Secretaries

High school counselors can give interest and aptitude tests to help you assess your suitability for a career as a secretary. Local business schools often welcome visitors, and sometimes offer courses that can be taken in conjunction with a high school business course. Work-study programs will also provide you with an opportunity to work in a business setting to get a sense of the work performed by secretaries.

Part-time or summer jobs as receptionists, file clerks, and office clerks are often available in various offices. These jobs are the best indicators of future satisfaction in the secretarial field. You may find a part-time job if you are computer-literate. Cooperative education programs arranged through schools and "temping" through an agency also are valuable ways to acquire experience. In general, any job that teaches basic office skills is helpful.

Participate in information interviews with secretaries. During such an interview, you will get the opportunity to ask secretaries about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Information interviews can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up information interviews. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a secretary to learn even more about the field.