An executive secretary is an administrative professional who works with top executives of an organization. Learn about the types of education programs and courses that prepare you to work as an executive secretary.
What You Need to Know
Since executive secretaries work with high-level executives and management, a college degree is often a job requirement. You may earn a certificate, an associate's degree or apply your earned credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Degree programs may be very flexible. Some schools allow you to complete your degree in a 1- or 2-year program. You may also be able to work full- or part-time while earning your degree by combining on-campus and online coursework, attending night classes or taking classes online.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td> Associate's or bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Program and/or Certificate Options</b></td><td> Office administration, office specialist, administrative office professional, executive administrative assistant, office management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary</b></td><td> $57,410 per year (executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2017)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCanIFindDegreeProgramsForExecutiveSecretaries">Where Can I Find Degree Programs for Executive Secretaries?</h3><p>Aspiring executive secretaries can complete 2- or 4-year degree programs in office administration, office management, administrative assistant or a similar area. While associate's degrees are fairly common at community or technical colleges, fewer schools offer bachelor's degree in these areas. Schools with degree programs for executive secretaries include:
</p><ul><li>Northwest Technical College
</li><li>Seminole State College of Florida
</li><li>Florida State College
</li><li>University of the District of Columbia Community College
</li><li>Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
</li><li>Valdosta State University
</li><li>Arizona State University
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>Degree programs in office assisting cover a wide range of skills and technologies needed in today's busy offices. Future executive secretaries may receive training through the following types of courses:
</p><ul><li>Business communications
</li><li>Accounting principles
</li><li>Desktop publishing
</li><li>Keyboarding
</li><li>Computer applications
</li><li>Administrative office procedures
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowMightMyCourseworkPrepareMeForMyCareer">How Might My Coursework Prepare Me For My Career?</h3><p>Your degree may allow you to find employment as an executive secretary in private businesses and corporations, government offices, law firms or non-profit organizations. Potential employers will often look for a job candidate with a degree or certificate, plus strong communication skills, knowledge of various technologies and the ability to multitask. Many programs focus on developing these skills and abilities.
</p><h3 id="section---WillIGetHandsOnLearningExperiences">Will I Get Hands-On Learning Experiences?</h3><p>Your degree program may further prepare you for your role as an executive secretary through internship or practicum opportunities. Students may gather valuable contacts during these programs that can lead to employment opportunities after graduation. Internship opportunities might be more common in bachelor's rather than associate's degree programs.</p>
