Years ago, the secretary took dictation in shorthand, typed the dictation, had her boss sign the letter, typed the envelope and mailed the letter. She answered the telephone, took messages for her boss to return calls, got the boss a cup of coffee, ran his errands and handled his guests, keeping track of his appointments.
We've come a long way, baby!
Now the secretary may be a boss. She still types letters, she still may take dictation occasionally, she does handle appointments for her boss, she rarely gets coffee, she does not run errands, she does handle phone calls for her boss on her own. Times have certainly changed. Have you changed with them?
The secretary is now called "Assistant". There are few secretaries with the title of "Secretary". But you know what? I am proud to be called a Secretary. It is a tough job, you are everywhere for everyone all at the same time. Employees expect you to know everything even when you don't. The Secretary is the boss in all respects. She knows what is going on more than the boss knows. She hears gossip first. The employees feel more comfortable talking with her than the boss. They confide in her.
Here are the duties of a Secretary that I have encountered during my career.
Psychiatrist/Psychologist
Marriage Counselor
Doctor
Dentist
Social Worker
Office Supervisor
Office Manager
Travel Agent
Receptionist
Teacher
Scientist
Computer Assistant
Voice Mail Manager
E-mail Supervisor
Caterer
Soda Machine Manager
Snack Machine Specialist
Photocopy Machine Technician
UPS/FedEx/USPS Expert
Mail Room Manager
Tag Team Referee
Babysitter
Gopher (You know: Go for this and go for that)
Personnel Manual Specialist
Lawyer
Nurse
Plumber
Carpet cleaner
Lottery money collector
Gift buyer
Gift buyer money collector
Gift buyer card picker-outer
Florist
Investment Specialist
Landscaper
Bridal Shower Coordinator
Baby Shower Coordinator
Birthday Coordinator
Electrician
Have I left out anything?
But you know what? That's what makes a secretarial position so exciting for me. I work in every department, in every aspect of the entire company. I don't have one area that I manage or work in day after day. I may work for the Accounting Department one morning and the Marketing Department that afternoon. I am working for the Tourism Department the next day and the HR Department later on.
It is always challenging, always exciting, never boring, and I wouldn't have chosen any other career for the world. I am proud to be a Secretary!