About 6 out of 10 secretaries are employed in firms providing services, ranging from education and health, to legal and business services. Others work for firms engaging in manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, transportation, and communications. Banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and real estate firms are important employers, as are Federal, State, and local government agencies. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement High school graduates who have basic office skills may qualify for entry-level secretarial positions. Secretaries should be proficient in keyboarding and good at spelling, punctuation, grammar, and oral communication.
Shorthand is necessary for some positions.
Knowledge of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database management, is becoming essential to most employers. Because secretaries must be tactful in their dealings with many different people, employers also look for good interpersonal skills. Discretion, good judgment, organizational ability, and initiative are especially important for higherlevel secretarial positions. As office automation continues to evolve, retraining and continuing education will remain an integral part of secretarial jobs. Continuing changes in the office environment have increased the demand for secretaries who are adaptable and versatile.