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 prepare reports and train employees. Some secretaries 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 are located at small or big firms. They conduct secretarial work at banks, schools, and medical centers. Secretaries usually sit for the majority of the day. Additionally, they use computers a large portion of the day. This can 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 usually enroll in classes to improve office skills. Health care and legal secretaries must attend specialized training programs.
How much will I earn?
Salaries for executive secretaries and administrative assistants in the 50th percentile were between $30,240-46,160 annually during 2008. Those with salaries in the lower 10th percentile made $25,190 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $56,740 or more annually. These figures do not include health care and legal secretaries.
Salaries for legal secretaries in the 50th percentile made between $29,650-48,520 annually during 2008. Those with salaries in the lower 10th percentile made $23,870 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $58,770 or more annually.
Additionally, during 2008, salaries for medical secretaries in the 50th percentile were between $23,250-34,210 annually. Salaries for those in the lower 10th percentile made $19,750 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $40,870 or more annually.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, 4.2 million secretaries and administrative assistants were employed. This is one of the biggest occupations in America. Nearly 90 percent of secretaries were employed by companies providing services, including retail outlets, government agencies, and schools.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job growth for secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to increase nearly as quickly as average growth in other industries until 2016. However, it is estimated that more than 360,000 secretarial jobs will be added in the near future since demand will increase for secretaries in the legal, health care, and social service industries. Growth will also occur because secretaries are being given the responsibilities of other office workers.
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