Company secretary : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to graduates in all subjects, the following specialisms may be preferred and can offer some exemptions from the professional examinations:

• law;
• business/management;
• accountancy and finance.

A good honours degree is helpful when applying to larger firms.

Whilst this area is open to all diplomates, the following HND subjects may increase employment opportunities:

• business/management/business with languages;
• legal studies;
• politics/government/public administration.

Graduates are preferred by some employers, while others may consider candidates with relevant HND subjects and good personal skills.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, but professional qualifications, particularly the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA)  examinations, are essential for public limited company secretaries and strongly advisable for those in private limited companies.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• the ability to communicate and work well with people at all levels;
• attention to detail and a well-organised approach to work;
• the ability to work with numerical information, plus analytical and problem-solving skills;
• a diplomatic approach and the confidence to liaise with high profile company staff and board members;
• integrity and discretion when handling confidential information;
• an interest in, and understanding of, business practices and corporate governance.

As most company secretary positions will demand a professional qualification and/or significant professional experience, it is highly unlikely that a recent graduate would have direct entry into the role. Pre-entry experience is therefore desirable and also strongly recommended.

Some graduates qualify as lawyers or accountants with the aim of becoming company secretaries later, while others may consider a full-time diploma course leading to a full or partial ICSA qualification. For the majority, however, formal training in company secretarial work starts after a few years' administrative work experience. Relevant roles may be administrative in nature rather than in name, so suitable experience can be gained in areas such as pensions, personnel, accounts, credit control, purchasing, insurance, sales administration and office management.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.