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.