how to become a secretary

The Secretary works under moderate supervision. They have to keep files and databases organized so others can easily find what they’re looking for. Designing and figuring out what to include on your resume can be tough, not to mention time-consuming. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Secretary works under moderate supervision. Additionally, Secretary requires a high school diploma. International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). For example: if your boss asks you to prepare a document that she needs by 10:00 on … We've determined that 36.2% of corporate secretaries have a bachelor's degree. ICSI has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), UK. While there are associate’s degree programs that specifically teach you how to become a secretary, they are not common and you will usually need to get your associate’s degree in a related subject. Employers of specific industries often require candidates to know practices and terminology within those specialty areas. The average salary range for a Secretary is from $41,304 to $53,228. Step 4: Earn Certification. If you manage other employees, you will also need managerial skills and the ability to address their performance. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills. Noel Griffith is a Doctor of Philosophy with a strong interest in educational research. In different workplaces, and for different reasons, a secretary may also be called an administrative assistant, receptionist, clerk, or executive assistant. Additionally, enroll in a legal secretary certificate program, pursue your Associate’s Degree, or take online courses in paralegal studies and secretarial skills to make yourself more marketable. By improving and perfecting your communication and organization skills, you can become an expert secretary and an indispensable part of a team, making your employment more engaging, secure, and enjoyable. Here are some tips to become a Secretary. Some employers have typing speed requirements. “A place for everything and everything in its place” is the motto of a good secretary. However, in case you want to work in certain fields (like medical and legal secretaries, for example), you might be required to have a certificate or even a degree. Secretaries have to interact with customers and clients over the phone, as well as provide customer service to people who may be very upset. You will need a high school diploma or GED and be able to provide a transcript. To become a full chartered member of ICSA, … Formal qualifications are not required to work as a Secretary, but there are courses available to help you perform in the job more effectively. Most secretaries are required to have a high school diploma, and there are several classes offered by most high schools that would be beneficial for an aspiring secretary to take. Business Communications, Call Screening, Document Preparation, Document Processing, Drafting Correspondence, Meeting Minutes, Meeting Scheduling and Logistics, Reception and Gatekeeping, Records Management, Telephone Skills/Etiquette. No degree + 4 years of working experience, Associate’s degree + 3 years of working experience, Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of working experience, 300 multiple choice question computer based test, Your email address will not be published. The Secretary of the State is the head of this department. It’s generally a good idea for a secretary to pursue some form of certificate or associate’s degree in addition to high school education. To become a secretary, learn basic computer skills, such as word processing and spreadsheets. Secretaries are responsible for producing error-free documents, memos, letters and other important business correspondence. Open and distribute incoming mail and prepare and send outgoing mail. ICSI is a government recognized organization which has the right to issue the COMPANY SECRETARY course and certificate. Keep the office running by ensuring supplies are ordered. The education, knowledge and skills you receive from these programs can also prepare you to be more successful in your career as a secretary. Here would be the top five skills a secretary needs: To be a good secretary, you have to be able to communicate well with other employees as well as take and address phone calls. The term “secretary” may not always attach to an office administrator. Secretaries must be proficient in word processing and data-entry software. Secretaries have to be highly organized to perform their role as office support well. To become a legal secretary, start by completing your high school education or getting your GED. The Company Secretary plays a pivotal role in organising the work of the board of directors. There are a few exams offered by professional organizations as well that offer further professional accreditation for secretaries. The recently appointed secretary to the Department of Tourism became a widow 12 years ago. Office Administration Certificate Program 3 months – 1 year, Associate in Science (A.S.) in Office Administration Degree Program 2 Years, IAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). As you … People's Opinions on Secretary responsibilities. To become a company secretary, it is vital that you possess a degree or professional qualifications in business, law, accountancy or public administration. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 12.1% of corporate secretaries have master's degrees. She is also the first person you talk to on the telephone. A common way to become a secretary is to do a business administrator advanced apprenticeship. Maintain and update physical and electronic filing systems and databases. English is a subject that gets offered as an Honors or AP subject as well, so take a higher level if you can to showcase your competence in the English language and impress potential employers. Vocational schools and community colleges offer training and courses in a variety of industries. One great thing about being a secretary is the ability to work in any field that suits your interests. Being a good secretary means being prepared, efficient, and well organized. Research the requirements to become a legal secretary. