How to Become a Secretary

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Secretary

What does a Secretary do?

A Secretary performs various clerical duties such as filing, typing, copying documents for an individual, office, business unit, department, or other organization group. Screens and transfers calls, arranges meetings, and compiles basic information for routine reports or other materials. Being a Secretary may distribute mail, handle travel accommodations, and maintain office supplies. Has intermediate word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software skills. Additionally, Secretary requires a high school diploma. The Secretary works under moderate supervision. Gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. 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.

People's Opinions on Secretary responsibilities

In different workplaces, and for different reasons, a secretary may also be called an administrative assistant, receptionist, clerk, or executive assistant.

12/09/2019: Poughkeepsie, NY

Most members of the United States Cabinet are called "Secretary" including the United States Secretary of State, who deals with other countries.

10/11/2019: Jackson, MS

The term “secretary” may not always attach to an office administrator.

10/18/2019: Altoona, PA

Being a secretary or Administrative Assistant as they call it, stinks.

10/09/2019: Rochester, MN

To those young people saying they want to become a secretary, think again.

10/04/2019: Gastonia, NC
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Secretary

Best tips for those who want to become a Secretary

Here are some tips to become a Secretary.

People's Opinions on best tips

Don’t be afraid to take a unique path to your goal.

11/28/2019: Wilmington, DE

Obey Every Impulse of the Holy Spirit.

12/18/2019: Passaic, NJ

Realize Conflicts and Interruptions are Unavoidable.

12/07/2019: Muskegon, MI

Admissions to the course are open at any time of the year, and the examinations are held in June and December.

12/07/2019: Idaho Falls, ID

In addition, the student has to undergo Practical Training for about 15 months which a student may opt to start after passing the Executive Programme.

12/25/2019: Durham, NC
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Secretary

Best colleges and universities for Secretary

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Secretary

Is being a Secretary Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

The recently appointed secretary to the Department of Tourism became a widow 12 years ago.

11/29/2019: Providence, RI

According to the Daily Mail, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's former private secretary, Samatha Cohen, "has taken a job with Cool Earth, an organization that aims to halt tropical deforestation.".

11/19/2019: Fort Worth, TX

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.

11/13/2019: Lawton, OK

Trump, who was joined by Acosta, announced the secretary’s resignation to reporters on the South Lawn before departing to Wisconsin for a fundraiser.

12/06/2019: Appleton, WI

The decision for private secretary Catherine Quinn to part ways with Middleton was described as amicable, the Daily Mail reported, adding that the two left things on the “best of terms.”.

11/27/2019: High Point, NC
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Secretary

What skills do you need to be a Secretary?

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.  In order to support the team, a strong grasp of these skills is necessary: Business Communications, Call Screening, Document Preparation, Document Processing, Drafting Correspondence, Meeting Minutes, Meeting Scheduling and Logistics, Reception and Gatekeeping, Records Management, Telephone Skills/Etiquette.  Profecciency in the following is key: Email Software, General Office Software.  Experience and professionalism are always important to landing any job, and a mastery of these skills will help amplify your qualifications.

People's Opinions on Secretary skills

A school secretary needs computer skills, excellent communications and interpersonal skills as well as an understanding of secretarial duties.

12/08/2019: Waco, TX

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.

11/16/2019: Columbus, MS

This would require the secretary to have a deep knowledge of the law governing companies and the provisions it includes.

11/26/2019: Des Moines, IA

To be best on your job as a legal secretary you need o develop certain skills and qualities.

10/02/2019: Bloomington, IN

Top 15 Legal Secretary Skills to be best on the Job.

10/12/2019: Manchester, NH
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Step 6: View average salary for Secretary

How much does a Secretary make?

The average salary range for a Secretary is from $41,818 to $53,890. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Secretary
$41,818 to $53,890

Step 7: Find relevant Secretary jobs, and apply.

Looking for Secretary jobs?

Here are some Secretary jobs in the United States.

Search Secretary Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Secretary

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Secretary? Secretary II