Become proficient in utilizing a variety of software applications to get the work done. Administrative professionals who are technology savvy will be more valuable to employers and better positioned to ask for higher salaries—and who doesn’t want to get paid more? Discover how administrative professionals use email, word processing, PDF readers, and spreadsheet software to move daily business forward.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify best practices for managing email

• Understand how word processing software is used in the workplace

• Discover how administrative professionals use PDF readers

• Describe how spreadsheet software is used in the workplace

Unit 8: Getting the Job

The possibilities and opportunities for employment available to you today are exciting and endless. What are you aiming for? Make the job search process work for you! This unit will share insights to help you search online for a job, prepare a cover letter, write a résumé, and prepare for a job interview. So, be informed, invest your time, and be patient. Your future is bright, so you might want to grab those shades.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify sources to gather job information

• Prepare a cover letter

• Create and revise a résumé

• Develop job interview skills

You have learned some of the skills that an administrative professional must possess, but now it’s time to take those skills to the next level! You will explore the responsibilities of an administrative professional to understand what a typical workday looks like and even what goes into searching for an administrative professional role: searching, applying, and (the most exciting part!) securing. Do you love the idea of being the glue in a successful business, helping everything run smoothly and properly? Then let’s continue your journey into the career of an administrative professional.

Unit 1: It’s All About You: Managing Yourself and Your Workplace

Now is a good time to gain a full understanding of the importance of prioritizing and getting organized so you can be ready to succeed in and outside of the workplace. This unit is designed to help administrative professionals work out the complexities of understanding your job and learn how to make the most use of your time by determining and prioritizing tasks and implementing strategies to ensure you take care of your greatest asset—you. We’ll also dive into self-awareness so you can discover and learn techniques to help you be your best self.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Familiarize yourself with job expectations

• Understand workplace dynamics

• Develop ways to manage and balance job responsibilities

• Learn strategies for better time management

• Acquire a knowledge of stress management

• Identify ways to recognize work-life balance

Unit 2: In Your Cubicle: The Office Space

Your workspace tells a story. Whether your employer assigns you an office or a cubicle—or you work remotely from home—your workspace communicates a message about you and affects how you work and feel. This unit will explore what you should consider when setting up your office space. So, get ready to take a journey of learning what you need to set yourself up for success and to ensure you are productive, organized, and comfortable throughout your workday.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Learn the principles of ergonomics

• Explore office design layouts and adjustments

• Manage and organize supplies and equipment

• Maintain office equipment

• Understand remote office benefits and constraints

Unit 3: Where Did My File Go? Managing Information

Managing information is a primary and important responsibility for administrative professionals. Every administrative professional should ensure that every piece of paper is safely stored, and that doesn’t mean sitting in a large pile on your desk. It’s also important that every electronic file be accessible quickly and easily. So, get ready to learn the importance of security, procedures, storage, filing systems, and databases as it relates to effective records management principles.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify security issues and solutions to protect information

• Understand company procedures and their importance

• Learn multiple ways to store files

• Describe different filing systems to manage information

• Define a database and its use

Unit 4: Keeping Up with the Money

To understand money, it’s important to understand math. This unit will introduce you to some of the most widely used financial and accounting basics used in business to manage money. Why is this important to your role as an administrative professional? Many administrative professionals have responsibilities for executing or managing money transactions. Therefore, you must learn to be smart with money.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Utilize basic math computations

• Assess basic financial and banking procedures

• Demonstrate an understanding of payroll processing

• Describe the importance of budgeting, purchasing, and auditing principles

• Explain accounting terminology

Unit 5: Arranging Travel, Meetings, and Conferences

Companies will oftentimes send their executives and managers to meetings and conferences all across the world. Planning the travel and meeting logistics, however, is not always a walk in the park. It can be complicated and time-consuming. This unit is designed to introduce you to the important role administrative professionals play in planning, coordinating, and booking arrangements to ensure travel, meetings, and conferences are handled with care.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Research and select appropriate travel accommodations

• Plan and organize travel arrangements

• Coordinate and schedule office meetings

• Schedule and manage conference logistics

• Prepare for your meeting, conference, and webinar attendance

Unit 6: Creating Presentations

As an administrative professional, you will have opportunities to work with executives, managers, and other employees to design and create engaging presentations using a variety of software applications. These presentations will carry important messages to be communicated to several audiences within different business settings. Seek to do great work by helping to make these presentations memorable! To begin this endeavor you will gather information, prepare handouts, and master the technology to ensure the presentation is well organized and professionally put together.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare the different types of presentations and software applications

