Company secretary : Career development

Gaining the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA)  chartered status is one of the most popular routes to developing a successful career in this area. This requires tenacity and dedication: as well as passing examinations, up to six years of work experience is required for associate level (ACIS) and up to eight years for fellowship level (FCIS).

Support with personal development varies between employers. It is supported by ICSA through a range of resources, as well as workshops, seminars and conferences. These types of events can provide valuable networking opportunities. The institute also organises special interest groups to help professionals in specific sectors share working practices and support each other.

Company secretaries often have access to policy-making processes and confidential information quite early in their careers, which can be excellent training for senior management. They frequently move between industries and geographical mobility is very useful for career development in the early stages. With experience, it is possible to progress to board level or move into a directorate head or department head role. Alternatively, they can set up a business advising clients, act as company secretary for small companies or work as a company formation agent.

Experience as a company secretary can also be a good basis for careers in other areas of administration, finance and law. The competencies and practical experience encompassed by the post of company secretary are a sound basis for a career in many senior positions.