To work as an executive secretary, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have one to five years of related work experience.

Education after high school

Some executive secretaries have formal training beyond high school. Many get a degree in office administration. These programs last one or two years and are offered by professional-technical, business, and two-year schools.

Shorter training programs in office and computer skills are also available. You need basic office skills such as accounting, word processing, recordkeeping, and filing. You also need excellent spelling, punctuation, and grammar. In addition, you must know how to search for information on the Internet. You should know how to use database and spreadsheet software.

Work experience

Most people prepare for this occupation by working up to it. You can work your way up through secretarial jobs, learning new skills at each one. Eventually, you have enough knowledge and experience to move into an executive secretary position.

On-the-job training

This field changes rapidly. Thus, many employers provide training in the newest office technologies and software.

Military training

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