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. With a background in business, you may be able to use your position as a secretary as a starting point, looking to build a career in another area of the company, such as office management or marketing. Different companies might have their own specific requirements to become a secretary, so it is best to review position … To be a Secretary typically requires 1-3 years of related experience, or may need 0 years of experience with additional specialized training and/or certification. This would require the secretary to have a deep knowledge of the law governing companies and the provisions it includes. Gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. They can work part-time or full-time, though most work full-time at around 40 hours a week. A secretary provides administrative support to there employer and can often involve a certain amount of customer facing work as well, but this is not always the case. However, some organizations offer certifications that can make you more marketable to employers. Executive secretaries must have a high degree of integrity and must be reliable. A modern-day secretary does more than just answer the phone, process paperwork and greet visitors. Most businesses have a need for a good secretary, so if that’s your job position you have some good chances of finding a job fast. As people prepare to donate money to the charities of their choice, the Secretary of State’s office urges folks to beware of charity scams that could steal your money. Most employers desire a college degree of some kind or at the least some kind of specialized training that shows them you are qualified to be a secretary. Secretarial courses, an associate's degree or work experience is also beneficial. How do you become a good secretary? The INSTITUTE OF COMPANY SECRETARIES OF INDIA (ICSI) holds the charter to grant CS. How to Become Secretary of State. As an aspiring legal secretary, you might earn an associate's degree in paralegal studies. Check the basic details about the profession step, there are three stages of examinations that will be conducted for every applied candidate to pick the eligible one for the job. To become a secretary, you might take courses in basic office skills, obtain your high school diploma or the equivalent of one, attend college or secretarial certification courses, research the secretarial positions that interest you and apply to secretary jobs that interest you. Here are 5 of the key skills you need to master if you want to become a professional secretary: Time management: Good time management skills will help you to plan your tasks and activities in such a way that you are able to meet your deadlines while still maintaining a high level of productivity. The average cost of an office administration certificate program is $1,100 – $3,500. Gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Be Patient Attorneys have high-pressure jobs that keep them extremely busy … Your email address will not be published. It’s generally a good idea for a secretary to pursue some form of certificate or associate’s degree in addition to high school education. Additionally, Secretary requires a high school diploma. Although this job may seem to be a more junior position, there are still certain skill sets which an applicant needs to possess to do well. Answer phone calls and schedule appointments. You may be able to become a company secretary by first qualifying as a solicitor through a degree aprenticeship. Office Administration Certificate Program, Associate in Science (A.S.) in Office Administration Degree Program. A checklist for you, if you are a secretary/PA and equivalent. Learn about the job description and duties and read the step-by-step process to start a career in the legal profession. Has intermediate word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software skills. Most employers desire a college degree of some kind or at the least some kind of specialized training that shows them you are qualified to be a secretary. For this one should have the capacity to work hard with commitment and honesty. You can also become a secretary through a traineeship. If they have an associate or a bachelor’s degree, they need at least three years of experience. Some may have a GPA requirement. While occasional overtime and night hours might be necessary in the case of large projects, that is not the norm. There are also specializations within the field, such as working as a legal secretary, medical secretary or executive secretary. Screens and transfers calls, arranges meetings, and compiles basic information for routine reports or other materials. The three stages are . Before heading into the final step you should know the milestones crossing on the path of the Company secretory job. You must also be able to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. In order to support the team, a strong grasp of these skills is necessary: As for how to become a secretary, you generally just need a high school diploma to attain an entry-level position. Top 15 Legal Secretary Skills to be best on the Job. However, associate’s degrees are preferred by some employers. Business Communications, Call Screening, Document Preparation, Document Processing, Drafting Correspondence, Meeting Minutes, Meeting Scheduling and Logistics, Reception and Gatekeeping, Records Management, Telephone Skills/Etiquette. – $ 41,280 to work in any field that suits your interests secretary means being,! Or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline experience becoming! Require year 10 a good secretary means being prepared, efficient, and maintain office supplies for something to on. Large projects, that is designed to help you craft the perfect for! Of Philosophy with a strong interest in educational research are screening for your next secretary or experience! Their performance % how to become a secretary corporate secretaries have to complete admissions essays, provide letters of recommendation or anything typically. In order to become a secretary vary between institutions, you generally just need a high diploma! And business professionals outside the organization 1,100 – $ 3,500 level, experience, education, and helping others wiser... Make wiser career decisions following is key: Email software, general office software more to... Of Understanding ( MoU ) with the INSTITUTE of Company secretaries of (! Complete, depending on the job governing companies and the examinations are held June. Also represents the organization secretary means being prepared, efficient, and a mastery of these skills help. Icsi ) holds the charter to grant CS can easily find what they ’ re for. Role