• Evaluate organization and responsibilities when creating a presentation

• Design, edit, and proofread a presentation

• Prepare handouts and visuals to complement a presentation

• Identify and explore desktop publishing software applications used to create newsletters, announcements, and brochures

Unit 7: Business Policies and People Management

Work can be energizing and exciting. Yet, to be successful, you also want to observe and adopt an organization’s cultural norms, policies, and procedures. This unit will help you to understand the employer and employee responsibilities for creating and sustaining a positive, healthy, and safe work environment. You will also be introduced to the role that Human Resources plays in supporting you in your career as an administrative professional.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the components of workplace culture

• Assess the norms in a healthy work environment

• Implement workplace safety and security protocols

• Reorganize and balance ineffective work schedules and workloads

• Evaluate Human Resources’ role in the workplace

Unit 8: Be A Rockstar Administrative Professional

This unit is designed to help prepare you to chart your career path and self-development so you can be a rockstar administrative professional. Begin with a strategy in mind and then start to research the attributes, knowledge, skills, education, certifications, and experience employers expect administrative professionals to acquire. Throughout your working career, administrative professionals can serve in key leadership positions. Therefore, it’s critical to be prepared with strong critical thinking and decision-making skills to ensure you can navigate your career with confidence.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Apply critical thinking skills in the workplace

• Troubleshoot decision-making strategies to find the best solution

• Use different career advancement techniques

• Develop ethical and leadership behaviors

• Resign from a job

Whether you plan on starting your own business or being in charge of one, it is crucial you understand how to keep the company compliant. Explore what it means to run an ethical business, how to keep intellectual property, technology, and e-commerce safe and protected, understand insurance and taxes, and how to have a healthy workplace environment. Keep the business safe and growing by following the law.

Unit 1: Ethics and Business

As we begin our study of business law, it is important to make a clear distinction between ethical and unethical, as well as legal and illegal, conduct. After all, not all unethical conduct is illegal—but that certainly does not make it acceptable! All companies are faced with ethical dilemmas at some point or another. These ethical dilemmas can arise in a range of situations and business relationships. Choosing the morally appropriate course of action is always best, even if another choice may be technically permissible under the law. Let’s see how some of our most visible companies face and resolve these types of issues.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Distinguish between ethical and legal behavior as well as unethical and illegal behavior\

• Describe the tools a company uses to make ethical business decisions

• Examine case studies of corporations acting unethically

• Appreciate the regulations that govern lawyers’ ethical conduct in their relationship with clients

• Understand when public officials and lobbyists may or may not accept gifts or money from a company

Unit 2: Developing and Protecting Your Business

Intellectual property laws protect the rights of anyone who creates artistic works or designs. These different types of property rights apply to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. So what happens if you upload a video to YouTube that wasn’t created by you? Depending on how it’s used, you may owe lots of money to the owner of the video! So read on to learn more about intellectual property law and the potential penalties anyone who uses another’s intellectual property without first securing permission may face.

What will you learn in this unit?

• List the different types of patents and the steps to obtain a patent

• Distinguish between a trademark and a service mark

• Describe the copyright and the process for obtaining a copyright

• Compare the civil and criminal remedies for violations of intellectual property protections

• Critique the use of trade secrets and the use of confidentiality agreements

Unit 3: Getting a New Business Started

Have you ever wondered if it’s easy to start a business? Is it as simple as hanging out a sign, opening up the front door, and selling a product? In some cases, it can be that easy, especially if your customers are local, and you specialize in one or two products or services. But as the business grows, it can get a bit more complicated—at this point, a business owner may have to consider what the long-term goals are for the business. So, let’s look at the steps to organizing a business, and how a person who owns and operates a business decides what type of business to build.

What will you learn in this unit?

