A secretary is an administrative professional who provides support and assistance to individuals, organizations, or departments. The primary responsibilities of a secretary include organizing and maintaining files and records, scheduling and coordinating appointments and meetings, answering and directing phone calls and emails, drafting and proofreading correspondence, and performing other administrative tasks as needed. Secretaries may work in a variety of industries and settings, including government, education, healthcare, legal, and business. In addition to administrative skills, secretaries typically have strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills, as well as proficiency in office software such as word processing and spreadsheet programs. Some secretaries may also specialize in areas such as executive support, legal or medical transcription, or event planning.