An entry-level administrative assistant’s duties include assisting secretaries, office clerks, and receptionists in running the office. You take on more duties as an administrative assistant, and you need to be able to multitask to meet office demands. The primary duties of a secretary are to type documents, store them, and submit reports to a general manager. Office clerks handle general paperwork that isn’t always related to a specific person, and they typically handle a variety of clerical tasks in an office environment. Secretaries and office assistants typically don’t have the same level of accountability as an administrative assistant who organizes schedules, makes travel arrangements, and manages office personnel.
What is a secretary?
Whenever a caller or visitor arrives at a place of business, a secretary is typically the first person they speak with. Basic clerical tasks are carried out by secretaries, including greeting clients or guests, noting important details, taking calls, and scheduling appointments. They complete most of the administrative-related duties within a business.
Secretaries could have the following duties:
What is an administrative assistant?
A workplace is supported by an administrative assistant who assists staff, managers, and visitors with a variety of administrative tasks. Some administrative assistants may even hold leadership positions within their organizations to supervise and mentor junior employees. Depending on the size of an organization and the level of experience in the position, an administrative assistant’s daily workload can vary significantly. Most administrative assistants perform the following duties:
Administrative assistant vs. secretary
Here are some distinctions between a secretary and an administrative assistant:
Salary
Requirements
The only typical requirement for secretaries and administrative assistants is a high school diploma or GED. Employers might seek candidates with at least associate degrees because administrative assistants frequently have more responsibilities. Education can also act as a substitute for related experience.
Experience can differ based on the role and company. For entry-level positions, secretaries typically don’t need experience, whereas for some administrative assistant positions, around a year of experience may be necessary. Businesses that anticipate secretaries or administrative assistants to handle more difficult tasks might call for candidates with some relevant experience.
If they want to work in a specialized field, secretaries and administrative assistants may need to have a certain amount of experience. For instance, law firms may request that secretaries or administrative assistants have some background or education in the legal field. The job advertisements may outline the kind of expertise required, such as legal secretary
Advancement opportunities
Both secretaries and administrative assistants have many advancement opportunities. After gaining some experience, secretaries frequently transition into the position of administrative assistant. Administrative assistants and secretaries can also explore these careers:
Since these positions support entire workplaces and teach workers various aspects of many jobs, they may be able to change their careers to one in a different industry. An administrative assistant employed by an accounting firm, for instance, might advance to the position of bookkeeper or accounting clerk after gaining some experience.
Skills
Similar skill sets are often shared by secretaries and administrative assistants, including the following ones:
Certifications
Secretaries and administrative assistants can obtain certifications to advance their knowledge and gain a competitive edge. Here are some common certifications available to both professionals:
Benefits
Secretaries and administrative assistants both benefit from the possibility of career growth and flexibility, among other things. Both of these positions frequently function independently and in modest administrative departments. This feature might be appealing to those who like working independently. However, because administrative professionals interact and collaborate with a large number of coworkers, these positions are also suitable for those who enjoy working in a team.
The Difference between a Secretary and an Administrative Assistant
FAQ
What position is higher than an administrative assistant?
Executive assistants support higher-level staff rather than providing merely administrative assistance, despite the fact that their tasks are similar to those of an administrative assistant.
What is a better title than administrative assistant?
A dedicated executive assistant offers higher-level assistance to a manager or the executive team. Many of their tasks are similar to those of an administrative assistant, including taking calls, setting up meetings, and managing schedules.
Why are secretaries called administrative assistants?
Therefore, by the 1970s, when women were really beginning to fight for their rights in a variety of ways, they requested the title of administrative assistant because it actually signifies that you are taking your job seriously. It’s a way to say, I’m doing my work. I’m serious. I’m not a secretary.
Which is higher an administrative assistant or a secretary?
1. A secretary is a person whose job is strictly clerical. An administrative assistant’s work is far above clerical jobs.
