Secretary

In short

What does a secretary do?

A secretary supports managers and teams with administrative tasks, scheduling, correspondence, and organizing meetings in an office setting.

How much does a secretary earn?

As an indication, a secretary earns between €2,400 and €3,500 gross per month in the Netherlands: starters around €2,400, experienced staff towards €3,500.

What education do you need to become a secretary?

In the Netherlands you usually get there through vocational education (MBO).

Career description

A secretary supports managers and teams with administrative tasks, diary management, correspondence, and organizing meetings. Accuracy, organizational talent, and communication skills are essential. The work usually takes place in an office, often in a dynamic environment.

Salary range

Salaried: €2,400 - €3,500 (Netherlands) gross per month (varies by industry, region, and experience).

Compare salaries across careers.

Education and preparation

Education level for Secretary: MBO.

Focus on practical experience, internships, and specializations that fit this field.

RIASEC profile for this career

Top profile: Enterprising (90%), followed by Social (70%).

Scores: R 20 • I 20 • A 20 • S 70 • E 90 • C 50

About the Secretary career

A secretary plays a vital role in supporting managers and teams with a variety of administrative duties that keep an office running smoothly. This job involves managing schedules, handling correspondence, organizing meetings, and ensuring that daily operations proceed without a hitch. It suits individuals who enjoy working in structured environments where attention to detail and effective communication are key.

If you thrive in roles that require organization, accuracy, and the ability to multitask, a career as a secretary could be a great fit. You’ll often be the go-to person for coordinating activities and supporting others, making your role essential for the success of your team or organization.

A working day as a Secretary

A typical day as a secretary begins with checking emails and messages to prioritize tasks and respond to urgent requests. You’ll spend a significant amount of time managing calendars, scheduling appointments, and ensuring that meetings are well-organized with all necessary materials prepared in advance. Throughout the day, you’ll handle incoming calls, draft correspondence, and update records or databases to keep information accurate and accessible.

You often work closely with managers, executives, and other team members, acting as a bridge to facilitate smooth communication and coordination. Your role requires you to be attentive to the needs of others, anticipating what support they might require to help them stay focused on their core responsibilities. Collaboration with colleagues in other departments is also common, especially when organizing events or coordinating cross-team projects.

The office environment is typically dynamic and fast-paced, where priorities can shift quickly. Your ability to stay calm under pressure and adjust plans as needed is crucial. You might also deal with visitors or clients, providing a welcoming and professional first point of contact in many cases.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Manage and organize managers’ calendars and appointments to optimize their time.
• Prepare and distribute correspondence, reports, and meeting minutes accurately and promptly.
• Coordinate meetings and events, including booking venues and arranging necessary equipment.
• Answer phone calls, screen inquiries, and redirect them appropriately.
• Maintain and update filing systems, both electronic and paper-based, to ensure easy retrieval of information.
• Support team members with administrative tasks such as travel arrangements and expense reporting.
• Monitor office supplies and coordinate with vendors to keep the workplace well-stocked.

Skills and traits

Organizational skills

Being highly organized helps you manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently, ensuring nothing is overlooked. This skill is essential for keeping schedules and documentation accurate and accessible.

Communication skills

Clear and professional communication is key when dealing with managers, colleagues, and external contacts. It helps prevent misunderstandings and builds positive working relationships.

Attention to detail

Accuracy in handling correspondence, data entry, and scheduling prevents costly mistakes and maintains a professional image. This trait ensures that all administrative work meets high standards.

Time management

Effectively prioritizing tasks allows you to handle urgent requests while keeping routine duties on track. Good time management reduces stress and improves productivity.

Discretion

Secretaries often handle sensitive information, so maintaining confidentiality is critical. This builds trust with managers and protects the organization's interests.

Adaptability

The ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and unexpected demands keeps the office running smoothly. Flexibility helps you respond effectively to new challenges.

Which personality fits?

The RIASEC profile for a secretary highlights a strong Conventional orientation at 80%, which means you likely enjoy structured environments, clear rules, and routine tasks that require accuracy and reliability. This fits well with the administrative and organizational nature of the role, where following established procedures is important.

