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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, six years of work experience is required for associate level (ACIS) and eight years for fellowship level (FCIS). It is also necessary to provide evidence of being considered a 'fit and proper' person, by obtaining the testimonies of two sponsors of professional status.

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 have access to the policy-making process and to confidential information often quite early in their careers, which can be excellent training for senior management. It is possible to progress to board level or move into a directorate head or department head role. Company secretaries often move between industries. Geographical mobility is very useful for career development in the early stages.

With experience, you can up your own business to advise clients, act as company secretary for small companies, or work as 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.

AGCAS

Written by Anna Lomas, University of Manchester

Last updated:

September 2009

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