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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!