Promotion
No occupation offers larger opportunity for advancement. A secretary is in the closest possible contact with the executive who is in a position to recognize ability by promotion and to whose advantage it is that such promotion shall be granted. The secretary has an exceptional opportunity to learn all the details of the managerial side of the business, and when executive positions become vacant his superior is quite likely to regard him favorably for advancement.
Training Required
As a foundation for secretarial work, a man should possess a working knowledge of shorthand and typewriting, and if these subjects have not already been mastered, they will form the basic part of the secretarial course. In addition, instruction will be needed in business English and correspondence, fundamental principles of accounts and business practice, commercial law, business ethics, and secretarial technique. Many colleges are prepared to give instruction suited to the requirements of secretarial work.
Length of Course
For those who already have a knowledge of shorthand and typewriting, or who have had a course in bookkeeping and related subjects, or who have had valuable office experience, an intensive course of from 8 to 12 months may be sufficient to complete a secretarial course. For those who must acquire this foundation work a longer period will be needed. It should be said, however, that those who know shorthand and typewriting or bookkeeping can usually begin to earn wages in an office position while continuing their study in part-time extension classes.
Salary Possibilities
Secretarial workers may hope to earn salaries from $1,500 up. There is almost no limit except the man’s ability and ambition to rise.