Working Life

Bilingual Secretaries read and translate letters and other documents, deal with telephone enquiries and visitors, interpret at meetings and conferences, and deal with a wide range of general secretarial duties.  
 
General secretarial duties include dealing with routine enquiries, taking messages, word processing, filing, photocopying and keeping an appointments diary.  
 
The amount of time a secretary spends working in a foreign language depends on the type of company they work for and their position within the company. Junior secretaries may spend much of their time working in their own language.  
 
If international clients or colleagues visit the company, the secretary usually receives them and handles arrangements for their stay, including hotel bookings and travel itineraries. Bilingual secretaries may act as interpreters during their visit.  
 
Depending on the type of organisation they work for, bilingual secretaries may deal with suppliers across Europe or beyond the continent, working closely with factories, transport and recorded dispatch companies, to monitor deliveries and confirm orders.  
 
Some bilingual secretaries perform a Personal Assistant (PA) role, which may involve office management. There would be a lot of contact with people such as clients, suppliers, and representatives of foreign organisations. You may be required to travel around the country or abroad. In this type of work their can be pressure to work quickly and effectively.

Further Information

• Bilingual Secretary- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Bilingual secretary- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

There are many courses available to students with a good pass Leaving Certificate who wish to pursue a career as a Bilingual Secretary. The Institute of Technologies (ITs), In further education centres, and some private colleges provide courses.  

In Ireland graduates can start as a junior secretary providing regular secretarial/ administrative support in a commercial organisation. Their language skills will be required in a variety of circumstances - dealing with customers/clients on the phone, written correspondence, and one-to-one contact. This is continuous training for the graduate.  

Apart from the language aspect, graduates must be computer literate. Graduates must be trained in all aspects of computers and information technology, from basic word processing to spread sheets and database control.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business admin, customer service, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: languages, business, office administration, secretary, secretarial.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Finance, Insurance, Sales.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business administration, languages, commerce, finance.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: business, management, financial services.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

EU careers

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €50k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKInley / Brightwater/ Indeed / Collins McNicholas/ Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Medical secretaries; Legal secretaries; Personal assistants and other secretaries; Typists and related keyboard occupations.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment in this occupation has been declining annually since 2019, resulting in a negative average growth rate for the five-year period. Combined, the education, health and professional activities sectors accounted for over two-thirds of employment.

A high share of workers was employed in part-time roles (45%) and almost 40% were aged 55 years and older. As demand for PAs and secretaries falls, those leaving these roles may not be replaced which may see a continued decline in employment levels for this occupation.

• EU Careers - European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

  • Candidate Contact Service, Office C-80 00/40, B1049 Brussels
  • 00800 6789 1011
  • Click Here

• Pitman Training Centre

  • 3 Westland Square, Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • 1800 532632
  • Click Here