Although their titles are often used interchangeably, secretaries and administrative assistants actually perform different jobs. Their responsibilities may sometimes overlap, but in most organizations, an administrative assistant has a higher degree of responsibility than a secretary does.
How is an administrative assistant different from a secretary?
A secretary is a person whose job is strictly clerical. … An administrative assistant has more duties to perform than a secretary. An administrative assistant’s work is far above clerical jobs. Unlike a secretary, an administrative assistant has the liberty to make independent decisions.
Why are secretaries called administrative assistants?
So, by the ’70s, when women are really starting to strike out for their rights in all sorts of ways, they asked to be called administrative assistant because administrative assistant actually means you’re taking your job seriously. It’s a way to say, I’m doing my work.
Is secretary and assistant the same?
A secretary is clerical and their role involves tasks such as transcription, typing up documents, copying and call handling, mainly supporting the admin assistant. … The most prominent difference is that an administrative assistant will supervise other team members.
When did secretary become administrative assistant?
Until the 1860s, all secretaries were men. The need for administrative support boomed during the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century.
What is an administrative assistant salary?
How Much Does an Administrative Assistant Make? Administrative Assistants made a median salary of $37,690 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $47,510 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $30,100.
Is a receptionist an administrative assistant?
Receptionist: Serving as more of the face of the company, receptionists welcome clients, answer questions, and make people feel comfortable upon entering the building. Administrative Assistants: Working closely with managers and employees, administrative assistants provide support for internal operations.
Is secretary still a job?
Almond says the role of a secretary of years past, grounded in repetitive and clerical tasks, has ceased to exist in most companies. … Today’s administrative professional has been known by many names in generations past — secretary, executive assistant, receptionist and administrative assistant to name a few.
What are the tasks of an administrative assistant?
Administrative Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
- Answer phones and greet visitors.
- Schedule appointments and maintain calendars.
- Schedule and coordinate staff and other meetings.
- Collate and distribute mail.
- Prepare communications, such as memos, emails, invoices, reports and other correspondence.
What does an admin secretary do?
The Administrative Secretary provides high-level clerical support to an executive, director, or department head-level employee, performing a variety of secretarial duties and skilled tasks that may include preparing reports, conducting research, and collecting data.
Is office Assistant the same as administrative assistant?
The office assistant is very similar to an administrative one. He or she will typically write emails, deal with incoming calls, file documents, and more. Furthermore, office assistants make sure your workplace is running as smooth as possible.
Which is higher undersecretary or assistant secretary?
Under Secretaries often manage extensive portfolios within a Cabinet Department. Under Secretaries are generally Level III positions within the Executive Schedule, ranking below the position of Deputy Secretary and above the position of Assistant Secretary.