Secretaries schedule meetings and appointments. They organize files. They also prepare written correspondence and answer telephones. They make travel arrangements. Secretaries utilize computers and fax and copy machines. Secretaries ensure information being communicated through the office is accurate. Secretaries make sure office operations are run smoothly.
Certain secretaries are known as administrative assistants or executive secretaries. They have additional responsibilities. Some may prepare reports and train employees. Some secretaries may work exclusively in certain industries, which could include the health care or legal profession. Medical secretaries assist physicians keep track of clients. Legal secretaries assist attorneys with legal work.
Secretaries are usually found in offices. These offices may be located at small or big firms. They may conduct secretarial work at banks, schools, and medical centers. Secretaries usually sit for the majority of the day. Additionally, they may use computers a large portion of the day. This may cause eye strain or problems with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Certain companies permit secretaries to work flexible schedules or to fulfill some of their responsibilities form home. Secretaries usually work normal weekly work schedules, but some secretaries are employed part time.
How do you prepare for this career?
Secretaries and administrative assistants need to possess effective typing abilities. They must communicate clearly and understand grammar rules. They should be familiar with word processing computer programs. They sometimes must be able to know how to use other computer software programs. Secretaries must run various machines in the office.
Companies want their secretaries to work well with their clients and coworkers. Secretaries must be trustworthy and organized.
Most companies will only hire candidates with high school degrees. Once they are hired, secretaries may enroll in classes to improve office skills. Health care and legal secretaries must attend specialized training programs.
How much will I earn?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, secretaries made a median salary of $34,660 annually in 2010. Those with salaries in the lower 10th percentile made $21,730 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $55,960 or more annually. These figures do not include health care and legal secretaries.
The following is a breakdown in the annual median salary of different types of secretaries (as of May 2010):
$43,520 for executive secretaries
$41,500 for legal secretaries
$30,530 for medical secretaries
$30,830 for secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive
How many jobs are there?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4,010,200 secretaries employed in the United States in 2010. This is one of the biggest occupations in America.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job growth for secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to increase at an average industry growth rate of 12 percent.
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