Personal qualities

You must be able to grasp the details of complex legal and financial issues, often dealing with several matters at the same time. The ability to prioritise and to work methodically under pressure is therefore essential. Having access to the innermost secrets of an organisation, you would need very high standards of diplomacy, discretion and integrity.

Excellent written and spoken communication skills are needed, not only for writing up the minutes of board meetings but also for explaining clearly to non-expert colleagues the implications of sometimes highly technical matters, not to mention negotiating with lawyers, accountants and other professionals. You must also have good number skills for dealing with the financial and other figure work associated with your organisation.

Looking ahead

While it is true that there are opportunities related to legal requirement for every company in the UK to have a company secretary, it is equally true that most company secretarial departments are small and offer limited prospects for internal promotion. You might therefore need to change jobs and companies - even switching across the private and public sectors - in order to gain experience and responsibility.

With broad experience of legal, financial, administrative and human resources issues, you could go on to become a partner, company director or chief executive. Alternatively, you could become self-employed and work for a range of organisations.

Alternative suggestions

Depending on whether your main interests are administrative, financial or legal, you may wish to consider training as an accountant, barrister/advocate, civil servant, human resources officer, local government administrator or solicitor.

Take-home pay

Salaries vary widely. A typical starting figure for a newly qualified associate member of ICSA might be £25,000, rising to well over £60,000 with experience.

Effects

Being a chartered or company secretary is an office-based job and you could expect to work normal office hours, apart from the occasional need to work late in order to meet a deadline. There may also be some evening or weekend meetings to attend. You would be expected to observe a strict code of personal and professional conduct.

Sources of information

Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators: www.icsa.org.uk