Most colleges and universities provide courses and programs in the business discipline, which those wanting to become an executive secretary may take advantage of. Accounting, business administration and management, and event planning courses are all relevant to the position of the executive secretary and are offered at most universities. You can usually choose night or weekend courses at most institutions so you can continue to work as you train for your career. Although they may not be institutions that may not offer a diploma or degree specific to executive secretary, they are more likely to be available in your area.
There are several choices you need to make when selecting your studies to become an executive secretary. First of all, basic skills and training are needed in order to excel, such as the ability to type and feel comfortable using word processing programs. You also have to choose whether you are able to move to another area or state to attend an institution that teaches the program you want to take. Some institutions offer online courses, while others offer in-class programs. You must also choose what type of industry you want to work in. For example, if you want to become a legal executive secretary, you may want to seek out paralegal programs that can give you skills and teach you legal terminology.
The Brookstone College of Business offers several administrative training programs, including an executive assistant and executive secretary course, at its Greensboro campus. The program is designed for individuals who want to become an expert in word processing programs, database management, spreadsheet applications and computerized presentations. In order to be accepted, students must supply an official transcript to show they have graduated from high school or possess a GED. Candidates are then interviewed and tested to see if they are a good fit for Brookstone.
Bryant & Stratton College offers an online associate degree in administrative assistant, where students can learn the basics of administration in the workplace. The college has campuses in Wisconsin, New York, Ohio and Virginia; the online program's head office is in Orchard Park, New York. The program focuses on the challenges present in the electronic office and teaches students how to used automated office equipment and word processing systems, and how to perform accounting and administrative tasks. By the end of the course, students will know how to type quickly and efficiently, manage records and file systems; they will have advance knowledge of database software and spreadsheet software and how to apply their new knowledge to the high-tech office.
The Everest Institute has programs throughout the U.S. for administrative training for executive secretaries and assistants. Everest offers basic training in core skills such as attention to detail, use of computer programs and word processing programs; however, it also offers specialized training for certain industries that call for specialized knowledge, such as legal, medical and executive. Everest has several physical campuses located in and around the state of California, as well as a campus in Ontario.