• List the key steps to building a strong strategic business plan

• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a sole proprietorship

• Analyze the risks and benefits that come with general partnerships and limited partnerships

• Argue why starting a corporation may be preferable to entering into a partnership

• Identify hybrid business organizations

Unit 4: The Employer/Employee Relationship

As a business begins to grow, owners may not be able to handle all aspects of the company by themselves. In this case, an owner may consider whether they need or want to hire employees to help with the manufacturing and delivery of its products, or providing a service to its customers, especially if doing so makes it easier and more profitable to do business. Easy enough, right? Well, yes and no. If more people get involved in the company, the owners will have to spend more money for salaries and any benefits they offer their new employees. There will be a trade-off: is the company going to be more profitable by expanding even if it means paying employees, or is it better to stay small so the owner reaps all the benefits? In this unit, we explore different types of employees, their rights under the law, and the cost to employers who make the decision to hire employees. We will also examine the changing demographics of the workforce in today’s society.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Critique various types of employees and employer/employee relationships

• Understand what guidelines employers must follow to hire and retain employees

• Investigate current trends in employment and how the human resources department fosters a relationship between employees and employers

• Analyze characteristics of the changing workforce in today’s society

Unit 5: Workplace Behavior

Now that we’ve covered how employer–employee relationships are established, we will explore the day-to-day operations of a company—from both the employer’s and employees’ perspectives. While it might seem that mutual respect should be enough to promote a safe and ethical working environment, companies attain greater success when they take the time to clearly, and repeatedly, train and mentor their employees in standard issues like company policies and anti-harassment measures, as well as exciting developments like new technologies.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Critique how successful businesses train employees to facilitate growth and anticipate pitfalls they may encounter

• Analyze how an effective boss or manager acts as a role model and leader among their employees

• List the expectations that companies, employers, and supervisors have for their employees

• Evaluate and explain the important role employers take in creating a safe work environment for their employees

Unit 6: Technology and eCommerce Best Practices

In the 21st century, businesses how found so many ways to use technology in the workplace. The role of technology is so important that many companies create a department in their organization to deal exclusively with technology. But using technology has both benefits, such as the convenience of online shopping, and risks, such as security concerns. Let’s dive in to explore how companies use technology, what they can do to maximize benefits while reducing risks, and the role of government in all of this.

What will you learn in this unit?

• List the key components of a technology plan, along with essential business hardware

• Determine the type of software applications that will improve the financial and collaborative well-being of a company

• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of a company’s online presence

• Recognize common cyber-crimes and how they impact a business

• Discuss issues involved in government oversight of the internet

Unit 7: Property and Insurance

As we know, the process of starting, running, and growing a business involves many layers of work. And once we’ve done the heavy lifting of getting a business up and running, hiring, and finding the best tech and security solutions, of course we are going to want to protect our assets. Suddenly it seems like the easiest part of operating a business is coming up with the idea for what you want to sell! So now, it’s time we explore the question, “What property belongs to my business, and how can I protect it?” Specifically, we’ll cover real and personal property, how property is transferred from one entity to another, and how the property should be insured.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Differentiate between real and personal property

• Understand how property rights are earned, transferred, and relinquished

• List the types of insurance coverage a business should purchase to protect its property

• Distinguish between insurance that a company must purchase to protect its employees and health insurance coverage, as well as major types of life insurance

Unit 8: Taxes

You know what they say: the only certainties in life are death and taxes. As we wrap up our journey, we will continue to explore the financial costs of doing business, and this, of course, includes paying taxes to the government. Most people who work and earn an income pay taxes on that income, but business owners have some unique opportunities and responsibilities when it comes to taxes.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify how tax requirements might differ depending on the organizational structure of a business

• Recognize how sales tax rates differ among varying localities and the impact these rates have on online sales

• Understand how governments use tax laws to regulate the business industry as well as consumer behavior

• Appreciate the obligation employers have to withhold income from employees to ensure compliance with federal and state law

Whether you plan to start your own business, work for an organization, or go into law, it’s essential to understand more complex legal requirements that impact business operations and decisions. This is especially true as companies grow and expand domestically and internationally. Explore the differences between criminal and civil law. Examine how state and federal regulations work to protect consumer and employees’ rights, protect society and the environment, and understand how business contracts can work to protect everyone.

Unit 1: More Business Law Basics

In this unit, we’ll start with the sources of laws and the differences between civil and criminal law. What makes a crime a crime? Then we’ll move on to an overview of the court system because you need to know how the courts work if you ever want to sue someone, or if you get sued, or if you or your business is accused of a crime. We’ll talk about the alternatives to taking a case to court. Finally, we’ll discuss the life cycle of a law firm. (Hint: It’s pretty similar to other service businesses, but it has special records-management problems.) Ready to begin?

