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Bilingual secretary

Alternative titles for this job include Bilingual executive assistant

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could take a modern languages course at university. Courses that combine languages with another subject are also widely available.

Combination subjects include:

  • linguistics
  • business administration and management
  • economics
  • international marketing
  • law
  • English

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

College

You could study languages at college and do a recognised qualification in administration or office skills.

Relevant courses include:

  • business and administration
  • digital skills
  • International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL)
  • T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with a commercial company or public sector organisation.

You would need to develop your language skills at the same time, for example through a college or online course.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

You could start as an admin assistant with an organisation and work your way up through training and promotion.

You may be able to work towards a Certificate in Bilingual Skills, which is equivalent to good A level standard or higher.

Direct Application

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

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

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

More Information

Career tips

Most businesses look for bilingual secretaries who can speak a European language like French, German, Spanish or Italian.

Other languages like Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Arabic are also popular.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Linguists for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more advice about working and training in languages through the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • administration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent language skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • active listening skills
  • customer service skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a bilingual secretary, you could:

  • translate documents
  • write letters, emails and reports in a second language
  • speak with overseas clients on the phone, online and in person
  • handle sensitive business data in line with company policies
  • act as a personal or executive assistant to a manager
  • interpret at meetings
  • organise meetings, make appointments and keep a diary
  • arrange travel and accommodation for business trips
  • update computer management systems

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work as:

You might apply to gain Chartered Linguist status, which gives professional recognition of your skills and expertise and could expand your career options.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Writer (Submariner) Business Administrator Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Apprentice Account Handler

  • Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
  • Location: Hereford
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Business Administration

  • Provider: CITY OF BRISTOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Bristol

Certificate in Business Administration

  • Provider: TRIAGE CENTRUM LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Northallerton
Find courses near you

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