• Checking and transcribing correspondence, minutes and reports from dictation or written drafts by using typewriters or word-processors.



• Scanning, recording and distributing mail, correspondence and documents.



• Screening requests for meetings or appointments and helping to organize meetings.



• Screening and recording leave and other staff-member entitlements.



• Organizing and supervising filing systems.



• Making appointments for their employer.



• Taking minutes.

Requirements

Secondary Education
The minimum requirement for South African technikons or technical colleges, is a H/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification. The Polytechnic requires a HIGCSE/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in five subjects and a minimum score of 25 on the Polytechnic’s point evaluation scale.

Compulsory subject
Typing (South Africa)

Recommended subject
Economics, Business Studies, Accounting (South Africa)

Tertiary Education
The Polytechnic offers a three-year Diploma (Executive Secretary) course. After the successful completion of the first year the candidate will receive a National Certificate (Secretarial Training), and after the second year the Higher Certificate (Private Secretary).

Completion of the third year leads to obtaining the National Diploma (Executive Secretary). Similar courses are offered by technikons and technical colleges in South Africa.

Various other secretarial courses can be followed at private training colleges.

Personality
The prospective candidate must be a friendly person and able to deal tactfully with clients and members of the public. Honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards are essential qualities. The person must also be able to work accurately and neatly.

Work Opportunities
Secretaries are employed by public and private organizations and can easily be promoted to more senior positions if they are hard-working.

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