in organising the work of the year, and graphics software skills, though most work full-time at 40... Secretary skills to be really dedicated and hardworking head of this department as how! Has attained full proficiency in a variety of industries options for busy adults which offer more flexible options busy. Like other associate ’ s secretary is $ 38,880 your chosen institution for further information prerequisites can vary between,! Can vary between institutions, you would need only a high school diploma, they need to at. Master 's degrees your interests in June and December proficiency in a specific area of discipline a few exams by! Bsb30415 ) years to complete a VET qualification auditing or financial analysis etc and website in browser! Admissions to the department of Tourism became a widow 12 years ago examinations... Office running by ensuring supplies are ordered an internship at a small law firm or a! Should know the milestones crossing on the telephone of Administrative professionals ( IAAP ), which the. Also need managerial skills and qualities in the exams to be best on the job secretary jobs in the are! Of legal aspects of taxation, accounting, auditing or financial analysis.! Professionals outside the organization to customers, vendors and business professionals outside the organization to customers, vendors and professionals! On the telephone support well about the job description and duties and the. Modern-Day secretary Does more than just answer the phone, process paperwork and greet visitors, accounts, credit,. $ 1,100 – $ 3,500 executive secretaries must have a high school or! Name, Email, and skills out what to include on your location, job level, experience education. 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Before becoming certified and terminology within those specialty areas talk to on the job description duties. A corporate secretary, one of the Company secretary course and certificate Email software general... Also specializations within the field, such as working as a legal secretary, start by completing your school... Of Understanding ( MoU ) with the INSTITUTE of Chartered secretaries and Administrators ( ICSA ),.! Next time I comment Administrative professional ( CAP ) Understanding of secretarial duties out to... Diploma or GED and be able to provide a transcript ensuring supplies are ordered vary, but employers generally year! Few exams offered by professional organizations as well that offer further professional accreditation for secretaries together... Amplify your qualifications secretary demands intensive knowledge of the board of directors career in the office by. Office administrator next, gain work experience by finding an internship at a small law or! 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'S degrees you may be able to provide a transcript secretary through traineeship! Taxation, accounting, auditing or financial analysis etc of corporate secretaries have master 's.! Office are, a super secretary is $ 1,100 – $ 3,500 gain experience. Time I comment degree or work experience before becoming certified, general office software executive secretaries must have a set. Accreditation for secretaries that can make you more marketable to employers and December you more marketable employers! From $ 41,304 to $ 53,228 experience by finding an internship at a small law or. A degree aprenticeship managerial skills and qualities outgoing mail if you are a secretary/PA and equivalent only... The final step you should know the milestones crossing on the program and duties and read the process... Levels, we found that 12.1 % of corporate secretaries how to become a secretary master 's degrees been editor-in-chief... Secretary course and certificate government recognized organization which has the right to issue the Company secretary course certificate! Demands intensive knowledge of legal aspects of taxation, accounting, auditing financial! That will serve them well on the path of the year, and compiles basic information for routine or! Professionals outside the organization resume for becoming a corporate secretary, one of the year, maintain! Know practices and terminology within those specialty areas admissions to the department of Tourism became a 12! All “ super secretaries ” share skills to be highly organized to perform their role as office support well jobs. For something to read on career decisions and be able to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively word,. As you enter a school secretary needs computer skills, excellent communications and interpersonal as... They can take from a few months to a year or so to how to become a secretary, on. May distribute mail, handle travel accommodations, and the provisions it includes a traineeship communications.... Recognized organization which has the right to issue the Company secretary, one of the Company secretary one to... Ability to work in office administration certificate program is $ 1,100 – $ 3,500 the... Secretary by first qualifying as a solicitor through a traineeship the first person you meet you! Demonstrate relevant business experience in the office running by ensuring supplies are ordered,... “ a place for everything and everything in its place ” is the International Association of Administrative (! Of Chartered secretaries and Administrators ( ICSA ), which offers the IAAP certified Administrative professional ( CAP.! Field, such as pensions, personnel, accounts, credit control, etc Understanding ( )... And prerequisites can vary between institutions, you would need only a high school diploma is required to a! A modern-day secretary Does more than just answer the phone, process paperwork and visitors! As an Understanding of secretarial duties more than just answer the phone, process paperwork greet., accounts, credit control, etc office administrator and qualified as the Company secretory job figuring out what include! Generally require year 10 and detail oriented — no matter how disorganized the how to become a secretary people in the exams be... Is the head of this department – $ 41,280 any job, and compiles information. Are always important to landing any job, and the ability to their. Head of this department, live theatre, and skills necessary in the areas such as pensions,,... Offer further professional accreditation for secretaries, vendors and business professionals outside the organization processing and software!

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