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the five main sources of law

• Differentiate between criminal and civil cases

• Compare and contrast the federal and state court systems

• Argue the merits of Alternative Dispute Resolution options

• Discuss the business life cycle of a law firm

Unit 2: How Government Regulations Protect Employees’ Rights

So you’ve set up a new business and grown large enough to hire employees. You’re pretty busy, obviously, and you’re probably not thrilled that you have to understand a whole new batch of state and federal regulations that protect your employees. In this unit, you’ll learn what those regulations are and why they’re important.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Justify why the federal government regulates the employer-employee relationship

• Examine federal legislation designed to protect employees

• Evaluate how the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces regulations that protect employees

• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of employment contracts

• Differentiate between union workers and at-will employees

Unit 3: How Government Regulations Protect Society and the Environment

The federal government oversees the public’s general welfare by regulating how companies treat employees, but its oversight doesn’t end there. The government also regulates how businesses treat the environment, even if it means corporations and investors don’t earn their full potential profits. In this unit, we explore environmental and securities regulations, both of which protect society as a whole.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Assess the government’s interest in protecting the environment

• Evaluate the Environmental Protection Agency’s practices and procedures

• Interpret key legislation aimed at stemming environmental hazards

• Analyze how the government oversees publicly owned-businesses

Unit 4: The Ins and Outs of Business Contracts

Running a business requires making deals. When a store sells a video game to you at an agreed-upon price, the store makes money, and you get a new game. That’s a pretty simple deal, but some deals require a more complex oral or written agreement between the parties—called a contract.

In this unit, we’ll explore the laws that regulate contracts, as well as specific types of contracts, who enforces them how, and what remedies are available if a party breaks the contract. We’ll also cover the Uniform Commercial Code, which is a collection of state laws that govern commercial transactions and sales of goods.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss the elements that comprise a valid contract

• Classify various types of contracts

• Distinguish between enforceable and unenforceable contracts

• Evaluate the usefulness of the Uniform Commercial Code

• Predict the available remedies available to an aggrieved party in a contract breach

Unit 5: How Business Law Protects Consumers

“Caveat emptor” is an English proverb that means “buyer beware.” It warns consumers to protect themselves from shady sellers. Fortunately, as buyers of products and services, we’re not in it alone—we have state and federal laws to protect us from unfair business practices. Those laws require fair dealing by both parties to commercial transactions. In this unit, we explore how the law protects consumers and how consumers can protect themselves.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the elements of contracts of sale of goods and the associated obligations of buyers and sellers

• Distinguish between various types of product warranties

• Describe how federal legislation protects consumers in the marketplace

• Evaluate how businesses increase profitability by using client-service strategies

Unit 6: Bribery and Beyond, How Businesses Are Perpetrators and Victims of Crime

When bad things happen to good people, shouldn’t someone have to pay? The law helps victims of wrongdoing achieve justice in the form of criminal punishment or civil liability—the responsible party pays for the harm they’ve caused. In this unit, we explore the elements of criminal and tort law, the most common business crimes and torts, and the consequences the legal system imposes on wrongdoers. We’ll also follow the judicial procedure of a criminal case from arrest to appeal.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the elements of a crime

• List common business crimes

• Compare criminal and tortious conduct

• Distinguish between common torts committed by and against businesses

• Examine the steps the government takes to prosecute criminals

Unit 7: Doing Business Around the World

We now have so much information about other cultures available to us on social media and the internet that it motivates us to explore new markets for goods and services. Could that artisanal candlemaker find a supplier of glass vessels in Mexico to replace the ones no longer available from China? Can that perfume maker find a cheaper, better variety of lavender buds in the Canary Islands? Business owners are in a nonstop race to decrease costs and increase sales, so a broader global market is good for business.

But the benefits of globalization don’t end with corporate profits. Globalization gives developing nations more opportunities to grow their economies. It gives developed countries more access to ideas that help them innovate and improve technology. A global economy challenges individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions that impact lives around the world.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand the nature of globalization and its growth since the mid-20th century

• Examine how cultural differences impact business transactions

• Evaluate how international organizations monitor trade agreements

• Analyze the extent to which American companies operate under other nations’ laws

• Distinguish between the advantages and disadvantages of globalization

Unit 8: Winding Up a Business

You probably know of several companies that have been in business for decades or even centuries: McDonald’s has been serving hamburgers since the mid-1950s, Macy’s department stores opened in 1843, and Baker’s Chocolate started selling its sweet confections in 1765. But for every successful long-running company, there are three that failed. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly 20 percent of all businesses close their doors within the first two years, and only 25 percent of all new businesses make it to the 15-year mark.

