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Where do you want to work?
Mostly Sitting
Repetitive
$40,000
Average Salary
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High school graduates who have experience using computer software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets, usually qualify for entry-level positions. Although most secretaries learn their job in several weeks, many legal and medical secretaries require additional training to learn industry-specific terminology. Executive secretaries usually need several years of related work experience.
EducationHigh school graduates can take courses in word processing and office procedures at technical schools or community colleges. Some temporary placement agencies also provide training in word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Some medical and legal secretaries learn industry-specific terminology and practices by attending courses offered at community colleges or technical schools. For executive secretary positions, employers increasingly prefer to hire those who have taken some college courses or have a bachelor’s degree.
TrainingSecretaries and administrative assistants typically learn their skills through short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting a few weeks. During this time they learn about administrative procedures, including how to prepare documents. Medical and legal secretaries’ training may last several months as they learn industry-specific terminology and practices.
Work Experience in a Related OccupationExecutive secretaries can gain experience by working in administrative positions that have less challenging responsibilities. Many secretaries and administrative assistants advance to higher level administrative positions.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsAlthough not required, certification can demonstrate competency to employers.
The International Association of Administrative Professionals offers the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 to 4 years of administrative work experience, depending on their level of education, and pass an examination.
Legal secretaries have several certification options. For example, those with 1 year of general office experience, or who have completed an approved training course, can acquire the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) certification through a testing process administered by NALS (previously known as National Association of Legal Secretaries). NALS also offers the Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) certification, considered to be an advanced certification for legal support professionals.
The Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS) certification is conferred by Legal Secretaries International in areas such as intellectual property, criminal law, civil litigation, probate, and business law. Candidates typically need to have 5 years of legal experience and pass an examination to become certified.
AdvancementSecretaries and administrative assistants generally advance to other administrative positions with more responsibilities, such as office supervisor, office manager, or executive secretary.
With additional training, many legal secretaries become paralegals or legal assistants.
Important QualitiesIntegrity. Many secretaries and administrative assistants are trusted to handle sensitive information. For example, medical secretaries collect patient data that is required, by law, to be kept confidential in order to protect patient privacy.
Interpersonal skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants interact with clients, customers, or staff. They should communicate effectively and be courteous when interacting with others to create a positive work environment and client experience.
Organizational skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants keep files, folders, and schedules in proper order so an office can run efficiently.
Writing skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants write memos and emails when communicating with managers, employees, and customers. Therefore, they must have good grammar, ensure accuracy, and maintain a professional tone.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Campaign Assistant
Top Careers After Campaign Assistant
Gender
Female
60.6%Male
37.5%Unknown
1.9%Ethnicity
White
78.9%Hispanic or Latino
10.7%Asian
8.2%Unknown
1.8%Black or African American
0.4%Languages Spoken
Spanish
52.9%French
13.5%German
6.7%Chinese
4.8%Arabic
2.9%Mandarin
1.9%Filipino
1.9%Occidental
1.9%Urdu
1.9%Portuguese
1.9%Swedish
1.0%Vietnamese
1.0%Romanian
1.0%Hindi
1.0%Georgian
1.0%Russian
1.0%Thai
1.0%Cantonese
1.0%Malayalam
1.0%Italian
1.0%Campaign Assistant
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
Cornell University
7.4%George Mason University
6.3%University of Alabama
5.3%Ithaca College
5.3%New York University
5.3%George Washington University
5.3%Illinois State University
5.3%Virginia Commonwealth University
5.3%Florida State University
5.3%San Jose State University
5.3%DePaul University
5.3%Texas Southern University
5.3%Elon University
4.2%Pace University - New York
4.2%University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4.2%University of Massachusetts Amherst
4.2%University of Georgia
4.2%Howard University
4.2%American University
4.2%University of North Carolina at Wilmington
4.2%Majors
Degrees
Bachelors
56.7%Masters
16.6%Other
15.7%Doctorate
4.3%Associate
3.7%Certificate
2.2%Diploma
0.6%License
0.2%Campaign Assistant
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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Museum of Discovery & Science
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Joshua Segall's 2008 Campaign for Alabama's 7th District seat for the U.S. Senate
Friends for Greg Fuller Lt. Governor Campaign Committee
Shapiro/Richards for Montgomery County Commissioner
Center for Global Engagement, Liberty University
Kim Franklin for Constable Pct. 1 Montgomery County
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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