3 answers
MacKenzie
Student
Portland, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
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How could I find the perfect career for me?
How can I find a job that's suitable for me and how much would a secretary make in a month?
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3 answers
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
485
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, MacKenzie,
The role of secretary is becoming more and more important. As such, salaries vary a lot, depending on the true nature of a particular job. A small business office may want a secretary to answer the phone and do light filing, while another company may want the secretary to attend executive meetings, summarize discussions, organize financial information, oversee overall office procedures and protocol, organize meetings and trips, and manage all personnel schedules. Although you did not ask, I encourage you to complete a two-year degree at minimum, and consider a four-year degree either immediately following or part-time later. I say this because the individual with more management and organizational training will be the one selected for the higher positions. Secretaries morph into managers, consultants, event planners, and a variety of other special talents as needed by upper management. Despite it being a common career, multi-talented, strong, secretaries are scarce. The entrance of men into the profession is confirmation that this is no longer viewed as a profession for lightly-skilled women. And that is a plus for anyone considering the profession. My suggestion in doing job search: aim higher than you think you're worth. Seriously. And dress up. Once you accept a job that you feel is beneath your talents, it is difficult to rise up. Aim for a higher position to start, focusing on more than traditional 'secretarial' skills, such as creating financial reports or whatever special skills you have. You know if the job is upward mobile if you're expected to attend meetings and whose suggestions are welcome. I wish you well in your pursuits.
The role of secretary is becoming more and more important. As such, salaries vary a lot, depending on the true nature of a particular job. A small business office may want a secretary to answer the phone and do light filing, while another company may want the secretary to attend executive meetings, summarize discussions, organize financial information, oversee overall office procedures and protocol, organize meetings and trips, and manage all personnel schedules. Although you did not ask, I encourage you to complete a two-year degree at minimum, and consider a four-year degree either immediately following or part-time later. I say this because the individual with more management and organizational training will be the one selected for the higher positions. Secretaries morph into managers, consultants, event planners, and a variety of other special talents as needed by upper management. Despite it being a common career, multi-talented, strong, secretaries are scarce. The entrance of men into the profession is confirmation that this is no longer viewed as a profession for lightly-skilled women. And that is a plus for anyone considering the profession. My suggestion in doing job search: aim higher than you think you're worth. Seriously. And dress up. Once you accept a job that you feel is beneath your talents, it is difficult to rise up. Aim for a higher position to start, focusing on more than traditional 'secretarial' skills, such as creating financial reports or whatever special skills you have. You know if the job is upward mobile if you're expected to attend meetings and whose suggestions are welcome. I wish you well in your pursuits.
Yes!!! Becoming a secretary is much more difficult than it seems. In addition to being on call and having to manage many things at once. Secretaries are commonly knowledgeable in the same field as their superiors. It’s more of a hierarchy thing than a job itself. In a lab setting, the PI’s secretary is also aware of the finances of the lab, has a general understanding of what’s going on, is able to synthesize this when reporting to superiors, and has studied something in a relevant field. At an immunology lab, the secretary probably has a background in health, bio, chem, or engineering.
Natalie
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
230
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
I suggest looking at websites like indeed or glassdoor and using the search terms, Admin Assistant, Executive Assistant or Secretary and search if the geographical area you want to work. That should tell you the average salary based on experience.
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
186
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Great Question MacKenzie!
I would encourage you to try and find a summer internship! Also, many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
A secretary's pay can have a huge salary range. It really depends on where the job is located, work experience, size of company and if there are any career growth opportunities.
Good luck on the journey!
I would encourage you to try and find a summer internship! Also, many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
A secretary's pay can have a huge salary range. It really depends on where the job is located, work experience, size of company and if there are any career growth opportunities.
Good luck on the journey!