Not all businesses close because they fail to make a profit. Sometimes, owners decide running a business isn’t worth the time and energy it takes to make it successful. Similarly, they may have a change of heart and want to try their hand at something new. Or the owners retire, and they don’t have someone interested in taking over the reins.

Regardless of the reasons, business owners don’t simply hang a “Closed” sign in the window and lock the front door when they decide to shut down. In this unit, we’ll examine the process of dissolving a business and what happens if the business goes bankrupt.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand the common reasons why businesses fail

• Describe the steps a business takes to dissolve

• Distinguish how the dissolution process is different for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations

• Explain which bankruptcy option is most suitable for different forms of business

Do you picture yourself working in a law office or maybe even in a courtroom someday? A rewarding career as a legal administrator means you are responsible for the day-to-day operations in a law firm, and therefore, need to learn the fundamentals of law. You’ll need to understand the specifics of researching, creating, processing, filing legal documents, and more. Jumpstart your career in law by learning what it takes to be a legal admin.

Unit 1: Legal Path: Past and Present

Do you know how our legal system works or what court personnel—the people who work inside a courtroom—actually do? In this unit, we will provide an overview of the law. Specifically, we will cover what a law is, where it comes from, why we have laws, and who enforces them. It’s empowering to know how the legal system works!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the history of the law and what the law does

• Identify the types of law, how laws are created out of practical necessity, and how they change over time

• Describe the American court system

• Outline the jurisdiction of the courts

• Articulate the responsibilities of the agencies in charge of enforcing our laws

• List the different functions of court personnel

Unit 2: Finding Your Place: Areas and Roles in Law

Have you ever wondered how many different areas of law there are or what kinds of offices lawyers practice in? Have you ever watched a legal TV drama and wondered about the staff that exists behind the scenes to support the impassioned prosecutors and defense attorneys? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’re in luck. This unit is your introduction to the actual practice of law and how legal administrative specialists fit into the picture. There are so many areas of the law in which to practice, and new ones are forming every day. Because the world is becoming increasingly complex and reliant on technology as well as new regulations, there will be an ongoing need for legal services.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the two major divisions of a law practice: litigation and transactions

• Explain different types of law practices

• List and compare various practice areas

• Identify the positions and roles within a law practice

Unit 3: Getting to Know the Legal Office

We are going to teach you everything you need to know about legal research and writing, including how to draft pleadings to file a lawsuit and keep track of your time so that you get paid! Legal writing is a special creature. Once you have mastered it, you will lie awake at night thinking up ways to persuade your parents and teachers about all your brilliant ideas. That’s how the legal world works. Use your ability to research, apply logic, and write persuasively to convince people of your position, and you will never go wrong.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand basic legal jargon, complaints, and answers

• Read and write case citations, which will help you know where to find the case law you need

• Do basic legal research and use the IRAC method to write a brief

• Structure your files and keep good records of every interaction with your client, including your billable time

Unit 4: Professional Pieces: Ethics, Confidentiality, and More

Most career fields are kept in check through the use of statutes, but law is a self-regulating industry. Did you know that banks are overseen by the US Department of the Treasury (SEC, FDIC, etc.) and must comply with state laws? Similarly, teachers are governed by the US Department of Education and local laws. The legal profession, however, is monitored almost exclusively by state bar associations and state supreme courts. Thus, the rules that apply to this field are created exclusively by those who participate in it. This is a great honor and a great responsibility. Let’s learn about what the rules are, who creates them, and why.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Tell the difference between morals and ethics, describing some specific rules regarding legal ethics

• List the basic requirements of competence and advocacy as well as identify the major components of a character and fitness examination

• Differentiate between confidentiality and privilege, explaining when each one applies

• Understand conflicts of interest and how they might disqualify a lawyer from some representation

• Avoid malpractice and jail by not engaging in the unauthorized practice of law

Unit 5: Working with Legal Documents

Whether it’s a legal brief to file with the court or a contract to sell a multi-million-dollar business, paperwork is an essential part of every law practice. Legal administrative assistants are heavily involved in drafting documents. Let’s take a look at each document category and learn some valuable tools of the trade to help your skills shine.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Use specific legal terminology correctly, and create a redline document to track your revisions

