Some high school graduates with basic office skills may be able to obtain an entry-level job as a secretary.As the role of secretary continues to evolve and become more involved, however, most employers are looking for individuals with a business office administrator degree or similar credentials.Often, secretaries are called upon to continue their education through attending workshops, seminars, or classes.Some of these classes are provided online, which allows the secretary to work around his or her regular work schedule.

In addition to obtaining the proper credentials, those wishing to obtain a secretarial job must be able to demonstrate their ability to complete basic office task.This includes being able to use word processing software, to create spreadsheets, and to manage databases.Secretaries also must have good oral communication skills, be proficient in keyboarding, and be good with grammar, punctuation, and spelling.Since secretaries are called upon to interact with other members of the staff and with clients, it is also beneficial to have good interpersonal skills.

Secretaries and administrative assistants have duties that are far different from those performed several years ago.  As technology advances, so does the role of the secretary.  In fact, many are now taking on duties that were once completed by professional and managerial staff.  These duties can include conducting Internet research, training and providing orientation to new staff, and operating and troubleshooting office technologies.

Although the role of the secretary continues to evolve, the basic responsibility remains the same.  This job is to perform and coordinate office duties while storing and retrieving information.  In addition, the secretary must be able to integrate information and disseminate it to the staff and to clients.  

The secretary is often the hub of an office or organization.  They are responsible for planning and scheduling meetings, communicating to the office managers, and organizing and maintaining paper files as well as electronic files.  They also must be proficient in disseminating information in a variety of formats, including through the phone, by email, through postal mail, and with Web sites.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for secretaries are expected to grow more slowly than the average occupation through to 2013.  The projected employment opportunities do vary, however, in accordance with the area of specialty.  Areas such as health care, social assistance, administrative services, support services, private educational services, technical services, professional services, and scientific services are expected to provide the greatest employment opportunities.  In order to gain a job as a secretary, it is important to be very knowledgeable in software applications and to have credentials such as a business office administrator degree.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual earnings for secretaries in May of 2004 was $34,970.  Those employed in the management of enterprises and companies earned the largest income, with a median annual income of $38,950.  The lowest paid secretaries worked for the state government and earned a median annual income of $30,750.