A bilingual secretary assists with administrative tasks in both English and Spanish. Typically, the person speaks the region’s dominant language as well as a useful secondary language; for example, a secretary in Canada may be bilingual in English and French, whereas someone working in California may find English and Spanish more useful. Bilingual secretaries can work in a variety of settings, from financial institutions to government agencies, where clients speak different languages on a regular basis.
When interacting with clients, coworkers, and professional connections, the bilingual secretary can communicate effectively in either language. The secretary can translate material for an office to send out, as well as translate material a company receives so it can be understood. Bilingual secretaries may make phone calls and send other communications on behalf of their employers, as well as attend meetings where a translator is needed.
A bilingual secretary is usually familiar with cultural differences in addition to knowing two languages. This can be helpful when translating material into an accessible format or bridging understanding gaps that go beyond simply not speaking the same language. Bilingual secretaries can advise and instruct their employers on proper etiquette so that they can be more successful in business meetings and other formal settings.
Basic secretarial qualifications, such as familiarity with office equipment, good typing skills, and literacy in the area of business covered by an office, are usually required to work as a bilingual secretary. She’ll also have to show that she’s fluent in two languages. Some hold certificates attesting to their abilities, while others may simply provide evidence such as school transcripts demonstrating proficiency in a second language to prospective employers.
People with bilingual language skills are highly employable in many parts of the world, particularly if they speak a highly sought-after second language. Because he can be more useful to the company, a bilingual secretary usually earns more than a monolingual speaker in a similar position. People with additional skills may be eligible for additional benefits, such as travel opportunities with the company, as they will be valuable additions to traveling groups in foreign countries. People who can communicate in more than one language can be extremely useful, particularly in urban and international settings where people from all walks of life expect to be able to communicate with a company, organization, or agency.