Nature of the Work
There is a wide gap between secretarial and stenographic duties. Skill in writing shorthand and in typewriting is now recognized as desirable for the secretary, but the possession of this skill does not insure secretarial efficiency. Since no training has been available for this vocation in the past secretarial workers have been recruited from the stenographic staff, and it is quite likely that a period of apprenticeship as a stenographer will continue to be a very desirable part of one’s training for the higher duties of a secretarial position.
The trained secretary relieves the executive of all detail by keeping him informed as to important happenings in the business world that may be of particular interest; by making notes of appointments and calling attention to them at the proper time; by gathering data for the preparation of papers and speeches; by standing between him and the public, when the demands upon his time make it necessary to deny requests for interviews without in any way offending those who are refused; by attending conferences, and making notes on important points; by arranging for transportation and hotel accommodations in connection with traveling, and, in every way, by keeping the executive’s time free for the more important managerial responsibilities devolving upon him.
Qualifications Required
Men who possess a good general education, sufficient maturity, tact, judgment, business sense, and knowledge of people may hope to succeed in this vocation providing they have the right kind of training and preliminary experience. Integrity, alertness, ambition to advance, initiative, courtesy, and loyalty are prime essential characteristics. Soldiers who have been attached to headquarters’ division in the capacity of aides and secretarial workers will find in this field opportunities to make their war experience count for the most.
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.