Bilingual secretary

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

It could help you if you have a degree in modern languages or languages combined with business studies, although this is not essential.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

Completing a recognised qualification in administration or office skills may help you to get a job. Colleges offer a wide range of full-time and part-time courses.

Relevant subjects include:

• business administration
• computer skills
• digital skills
• shorthand
• word processing
• T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a business administrator advanced apprenticeship and combine it with your language skills to find work.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply to companies directly if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge required for this role.

You'll need at least one A level or equivalent in your second language unless it's your native tongue, or you became fluent by living abroad.

Employers may also expect you to have GCSEs or relevant office skills and experience.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• active listening skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• excellent written communication skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• a desire to help people
• customer service skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• maths skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Bilingual secretaries provide administrative services in English and one or more foreign languages.

In your day to day duties, you could:

• translate documents and letters
• write letters, emails and reports in a foreign language
• translate or summarise articles from foreign journals
• speak in a foreign language on the phone or in person
• interpret at meetings

For general administrative duties, you could:

• act as a personal assistant (PA) to a manager
• organise meetings, make appointments and keep a diary
• arrange travel and accommodation for business trips
• do filing, typing and photocopying
• update computer databases

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could be promoted to personal assistant or office manager.

You could move into translating or interpreting, or international business, sales or marketing.

You could move into a specialised bilingual role like bilingual legal secretary or bilingual medical secretary.