Secretaries is in the Business, Management, and Finance Career Cluster. Worker Characteristics Good ability to check written material, such as letters, for typos Ability to use words well when talking and writing Ability to move hands and fingers easily, such as while folding letters Ability to coordinate movement of eyes and fingers, such as while typing Ability to see details and slight differences in objects, such as photocopies Ability to solve problems and make decisions Ability to work with numbers, such as when writing checks Ability to achieve a specific level of performance, such as typing a letter without any mistakes Desire to help people by making the office run smoothly Willingness to move often from one task to another using different skills Willingness to move between tasks that use different skills Secretaries need good people skills because they work with many different people. They also need to be trustworthy because they sometimes work with confidential material. Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and hold objects, such as files Frequently use fingers to make fine movements, such as type Occasionally use fingers to feel the texture of an object, as when choosing paper Occasionally need to see distant items clearly, as when looking for at an object across the room Occasionally need to tell the difference between colors, as when color-coding files Occasionally stoop, kneel, and crouch while filing Work Setting Secretaries work in offices with other professionals or in schools, hospitals, or doctors offices. They usually work a standard 40-hour work week.
Secretaries sit for long periods.
Typing often requires working from materials that are difficult to read. Working at a computer for long periods may cause back and neck tension, eyestrain, and repetitive motion injuries. Wages vary with level of training, experience and location. Entry level wages may be lower. Pay varies with the worker's skill, experience, and level of responsibility.