To work as a secretary, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

You must have at least a high school diploma to be a secretary. Some secretaries have formal training beyond high school. Many business schools, vocational schools, and community colleges offer one- and two-year programs in office administration.

You need basic office skills such as accounting, word processing, filing, and recordkeeping. In addition, you need excellent spelling, punctuation, and grammar. You also need knowledge of spreadsheet and database software. Shorthand is necessary for some jobs.

Work experience

Some people prepare for this occupation through work experience. You can work your way up through clerical jobs, learning new skills at each one. Eventually, you have enough knowledge to move into a secretarial position.

On-the-job training

New secretaries work under the guidance of experienced secretaries or office managers. You may receive training for up to one month.

Because of the fast changing nature of this field, employers often offer training in the newest office technologies and software.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be administrative support specialists. Training lasts six to ten weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.