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A Secretary’s role in the 21st Century
The tag of ‘Secretary’ is being consigned to the history books as the new terms of ‘Assistant’ and ‘Administrator’
emerge. Gone is the old-fashioned image of her in spectacles being subservient to a dominant supervisor or
boss.
The new role emerging is one which embraces all the modern technology which makes life far more interesting.
The 21st Century Assistant or Administrator is efficient in a number of ways, not just typing and making
appointments but meeting and greeting, interviewing prospective employees, marketing and administration. This
role is being filled not only by females but also by a vast number of men.
Does this pose a threat to the once female-dominated Secretarial profession? Perhaps but there are very few
who will be shedding tears at the demise of the traditional ‘secretary’.
The role of Legal Secretaries, however, remains the exception to the rule. Their position is still firmly regarded as
being of utmost importance. They have never been regarded as traditional secretaries as their work involves
more intricate knowledge of law and confidentiality which allows them into the hallowed halls of law firms and
courts. Still, even within those hallowed walls, many are turning their backs and upgrading to become Paralegals.
The traditional Secretary’s role in the 21st Century is definitely changing and quite rapidly.
Many personnel working within offices are now fully IT literate and many produce their own typing and drafting.
The boss who gets his secretary to run errands and buys his spouse’s birthday presents is disappearing. To
utilise such proficient employees in this way is now seen as wasting talent and better uses are being made of
their services.
Learning how to use a computer is not the only requirement for these rising stars. An Administration Skills and
Techniques Course is vital as it enhances key areas of professionalism such as Interviewing Skills, Effective
Writing and Communication, Client Care, Professional Conduct, Business Awareness and much more.
Mastering English Language is also of great importance as it is becoming quite shocking how much the language
is being eroded with goobledegook and computer-speak. English still remains paramount to effective
communication, if one is aiming to be taken seriously within the work place.
A professional Administrator or Assistant must know the difference between ‘there’ and ‘their’, must not utter
such phrases as ‘pre-planned’, ‘pre-relax’ or ‘pre-order’ and be capable of using correct punctuation.
Online colleges have become much more popular as a convenient way to obtain or update qualifications and they
offer a more cost effective way of achieving them. Candidates do not have to expend hundreds in order to
become qualified. Needless to say, care must be exercised when deciding where to study, as not all online
courses offer the same standards.
The tag of ‘Secretary’ is being consigned to the history books as the new terms of ‘Assistant’ and ‘Administrator’
emerge. Gone is the old-fashioned image of her in spectacles being subservient to a dominant supervisor or
boss.
The new role emerging is one which embraces all the modern technology which makes life far more interesting.
The 21st Century Assistant or Administrator is efficient in a number of ways, not just typing and making
appointments but meeting and greeting, interviewing prospective employees, marketing and administration. This
role is being filled not only by females but also by a vast number of men.
Does this pose a threat to the once female-dominated Secretarial profession? Perhaps but there are very few
who will be shedding tears at the demise of the traditional ‘secretary’.
The role of Legal Secretaries, however, remains the exception to the rule. Their position is still firmly regarded as
being of utmost importance. They have never been regarded as traditional secretaries as their work involves
more intricate knowledge of law and confidentiality which allows them into the hallowed halls of law firms and
courts. Still, even within those hallowed walls, many are turning their backs and upgrading to become Paralegals.
The traditional Secretary’s role in the 21st Century is definitely changing and quite rapidly.
Many personnel working within offices are now fully IT literate and many produce their own typing and drafting.
The boss who gets his secretary to run errands and buys his spouse’s birthday presents is disappearing. To
utilise such proficient employees in this way is now seen as wasting talent and better uses are being made of
their services.
Learning how to use a computer is not the only requirement for these rising stars. An Administration Skills and
Techniques Course is vital as it enhances key areas of professionalism such as Interviewing Skills, Effective
Writing and Communication, Client Care, Professional Conduct, Business Awareness and much more.
Mastering English Language is also of great importance as it is becoming quite shocking how much the language
is being eroded with goobledegook and computer-speak. English still remains paramount to effective
communication, if one is aiming to be taken seriously within the work place.
A professional Administrator or Assistant must know the difference between ‘there’ and ‘their’, must not utter
such phrases as ‘pre-planned’, ‘pre-relax’ or ‘pre-order’ and be capable of using correct punctuation.
Online colleges have become much more popular as a convenient way to obtain or update qualifications and they
offer a more cost effective way of achieving them. Candidates do not have to expend hundreds in order to
become qualified. Needless to say, care must be exercised when deciding where to study, as not all online
courses offer the same standards.
Wendy Souter
Author
6 Articles
Author
6 Articles
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