College degree needed to be a secretary

Why is a college degree needed to be a secretary/receptionist/typist? What ever happened to life experience and good old fashioned common sense? I know the answer is that there is an overabundance of college degrees out there and, therefore, employees can now ask for degrees for the most menial jobs imaginable. When I got out of secretarial school, I taught myself, and was taught by some wonderful people on the job, pretty much all that I needed to know. I never got the sheepskin for financial and familial reasons and it now seems that I cannot compete anymore with all the freshly minted people coming out of colleges with BAs and above. How many employers really think that anyone with a BA is going to be content to be a secretary, or administrative assistant. Did they really lay out hundreds of thousands of dollars to be a glorified secretary? Will someone please explain to me why a degree is necessary to properly answer a phone, take accurate messages and compose and type correspondence. No, I certainly don’t know everything, but I love to read, and learn, and give me a day or two and I will be up to speed. Learning how to learn is just as important, if not more so, than where it was learned.

I did not go to college and got a job right out of high school. I took the high school secretarial coure. I have had almost 30 years experience and have learned some things through mistakes made, from other assistants I've worked with, and just experience on the job. I have met some people who have come out of a college secretarial courses and have found by going to college they were more advanced than I was coming out of high school. I think work experience counts for lots, but if I was an employer and had a choice between 5 years work experience and someone out of college, I might go for the college person. Just because from observing people from college it seems to give them an edge not only from a degree point of view, but what took me 5-10 years to learn, they seem to have a good grasp of already. Of course as an employer I would look at more than the degree, personality, worth ethic etc., but the college degree does help.
I have also found that being an assistant is more than answering a phone, taking a message and typing corespondence - that would be more my idea of a receptionist's duties. I am a legal assistant and my duties are much more involved than that. I draft correspondence myself, when something comes in and I know the next steps, I draft the letter and put the file etc on my professional's desk for his signature. I schedule meetings and take the initiative from the beginning to coordinate between the parties. I answer phones, but often have to field calls, if my professional is not in they may want to speak to someone else, I have to take enough information down and assess the situation to know who the next appropriate person would be to pass the question to. And organizational skills are a must. When you are handling so many things at once, you need to be organized. Learning good organizational skills in college can go a long way.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.

It is early when I wrote my comments and I am noticing my spelling mistakes. Sorry about that, good proofreading and spelling are very important, but you don't have a second chance when you leave a comment here. You can't go back and edit :)

Patricia: "It is early when I wrote my comments and I am noticing my spelling mistakes. Sorry about that, good proofreading and spelling are very important, but you don't have a second chance when you leave a comment here. You can't go back and edit :)"

You really have to proofread carefully before posting on this board. But you do have a second chance - sort of. If you notice errors after you post you can "reply" to your post, fix them, and repost. At the bottom you can type "corrected" or something like it to differentiate between your corrected post and original post.

Scarlett: "When I got out of secretarial school, I taught myself, and was taught by some wonderful people on the job, pretty much all that I needed to know...."

That was "back in the day." These days, few employers provide OJT. Staffs are so downsized everyone is too busy to train new hires. Employers want you to know everything so you only need to be shown the restroom and go right to work without help.

It's ridiculous - employers ignore a vast number of candidates who would be strong, and loyal, performers, if only given a chance. Of course, employer loyalty has gone by the boards, but that's outside the scope of this discussion.

You can always get a college degree. Anyone can go back to school and earn a degree from scratch, either on-campus or online. Another possibility is finding a school that will give college credit for work experience. University of Phoenix may be one such school.

I think you have to consider your age when deciding if it's really worth it to get a degree. I don't think the degree will help much if you're over forty. If you are you'll probably be deemed as overqualified or experience age discrimination.

Here is a trick, apply in person whenever possible and get the application in. Do this as often as you can. Call and speak to people on the phone. Some candidates can not get past the initial contact no matter how educated they are because they are not able to speak with clarity, mumbleing, slang, style of dress ect. Most could not even put together a resume and have to use a service. If you do it yourself make sure there is something of "you" in there to make "you" stand out. Use every chance you have to get out there. There are still places that will allow applicants to come in person, hone in on that if you do not have the actual degree. Life experience does count and it is how you interact with people that ensures success. Build that into your presentation. What do you bring to the workplace beyond your education? Education is a wonderful thing and everyone needs to be able to read and write but take some time to get your special talents noticed. Write a convincing cover letter to highlight your accomplishments and Good Luck!

Unless an ad specifies otherwise, I don't agree with calling. No matter how well spoken one may be, a call is likely to annoy or antagonize or be blown off, or just be dumped into voice mail without hope of return.

