Secretary

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Work Tasks

• Schedule appointments, give information to callers, and organize files
• Type letters on computers, make travel arrangements, and schedule meetings
• Use office equipment and order office supplies
• Open mail and send out mailings; make bank deposits
• Work for banks, insurance companies, investment firms, real estate offices, the government, and firms involved with education, health, legal, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and communications services
• Work with computers, appointment books, letters, memos, copying and fax machines, and other office machines

Salary, Size & Growth

• $33,500 average per year ($16.00 per hour)
• A very large occupation (1,841,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma and training in office practices
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree with knowledge of office software
• Skills/Courses: Extensive knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and project management; many skills are learned from on-the-job instruction from other employees or equipment and software vendors.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available after passing a series of tests.