Social interests at 60% indicate you also enjoy interacting with others, supporting teams, and contributing to a positive workplace atmosphere. Enterprising at 50% suggests a moderate drive to take initiative and influence outcomes, which can help in managing schedules and coordinating activities. Investigative (40%), Realistic (30%), and Artistic (25%) scores are lower, showing less focus on technical problem-solving, hands-on tasks, or creative expression in this role.

Education and route

The typical education route to becoming a secretary involves completing a vocational program, such as an MBO-level qualification in office administration or business support. These programs focus on practical skills like typing, document management, and communication, preparing you for the day-to-day tasks of the job.

Internships or work placements are often part of vocational training, providing valuable hands-on experience in real office settings. This exposure helps you understand workplace dynamics and develop professional habits that are crucial for success as a secretary.

While there are no specific degree programs required for this role based on the data, pursuing further education such as an applied bachelor's degree in business administration can open up additional opportunities. Continuous learning and training in software tools and office technologies also enhance your skills and employability.

Pay and career progression

Salary levels for secretaries vary depending on factors like your experience, the sector you work in, and the country or region. For example, secretaries working in larger companies or in business sectors may earn more than those in smaller organizations or other industries. Your skills, efficiency, and ability to take on additional responsibilities can also influence your pay.

Career progression typically involves moving into more senior administrative roles, such as executive assistant or office manager. With experience, you might also specialize in areas like human resources support or project coordination, expanding your responsibilities and influence within an organization.

Where do you work?

Corporate offices

Large companies often employ secretaries to support various departments and executives with administrative tasks.

Small and medium enterprises

In smaller businesses, secretaries may have broader roles, handling a range of office duties and supporting multiple managers.

Public sector organizations

Government offices and public institutions require secretaries to maintain efficient administrative operations and communication.

Non-profit organizations

Secretaries in non-profits help coordinate activities, manage communications, and support fundraising or event planning.

Educational institutions

Schools and universities employ secretaries to assist with administrative work, scheduling, and liaising with students and staff.

Pros and cons

Pros

• The role offers a clear structure and routine, which many find comforting and manageable.
• You develop strong organizational and communication skills applicable in many other careers.
• The job provides opportunities to work closely with a variety of people and departments.
• There is potential for career growth into more senior administrative roles or specialized areas.

Cons

• The work can sometimes be repetitive, involving routine tasks that require consistent attention.
• You may need to handle last-minute changes or urgent requests, which can be stressful.
• The role often requires sitting for long periods, which some may find tiring.
• In some workplaces, the position may have limited decision-making authority, which can feel restrictive.

The future of this career

Technological advancements are changing the way secretaries work, with digital tools automating many routine tasks like scheduling and document management. This shift allows secretaries to focus more on coordination and communication, adding greater value to their teams.

Societal changes are also influencing the role, as workplaces become more collaborative and flexible. Secretaries may find themselves taking on broader responsibilities, supporting remote teams, and adapting to new communication methods to keep up with evolving business needs.

Does Secretary suit you?

• Do you enjoy organizing schedules and managing multiple tasks at once?
• Are you comfortable communicating clearly and professionally with different people?
• Do you prefer working in structured environments with clear procedures?
• Can you handle routine tasks accurately and with attention to detail?
• Are you able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unexpected requests?

Frequently asked questions about Secretary

What education do I need to become a secretary?

Typically, a vocational qualification such as an MBO-level program in office administration is sufficient. These programs teach practical skills needed for the job, and internships provide valuable hands-on experience.

Is the workload for secretaries usually heavy?

Workload can vary depending on the employer and sector, but secretaries often manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. Effective time management helps keep the workload manageable.

Can I become a secretary if I want to change careers?

Yes, many people enter the profession from different backgrounds, especially if they have strong organizational and communication skills. Vocational training and internships can help you transition successfully.

Do secretaries need to be good with technology?

Yes, proficiency with office software and digital communication tools is important. Technology is increasingly used to automate routine tasks, so staying up to date is beneficial.

How does experience affect secretary pay?

Generally, more experience leads to better pay as you become more efficient and take on greater responsibilities. Sector and location also influence salary levels.

Is there room for career advancement as a secretary?

Yes, secretaries can progress to senior administrative roles or specialize in areas like project coordination or human resources support, which often come with increased responsibilities and pay.

Next step

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