Secretaries

Secretaries are administrative professionals who provide clerical and organizational support within organizations. They handle routine office tasks that help keep operations efficient, including managing correspondence, filing, data entry, scheduling, and coordinating meetings. Secretaries work across industries—healthcare, education, government, business—and may be stationed at reception desks, in department offices, or in virtual settings.

Typical duties include answering phones, drafting letters and emails, maintaining records, preparing reports, arranging travel, and managing calendars. Some roles involve accepting and directing visitors, handling confidential information, basic bookkeeping, or supervising junior clerical staff. The titles "secretary," "administrative assistant," and "executive assistant" are often used interchangeably, but the scope of responsibility generally increases from traditional secretaries to executive assistants.

Education and skills: Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent; many employers seek postsecondary training in office administration or secretarial studies. Required skills include strong organizational abilities, effective written and verbal communication, computer literacy (word processing, spreadsheets, email, and scheduling software), attention to detail, and professional discretion. Certifications such as the IAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) are available and may enhance career prospects.

Work environment and trends: Secretaries may work in office settings or remotely, with hybrid arrangements common in many industries. Advances in technology—document management systems, cloud-based collaboration, and automation—have shifted some routine tasks away from manual handling. The role continues to emphasize efficiency, information management, and professional communication, adapting to organizational needs and digital tools.