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
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Bilingual secretary
Bilingual secretaries provide administrative services in English and one or more foreign languages.
Average salary (a year)
£18,000 Starter
to£35,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37 to 39 a week
You could work
evenings flexibly
How to become a bilingual secretary
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
University
College
Completing a recognised qualification in administration or office skills may improve your job prospects. Colleges offer a wide range of full-time and part-time courses. Relevant subjects include:
- business administration
- typing
- audio transcription
- computer skills
- shorthand
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More information
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
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
Direct application
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.
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 growing in demand.
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'll get more advice about working and training in languages through the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- administration skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- knowledge of English language
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- translating documents and letters
- writing letters, emails and reports in a foreign language
- translating or summarising articles from foreign journals
- speaking in a foreign language on the phone or face-to-face
- interpreting at meetings
You may also have general administrative duties, including:
- acting as a personal assistant (PA) to a manager
- organising meetings, making appointments and keeping a diary
- arranging travel and accommodation for business trips
- filing, typing and photocopying
- updating computer databases
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
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.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Warehouse Administrator
- Wage : £136.50 Weekly
- Location: Mastin Moor S43 3FG
Business Support Apprenticeship
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- Location: Crewe CW1 4RJ
Courses In England
Diploma in Business Administration
- Provider: PENDERSONS LTD
- Start date: 01 May 2020
Business Administration
- Provider: RWP TRAINING LIMITED
- Start date: 01 January 2021
JobsIn the United Kingdom
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