I agree wholeheartedly with writing a good cover letter, but don't write a short story. I sometimes wonder if cover letters are read altogether and if screeners simply don't go directly to the resume.

I think you have to consider your age when deciding if it's really worth it to get a degree. I don't think the degree will help much if you're over forty. If you are you'll probably be deemed as overqualified or experience age discrimination.

I totally disagree. Most MBA candidates are in their late 30s!

Scarlett said: Why is a college degree needed to be a secretary/receptionist/typist?

I WILL TELL YOU WHY. BECAUSE THE MARKET ALLOWS IT. THERE ARE SOOO MANY COLLEGE EDUCATED PEOPLE and NOT ENOUGH GOOD JOBS SO THEY CAN HAVE THEIR PICK.

But, the right employer won't care! The right employer will look at the person's real qualifications -- common sense, organization, skills.

Most employers and HR depts. these days are extremely STUPID! They don't know how to REALLY find the right candidates so they put up these "REQUIREMENTS" so they actually have less resumes to go thru.

Sherrisse in Littleton, Colorado: "Most employers and HR depts. these days are extremely STUPID. . . . "

Aren't they, though?

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "I totally disagree [that age is a consideration for considering a degree]. Most MBA candidates are in their late 30s!"

. . . . but we're talking about people who have no college degree and are over forty. Under forty and advanced degrees are another matter. It depends on the industry, but I don't think much more advanced education helps much for people over forty - especially if one must start over.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "I totally disagree [that age is a consideration for considering a degree]. Most MBA candidates are in their late 30s!"

. . . . but we're talking about people who have no college degree and are over forty. Under forty and advanced degrees are another matter. It depends on the industry, but I don't think much more advanced education helps much for people over forty - especially if one must start over.

HOW WOULD THEY KNOW HOW OLD YOU ARE WHEN YOU'RE INTERVIEWING ANYWAY? AGE IS A POSITIVE THING - --MORE EXPERIENCE, MORE SKILL. We seem to live in a country that tosses the sharper more experienced workers out to pasture for the dumb ones whose G-strings show through their pants!

Anne in Littleton, Colorado said: HOW WOULD THEY KNOW HOW OLD YOU ARE WHEN YOU'RE INTERVIEWING ANYWAY? AGE IS A POSITIVE THING - --MORE EXPERIENCE, MORE SKILL. We seem to live in a country that tosses the sharper more experienced workers out to pasture for the dumb ones whose G-strings show through their pants!

Whoops, forgot to add: WHY do companies want to hire the young and inexperienced? Because they are CHEAPER???

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "HOW WOULD THEY KNOW HOW OLD YOU ARE WHEN YOU'RE INTERVIEWING ANYWAY?"

No matter how well disguised, some resumes give away age. Even if you get past the coneheads and to the interview, they can still tell. Females can color their hair, get botox, facelifts, etc. and males can use Grecian Formula - interviewers can still divine your age within a few years after they meet you.

"AGE IS A POSITIVE THING - --MORE EXPERIENCE, MORE SKILL . . . . "

Employers don't think so. They're thinking higher salaries, vesting in 401-Ks, higher group insurance premium, etc. So the answer is yes, employers think younger employees are cheaper.

But high turnover with young graduates is NOT cheap! Training, retraining, recruiting, very, very expensive.

If I was hiring an administrative person, I would look for the following qualities:

1. Outstanding organization
2. Personable
3. (Not a drama queen) -- calm, poised
4. Not a game player -- mature, doesn't gossip
5. Ability to contribute to positive environment
6. Ability to coordinate projects (and follow up) from start to finish without supervision
7. Excellent phone skills
8. Articulate
9. Good speller, good business math
10. Ability to develop rapport with clients, other VIPS etc. who may call in.
11. Good p.c. skills
12. Common sense

Another possibility is finding a school that will give college credit for work experience. University of Phoenix may be one such school.

Forgot that so-called "University." It's a corporation in disguise!

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "But high turnover with young graduates is NOT cheap! Training, retraining, recruiting, very, very expensive."

But companies don't care, care, care!

You are also assuming high turnover with all graduates. That's a false assumption.

Look, I appreciate your points. But age discrimination remains - and it is what it is. I've written the following before on Indeed fora and I'll write it again. By not enforcing age discrimination laws Congress and that Republican in the White House are creating a vast underclass of people who will become increasingly dependent on the government to survive. This dependence will increase taxes and deficits; the latter being a greater possibility with an oncoming recession.