• Employ The Bluebook to format case citations correctly and proofread the work of the lawyers you support

• Create templates for legal instruments such as deeds

• Draft a reference manual for your office personnel to develop consistent policies related to documents

Unit 6: Office Essentials

Working in an office involves more than just sitting at a desk using your computer all day. You may not realize that the layout of the office is very intentional, and there can be policies in place about how you organize your own office or workspace. Additionally, technology now makes it possible to set up a virtual law office in some circumstances. Whether you work in a physical office or virtually from home, as a legal administrative assistant, you will need to understand all aspects of the office space as part of your job duties. This includes everything from office equipment like copiers and scanners to the cybersecurity practices needed to keep online information safe.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the pros and cons of operating a virtual law office

• Create systems for tracking and ordering supplies for the entire office

• Discuss various client file organization options, including barcoding systems

• Articulate schemes for breaching cybersecurity and help prevent fraud or the loss of client information to hackers

Unit 7: Managing Time and Communication

Interacting with clients and coworkers will be a critical component of your work as a legal administrative specialist. Communication skills are among the most valuable tools you will have available to you to navigate every situation you may encounter. This ability to communicate effectively, coupled with time management strategies, will set you up for success in your legal career. Are you ready to get started?

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify key characteristics of verbal and nonverbal communication

• Recognize different types of communication to improve your skills with your coworkers and clients

• Adopt effective time management practices, including the use of a detailed calendar system

• Manage your stress levels appropriately in the workplace and understand what resources are available to support you

Unit 8: Career Central: Landing a Job

Do you picture yourself working in a law office or maybe even in a courtroom someday? If so, you need to consider which avenue to take because there is a wide variety of opportunities available in the legal field. You might even think about going to law school at some point, but the legal profession is filled with people in many roles—not just lawyers. There are so many directions you could pursue! Let’s start with an in-depth look at several options and then learn exactly how to go about landing your dream legal job.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify a variety of career options in the legal field and the credentials required for each one

• Draft a resume to highlight your skills and experience

• Prepare yourself for a job interview

• Navigate the process of transitioning from your first job to your next job when you are ready

Wherever your legal admin career takes you, understanding the responsibilities of a law office requires strict attention to detail, communication skills, office competence, and legal savvy. What does a legal admin need to know and what duties do they perform? How do confidentiality, cybersecurity, and client relations look different in a legal office? Learn the answers to these questions and so much more for this exciting career with endless opportunities to prove your value, learn, and grow.

Unit 1: Legal Office Administration

We are now going to take a deep dive into the operation of a law office. What does it mean to be responsible for the administration of an entire practice full of attorneys and other staff? There are many opportunities to educate yourself about the practice of managing employees and the various laws that govern employers and employees. Let’s examine the pillars of employment law and develop an understanding of the process involved in recruiting and hiring key staff members.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Articulate the differences between a transactional law firm and a litigation firm

• Understand how to separate client retainer fees into an IOLTA

• Conduct an employee performance review

• Identify whether your office is subject to specific federal employment laws and how to comply with each one

Unit 2: Docket Control

Lawsuits live and die by their deadlines. The client may have the best case in the world and be on the verge of winning a million-dollar verdict—but what happens if the attorney doesn’t file the complaint before the statute of limitations runs out? The client’s case is thrown out. And do you know what happens next? That same client will turn around and sue the attorney for malpractice. Managing the docket and calendar system is essential work for every legal practice.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the importance of docket control in a law firm

• Choose an appropriate calendar system for any office where you might work

• Calculate deadlines by using local court rules

• Manage office mail effectively and efficiently

• Place and receive conference calls

Unit 3: Wills, Bills and Much More: Special Documents

When you picture a lawyer at work, what do you see? Most people imagine lawyers are always in the courtroom, arguing cases to a judge and jury. In reality, lawyers spend the majority of their time in the office preparing paperwork, doing research, and talking with clients. The American Bar Association estimates that only 1–2 percent of cases ever go to trial. Many different areas of the law don’t involve going to court at all. Some lawyers help clients in other ways, such as with buying and selling real estate or forming new businesses. In each case, administrative assistants play a key part in creating the paperwork behind the scenes for the attorney’s review.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the elements of every legally enforceable contract

