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.