Webster’s definition of the word secretary is “a person employed to handle correspondence, keep files and do clerical work for another person or an organization.” In today’s high-tech world, administrative professionals do so much more!
At the administrative level, many job descriptions blur into each other. A secretary in one company might be called an administrative assistant in another. However, while administrative assistant is a truly generic term, secretary tends to be biased towards typing-based activities directed by a superior.
Webster’s definition of the word secretary is “a person employed to handle correspondence, keep files and do clerical work for another person or an organization.” In today’s high-tech world, administrative professionals do so much more!
At the administrative level, many job descriptions blur into each other. A secretary in one company might be called an administrative assistant in another. However, while administrative assistant is a truly generic term, secretary tends to be biased towards typing-based activities directed by a superior.
During the Roman Empire era, secretaries were predominantly men who were entrusted with confidential matters acting as scribes and advisors. Members of nobility had male secretaries and most commanded several languages and were highly respected. Men continued to dominate the profession into the late 1800s until businesses faced a labor crisis and women rose to face this challenge. By the 1930s, women dominated the office workforce. At this point, the position had become a less respected field and women were expected not only to handle all office duties but also to become caretakers of their corporate superiors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are 4.1 million secretaries/administrative assistants in the U. S. workforce and of those only 1 percent are male.
The administrative office professional has expanded his or her duties because of the demand for new technology. At the most basic end of the spectrum, a secretary may need only a good command of the prevailing office language and the ability to type. She may spend a large part of her time filing, being a “gopher” and answering the phone.
At the other end of the spectrum, an administrative assistant may be required to take dictation in shorthand, type at high speeds using technical or foreign languages, organize calendars, itineraries, meetings and carry out administrative duties which may include accountancy. In a more elevated secretarial position, she or he may also control access to the manager whom she/he is assigned to, thus becoming a more influential person.
The International Association of Administrative Professionals conducted a survey regarding the job titles of office professionals. Out of 3,200 individuals surveyed, the following titles were used:
| Administrative Assistant | 30% |
| Executive Assistant | 18% |
| Executive Secretary | 6% |
| Office Manager Or Supervisor | 5% |
| Secretary | 5% |
| Administrative Secretary | 4% |
| Administrative Coordinator | 3% |
| Assistant To [Exec Title] | 2% |
| Administrative Manager | 1% |
| Other | 27% |
You’ve heard the expression, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Well, be assured that isn’t true when it comes to job titles. What you are called can make a great difference—in terms of compensation, prestige, respect and promotional opportunities. In fact, good organizational skills, tact, diplomacy, effective communication skills and excellent judgment are required for many professional roles.
As technology advances, the administrative professional’s role continues to grow. Professional development and growth opportunities are important to these professionals. These positions have evolved and so should the job titles to be recognized as professionals. tpw