• Explain the basic types of “advanced directives”

• Form a new business entity

• Describe the difference between a divorce and a dissolution

• Assist with the preparation of an Answer to the Plaintiff’s Complaint

Unit 4: Client Relations 101

At the heart of every law practice is the relationship between the attorney and the client. Lawyers must meet each client’s legal needs in addition to satisfying the client’s expectations. It’s similar to every other type of business that must appeal to their customers and keep them happy. But for lawyers, this is also tempered by ethical constraints. There are times when the lawyer-client relationship becomes strained. Do you know how to manage a disgruntled client, or to terminate a relationship that has soured? It is critical to understand how to manage the client’s expectations and balance them against the attorney’s ethical obligations to their client, which becomes very challenging when the client is dissatisfied. This unit will examine the different skills you may need to draw on when dealing with a challenging client relationship.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Collect the necessary information from the client to identify the legal issues that need to be addressed

• Determine whether your firm is competent to handle a case

• Navigate a difficult conversation with an unhappy client

• Identify the ethical rules that provide the framework for client communication

Unit 5: The Financial Factors

Law firms have some unique features, especially when it comes to billing the clients. However, many of the financial aspects of operating a law firm are similar to most other types of businesses. The goal of every business is to serve the customer (or client) and make money. To do this, it’s important to understand how to manage client invoices and use financial reports to track the financial strength of the firm.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the various types of legal fees

• Understand the time-tracking process and explain the difference between billable time and nonbillable time

• Properly bill each client for legal fees at the appropriate time

• Explain the ins and outs of a lawyer’s trust account

• Identify various financial reports and conduct a bank reconciliation of the cash accounts

Unit 6: Technology in the Legal Office

Technology is a cornerstone of every modern law practice. Tasks that used to be done manually, in person—such as filing documents with the court—have now been simplified and are often done online. That’s one of many reasons why legal administrative assistants need to understand the basic pieces of technology used in every law office. This ranges from understanding the equipment itself to figuring out the various software used to help every assistant be more efficient and productive on the job. More than simplifying day-to-day responsibilities, understanding all aspects of law office technology can help a legal assistant participate in creating cybersecurity policies in the office that help protect against the loss of every client’s sensitive data.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand what equipment is necessary to set up a law office

• Identify the basic software used by attorneys and legal teams in a law practice

• Use a court’s electronic filing system for litigation matters

• Assist in developing procedures for network security in the office

Unit 7: Legal Rules About Practice and Procedure

In the real estate business, there is an adage defining the key aspect of all property: location, location, location. In the legal profession, this translates to rules, rules, rules. There are rules of law argued by lawyers and applied by courts. There are rules regulating the behavior and practice of attorneys. And there are rules of each court governing practice and procedure in the courtroom. Let’s break it down and take a close look at some of the rules that provide the structure of the legal profession and courtroom practice.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify permissible language for a legal advertisement

• Explain how to become a Florida Registered Paralegal

• Define the “real party in interest” rule

• Name three items that must be disclosed to opposing counsel before trial

Unit 8: Career Central: Work-Based Learning and Certification

The top tier of legal administrative professionals usually has earned specific credentials, or letters behind their name. These credentials signify a true commitment to excellence in the profession. Becoming a certified paralegal demonstrates that you have significant work experience and have studied the law in depth. Learning on the job and in the classroom are key components of working toward the “Certified Paralegal” title.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the requirements for becoming a certified paralegal

• Explain the benefits of job shadowing

• Identify and locate an appropriate work-based learning experience

• Use a variety of testing skills and strategize for completing a certification exam

Watching a keyboard wizard work their magic over the keys is mesmerizing, and now, you can learn the magic of their movements! In this course, you’ll build a solid foundation of typing skills, develop good habits and techniques, and build confidence as you become a typing wiz. You’ll also learn proper finger placement, and correct posture to improve speed and accuracy and explore future careers where typists thrive. Get ready to become a typing magician today.

Unit 1: Why Type?

