WEBVTT

1
00:00:01.333 --> 00:00:02.666
Well-organized…

2
00:00:02.666 --> 00:00:03.999
resourceful…

3
00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:06.066
persistent and detail oriented…

4
00:00:06.066 --> 00:00:08.599
with a strong drive to make things work.

5
00:00:08.600 --> 00:00:10.533
Secretaries and administrative assistants

6
00:00:10.533 --> 00:00:12.633
need a combination of all these qualities.

7
00:00:12.633 --> 00:00:14.733
They handle administrative activities

8
00:00:14.733 --> 00:00:16.266
in most organizations,

9
00:00:16.266 --> 00:00:18.566
including schools, healthcare facilities,

10
00:00:18.566 --> 00:00:21.099
government offices, and private companies.

11
00:00:21.100 --> 00:00:24.333
Secretaries perform a wide variety of tasks.

12
00:00:24.333 --> 00:00:26.799
They prepare documents and spreadsheets,

13
00:00:26.800 --> 00:00:29.066
organize files, schedule appointments,

14
00:00:29.066 --> 00:00:31.066
and support other staff.

15
00:00:31.066 --> 00:00:33.499
They may also buy supplies, plan events,

16
00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:35.600
and manage stockrooms.

17
00:00:35.600 --> 00:00:37.166
Most answer phone calls

18
00:00:37.166 --> 00:00:38.732
and direct them appropriately.

19
00:00:38.733 --> 00:00:40.266
In schools,

20
00:00:40.266 --> 00:00:42.199
they handle communications among parents,

21
00:00:42.200 --> 00:00:44.000
students, and school administration.

22
00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:45.466
Some duties are particular

23
00:00:45.466 --> 00:00:46.932
to a type of secretary:

24
00:00:46.933 --> 00:00:48.099
Executive secretaries

25
00:00:48.100 --> 00:00:49.800
work for top executives

26
00:00:49.800 --> 00:00:51.933
to handle complex responsibilities,

27
00:00:51.933 --> 00:00:53.966
including research and writing reports.

28
00:00:53.966 --> 00:00:57.199
Confidentiality and integrity are essential.

29
00:00:57.200 --> 00:00:59.933
They may also manage clerical staff.

30
00:00:59.933 --> 00:01:01.399
Legal secretaries

31
00:01:01.400 --> 00:01:03.000
prepare legal documents

32
00:01:03.000 --> 00:01:04.733
and help with legal research

33
00:01:04.733 --> 00:01:06.166
under the supervision of an attorney

34
00:01:06.166 --> 00:01:07.932
or a paralegal.

35
00:01:07.933 --> 00:01:10.399
Medical secretaries transcribe dictation

36
00:01:10.400 --> 00:01:12.300
and prepare reports or articles

37
00:01:12.300 --> 00:01:14.600
for doctors or medical scientists.

38
00:01:14.600 --> 00:01:17.000
They may handle communications with patients

39
00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:18.833
and process insurance payments.

40
00:01:18.833 --> 00:01:21.399
Most secretaries and administrative assistants

41
00:01:21.400 --> 00:01:23.433
work full time in offices; 

42
00:01:23.433 --> 00:01:24.633
some work for

43
00:01:24.633 --> 00:01:25.866
administrative service companies

44
00:01:25.866 --> 00:01:27.532
out of their own homes.

45
00:01:27.533 --> 00:01:29.699
Jobs typically require a high school education

46
00:01:29.700 --> 00:01:31.600
and basic office, computer,

47
00:01:31.600 --> 00:01:33.500
and English grammar skills.

48
00:01:33.500 --> 00:01:35.300
Legal and medical secretaries

49
00:01:35.300 --> 00:01:36.900
need additional training

50
00:01:36.900 --> 00:01:38.733
to learn industry terminology.

51
00:01:38.733 --> 00:01:40.933
Most community colleges offer programs

52
00:01:40.933 --> 00:01:43.299
or courses to obtain these skills.

53
00:01:43.300 --> 00:01:45.266
Executive secretaries require

54
00:01:45.266 --> 00:01:48.266
several years’ related work experience.