A secretary keeps an office running smoothly. Secretaries have a wide range of duties, depending on the offices that they work for, but as a general rule, they are extremely efficient and well organized. Qualification requirements for a position as a secretary vary; a minimum, clerking skills like typing and operating office equipment are needed. Employment prospects in this field are generally good, especially for skilled individuals.

Secretaries may be known by a variety of other titles, like administrative assistants, clerks, or personal assistants. These titles may reflect different types of secretarial jobs, although all of these positions share the common theme of administrative tasks. Secretarial positions are quite old; Greek and Roman businessmen and politicians, for example, used personal secretaries and clerks to manage their affairs.

At a minimum, a secretary handles correspondence, keeps track of a schedule, manages a filing system, and operates office equipment like phones, fax machines, and copiers. Many secretaries also answer phones and route phone calls to the appropriate people. Some secretaries also handle supply ordering for an office, and they may deal with budgeting, bookkeeping, and personnel paperwork. A secretary is expected to have experience with computers and other electronics, as he or she will handle a great deal of electronic material, including correspondence.

In addition to having clerical skills, a secretary is a skilled manager of time and people. Secretaries are often very important people in the offices that they work in, although they may not command the salary and respect from outsiders that higher ranking people in the office do. A good secretary anticipates the needs of office staff, solves problems quickly, and works so efficiently that many people do not realize how valuable the secretary is until he or she leaves the job. Secretaries also have excellent people skills, and they are secure in handling confidential material, high-strung executives, and the chaos that is often present in a busy office.

Many trade schools offer certification courses for people who are interested in becoming secretaries. These courses include classes in typing, document management, budgeting, filing, and other skills which a strong secretary should bring to the job. It is also possible to pursue a secretarial position without this education, although it can be challenging.

Many secretaries work part time or as temporary employees, although long term-employment in this field is certainly possible. Smart companies compensate their skilled staffs well, and a full-time, long-term job as a secretary may come with health benefits, paid leave, and a retirement account, especially if you are willing to push for these benefits.