There is no crystal ball to predict the future. Yet, the advances in technology continue to indicate the importance of being computer and technology-savvy. To efficiently and accurately interact with technology, it’s critical to develop typing skills. This unit will show you why strong typing skills are necessary for your day-to-day living, and how this skill can increase your productivity and save you time. And who doesn’t want to save time? We’ll also explore the different jobs that require the daily use of typing so you can consider these options as you map out your future career. Let’s dive in!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe how communication has changed in recent years

• Discuss personal reasons for type

• Explain the basic requirements of different typing jobs

• Identify a variety of non-typing jobs

• Use student leadership opportunities to help plan your career

Unit 2: Keyboards Through the Years

The keyboard is an extraordinary invention that has been used for typing for hundreds of years. This unit will take you on a journey of discovery as you learn how keyboards have changed and evolved. Your journey will begin by learning about early typewriters, the keyboard layout, the progress toward the electric typewriter, and the keyboards used today. Finally, you will discover the importance of caring for typewriters and keyboards. Here we go!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the history of early typewriters

• Distinguish between the different keyboard layouts used for typing

• Discuss the evolution of electric typewriters

• Identify modern-day keyboards used today for typing

• Demonstrate caring for keyboard equipment

Unit 3: Typing Techniques

Wouldn’t you love to be able to fly over the keys of your keyboard, typing like a pro? Developing good typing habits and techniques is the key to doing just that! Building a good foundation of typing skills will assist you in becoming a quick and accurate typist so you can work with ease and confidence. This unit will introduce you to the proper sitting posture and finger placement to help you maximize your performance as a typist, save time, and prevent injury. You will also learn the alphabetic, numeric, and symbol keys commonly found on a computer keyboard. Get ready to build those skills!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Demonstrate the proper typing posture

• Locate the home row on the keyboard

• Explain the uses of the different numeric keys on the keyboard

• Discuss the functions of the symbol keys

Unit 4: The Document Production Process

Being able to communicate effectively in writing is a crucial life skill. A big part of making your writing clear and effective is planning! This unit will guide you through the document production process, which involves outlining, drafting, editing, and proofreading text within a document. Learning to plan what you want to say and how you say it can make all the difference in helping your writing achieve its goal and avoiding misunderstandings. Are you ready for this writing adventure? Let’s get typing!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Use a variety of written resources in your writing process

• Identify a clear purpose, type of document, and audience for your writing

• Create an outline and a rough draft

• Edit and proofread your work

Unit 5: Personal Communications

Learning to communicate with others in a meaningful way will benefit you for the rest of your life. And writing is an important part of communication! Your writing makes a lasting impression and you want that impression to be positive. This unit will introduce you to some of the different types of personal communication you can use daily to create new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Let’s explore how you can be better equipped to prepare personal letters, compose an email, and produce written messages for online publication so you can stay in touch with others.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Prepare and format personal letters

• Compose an email

• Produce written messages for online publication

• Discuss the evolution of written communication through time

Unit 6: Business Communications

There are many forms of written communication used in today’s workplace. What you communicate and how you communicate it is extremely important. Words can determine success or failure. Through words, businesses and organizations can earn or lose trust, gain or miss out on revenue, and add or drop clients/customers. In this unit, we’ll cover some of the basic forms of business communication, such as business letters, memos, press releases, and business reports, and how to make them the best that they can be!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compose and format business letters

• Create memos for business correspondence

• Write press releases to share information with the media

• Produce and format a business report

Unit 7: Speed, Accuracy, and Improvement

Typing is a skill that will benefit you now and in the future. To become a consistently accurate and quick typist, it takes practice. The time and effort you put forth to practice your typing skills will automate your thinking and move your fingers quickly into the correct position. Imagine the time you can save by producing accurate and quality work! Are you ready to explore some techniques and resources you can begin using today to increase your typing speed and accuracy? Let’s get started!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the importance of accuracy when typing

• Discuss the value of increasing typing speed

• Apply different techniques to improve typing skills

• Use online resources to practice typing

Unit 8: Using Your Skills in the Workplace

As you look for a job, employers will expect you to have a variety of skills, some technical (like typing) and some more nuanced (like communication skills). The work you are doing now to develop and improve the many skills you will need will serve you for a lifetime. The key to a satisfying career is finding something that you enjoy doing and developing the skills necessary to excel at it. Besides the skills we’ve already covered in this course, in this unit you will gain insights into understanding legal issues within the workplace, how to demonstrate professionalism in the workplace, and how to collaborate with others—all very helpful when it comes time to launch your career!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe legal issues that employees face in the workplace

• Demonstrate professionalism at work

• Communicate effectively with others on work assignments

• Plan for a typing career