Secretaries are responsible for running an office and work in a variety of industries. A secretary’s responsibilities include answering phones, filing paperwork, sending and receiving mail, and greeting customers. Take basic office skills courses, get your high school diploma or the equivalent, enroll in college or secretarial certification courses, research secretarial positions that interest you, and apply for secretary jobs that interest you to become a secretary. Different companies may have different requirements for becoming a secretary, so it’s a good idea to read the job descriptions for any positions you’re interested in.
Basic office skills courses are available at many high schools, community colleges, and vocational schools for people who want to work as a secretary or in a related office profession. Topics covered in these classes could include typing, proper phone etiquette, office management, and other office skills. If you want to work as a secretary, basic office skills courses are usually a good place to start.
A college diploma or special certification is not required to work as a secretary, but you will most likely need a high school diploma or equivalent certification. Some employers may require that you have a college or vocational school diploma or certification. Many colleges and universities offer short secretarial programs that lead to certification. You might also consider pursuing a business degree to gain a solid foundation in office procedures and other relevant information.
Another way to become a secretary is to look into positions that interest you. There are many different secretarial jobs, and it’s important to understand what each one entails and the skills required to succeed in them. By researching these positions, you may be able to determine which types of secretarial positions you are interested in and pursue them. In addition, you’ll probably learn what kinds of jobs are available in your area, how much they pay, and other pertinent information. This may help you narrow down your options for where you want to work and whether you want to be a specialized secretary.
Experience is usually very beneficial when applying for a job, regardless of how much experience or education you have. Even if you are a college student, you may be able to apply for secretarial positions that interest you. Applying for jobs not only helps you find a job you like, but it also helps you improve your résumé, network with others, practice your interviewing skills, and learn what employers look for in a secretary.