The role of a secretary has changed over the years, with many in this profession now acting much like personal assistants. This person is mainly involved in the handling of clerical work and paperwork, but may also often expected to meet and greet associates, handle new recruits, make appointments on behalf of their bosses and run general errands. This position may also involve typing up correspondence on behalf of a management team or the filing of documents in their appropriate places.
This position is usually the initial point of contact for both the employees within a company as well as visitors and guests. Many of the daily activities of a secretary include answering the phones, meeting with visitors and making travel plans for the management team.
Qualifications needed to become a secretary vary from company to company, although most will require at least some experience or on-the-job training. Vocational secretarial qualifications are, of course, a clear advantage. The average salary for this position in the UK is roughly £18,000 per year.

• Communication and grammar
• Time management
• Information technology
• Discretion
• Handling cultural diversity
• Team work
• Handling high stress situations
• Accuracy
• Cordiality
• Priority and managing tasks

Becoming a Secretary requires sometimes little to no qualifications. At the basic level, Secretaries should have at least GCSE subjects, with passes between A and C. Being proficient in English language and comprehension is required. More importantly, they must possess a set of required office skills that will allow them to perform their jobs adequately. These skills should include short hand, audio transcription, telephone, computer, filing, and organisational skills.
Secretaries can continue with their education by obtaining Diplomas, Associate's or even Bachelor's Degrees in Business Administration, Secretary Studies or Finance. NVQ, SVQ, City and Guilds, and Education Development International (LCCI) qualifications are also valuable. Due to globalisation and many companies operating in diverse environments, Secretaries should also aim to learn a foreign language.