A scheduler is a person who coordinates the timing of events or activities.
Scheduler job duties include:
- Coordinating and scheduling appointments, meetings, and events
- Arranging transportation and booking rooms for out-of-town guests
- Answering phones and routing calls to the appropriate person or taking messages
- Greeting clients and visitors and directing them to the correct person or office
- Maintaining calendars and scheduling meeting times
- Making travel arrangements
- Coordinating conference calls and webinars
- Managing projects and deadlines
- Creating reports and presentations
- Ordering supplies
Scheduler Job Requirements
Most schedulers have at least an associate's degree, although a bachelor's degree is increasingly becoming the minimum requirement. Many community colleges offer two-year degree programs in office administration or business administration with a concentration in scheduling. Some four-year colleges and universities also offer bachelor's degrees in business administration or management with a concentration in scheduling. There are no specific certification requirements to become a scheduler, but many employers prefer candidates who have earned professional certification, such as the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Many schedulers have several years of experience working in administrative roles before being promoted to a scheduler position.
Scheduler Skills
- Communication
- Organization
- Time management
- Prioritization
- Scheduling
- Coordination
- Negotiation
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
Related: Top Scheduler Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Scheduler
There are many different types of schedulers, from those who work in doctor’s offices to those who coordinate the construction of buildings. No matter what type of scheduler you want to become, there are some basic steps you can follow to get started in this career.
First, consider what type of scheduler you would like to be. Do you want to work with people’s schedules, or do you want to coordinate the construction of a building? Once you know what type of scheduler you would like to be, research the education and training requirements for that position. Many schedulers have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as business administration or project management.
Next, create a resume that highlights your relevant skills and experience. Be sure to include any relevant coursework or training you have completed. If you have previous experience working with schedules, be sure to mention that on your resume as well.
Finally, start searching for open positions. There are many different places to look for scheduling jobs, from online job boards to company websites. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about open positions. Once you find a few open positions that interest you, apply for them and wait to hear back from the employer.
Related: Scheduler Resume Example
Related: Scheduler Interview Questions (With Example Answers)