Looking to advance your career in admin? Your next step could be as a Secretary. This path can help you develop your administrative skills and gain a better understanding of businesses and their day-to-day activities by performing various clerical and organisational tasks.
To become a Secretary, you will need relevant skills and experience in the field of administration. This can come from other entry-level positions, such as a Receptionist or Admin Assistant. These positions are helpful for gaining organisational and time management skills.
When writing your Secretary CV, you’ll want to mention any relevant qualifications you have, though not strictly necessary, it can be beneficial to have certification in business administration or something similar. You should also mention any previous experience in administration, and which skills you’ve gained that will help you as a Secretary.
A Secretary might branch into a more specialised secretarial role to continue their duties in a specific industry. This might mean becoming a Legal Secretary, Medical Secretary or School Secretary, which will require specific knowledge and understanding of the industry.
Developing your skills in communication, organisation, time management, and technical skills will help to advance into other admin roles such as Data Entry Clerk, Personal Assistant, Clerical Assistant, Records Clerk, Office Administrator, Office Manager, or roles in HR. These will have overlapping skills, which you can further develop in another role within admin. The admin sector also offers good opportunities for potential growth and career progression, with many businesses needing administrative staff to deal with the day-to-day needs of the business.
Many industries are in need of Secretaries, as they are considered the backbone of a business when it comes to taking care of the day-to-day needs of an office and its workers. Some of these roles can also be hybrid or remote, which makes them more accessible to applicants who need a more flexible work environment.
Yes, a Secretary can be a good career choice for those looking for a chance to develop valuable admin skills. This role also offers stability and the opportunity for growth within the industry.
A Secretary needs a combination of technical and personal skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Suite, discretion and confidentiality, excellent customer service, and strong communication and organisational skills.
A Secretary can become overwhelmed with tasks and heavy workloads if they do not manage their time correctly or prioritise tasks. It’s also important to manage stress and maintain a work-life balance.
If you want to become a Secretary, you will need personal skills including good time management, being an active listener, emotional intelligence, and proactivity.
