Bilingual secretary

You could take a modern languages course at university. Courses that combine languages with another subject are also widely available.

Combination subjects include:

• linguistics
• business administration and management
• economics
• international marketing
• law
• English

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could study languages at college and do a recognised qualification in administration or office skills.

Relevant courses include:

• business and administration
• digital skills
• International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL)
• T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You can apply to do a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with a commercial company or public sector organisation.

You would need to develop your language skills at the same time, for example through a college or online course.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as an admin assistant with an organisation and work your way up through training and promotion.

You may be able to work towards a Certificate in Bilingual Skills , which is equivalent to good A level standard or higher.

You can apply to companies directly if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge required for this role.

You'll usually need at least one A level, or equivalent, in your second language unless it's your native language, or you're fluent from living abroad.

Employers will also expect you to have GCSEs or relevant office skills and experience.

Career Tips

Most businesses look for bilingual secretaries who can speak a European language like French, German, Spanish or Italian.

Other languages like Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Arabic are also popular.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Linguists for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can get more advice about working and training in languages through the Chartered Institute of Linguists .

As a bilingual secretary, you could:

• translate documents
• write letters, emails and reports in a second language
• speak with overseas clients on the phone, online and in person
• handle sensitive business data in line with company policies
• act as a personal or executive assistant to a manager
• interpret at meetings
• organise meetings, make appointments and keep a diary
• arrange travel and accommodation for business trips
• update computer management systems

You could work in an office.