Solving this problem is simple. Congress and the White House occupant need only enforce ADEA laws. They should make employers do the right thing by giving older workers a fair shake. The laws are on the books; they only have to be enforced.

Anne/Sam in Littleton, Colorado: "Forgot that so-called "University [of Phoenix]." It's a corporation in disguise!"

Whatever. According to its website, it is accredited by the North Central Association. The North Central Association is one of the accrediting bodies recognized by the Department of Education. With that accreditation, the University of Phoenix's degrees are valid anywhere.

www.phoenixdegrees.com/UPJ_10188/info.cgi?site_id=0000617056&media_id=0000400677&otrm=43094&xssale=$xssale&xsmemid=$xsmemid&osss=1&omss=0&xstrtype=27&is_rich=1&creative_size=468060

www.ncahlc.org/

In 10 years, the baby boomer population is supposed to DOUBLE. We will be a force they have to reckon with!

Here again, it's a simple fix. Enforce age discrimination laws. Give all older workers a fair shake at being employed commensurate with their knowledge, skills, abilities and experience. Give older workers a chance to be productive and not dependent on the government. Otherwise, government can count on older workers depending on it for survival. Not a swell idea with a recession looming.

Anne in Littleton, Colorado said: In 10 years, the baby boomer population is supposed to DOUBLE. We will be a force they have to reckon with!

There will be more older workers in the workforce in the coming months. Why do you keep saying "NO" to Was this comment helpful?" :)

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "There will be more older workers in the workforce in the coming months."

How do you know there will be more older workers in the workforce? Do you have documentation to support your contention that more older people will be going to work? With that said, I would agree with a statement that unless more older workers can go to work that government will have a problem with which to reckon.

Think about your boomer statement, Anne. "Boomers" were born from 1946 to about 1961, give or take a few years. Boomers are a finite quantity. Therefore, it would be impossible for the boomer population to double, as you wrote, above.

"Why do you keep saying 'NO' to Was this comment helpful?"

I think you need to relax, Anne. Posters are entitled to agree or disagree with statements or vote "yes" or "no" regarding helpful comments. ;-)

No offense but you are a bit anal, Displaced. :)

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "No offense but you are a bit anal, Displaced."

Whatever. Anal is helpful for law, and, Anne, for drawing up real property documents, such as sales contracts, deeds, etc. Something to consider if you are an agent.

Have a pleasant afternoon. ;-)

Let my also add that anal is helpful for making oneself understood. :D

Let ME also add that anal is helpful for making oneself understood. :D

Gosh, point proven.

Sales ability and the ability to deal with PEOPLE is the most important asset in real estate -- documents are NOT the challenge.

Paralegal work is all detail and mainly for people who tend toward introversion.

Whatever. Anal is helpful for law, and, Anne, for drawing up real property documents, such as sales contracts, deeds, etc. Something to consider if you are an agent.

You seem very insecure, Displaced. I haven't had a problem with "drawing up documents." :) It's hardly rocket science. The documents are already "drawn up" by the Real Estate Commission. We simply fill in the blanks and put any addendum and or details and check it to be sure it's accurate. Again, not rocket science.

It seems you like to argue with people. You might consider that you give that impression when interviewing.

You are just now figuring that out? Let it be and know you are in the wrong dialog seeking the type of support you may be in need of. Keep your head up and know this, for every job you apply there are at least 200 applicants and it is a tough time getting noticed among the hoards. Repost, REPOST and repost over and over to stay on top of the dog pile, it will happen, eventually!

Best of luck!

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "You seem very insecure, Displaced. I haven't had a problem with 'drawing up documents.' It's hardly rocket science. The documents are already 'drawn up' by the Real Estate Commission. We simply fill in the blanks and put any addendum and or details and check it to be sure it's accurate. Again, not rocket science."

So, as well as a real estate agent and "practitioner of limited law" you are also a psychologist?

"It seems you like to argue with people. You might consider that you give that impression when interviewing."

Whatever. You are entitled to your opinions. You have made inaccurate comments about, e.g., University of Phoenix, MBAs, and baby boomers. I am merely responding to, and correcting, your comments. Perhaps you should look at yourself in the mirror before criticizing others.

And, Anne, once more, relax! It's only an internet discussion. Once again, have a great afternoon! Hope you sell something! :D

In Tune in Baltimore, Maryland: "Keep your head up and know this, for every job you apply there are at least 200 applicants and it is a tough time getting noticed among the [hoardes]...."

Don't you know it!! I'd say it's more than 200 applicants for each job.

Best of luck to you, too! ;-)

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "It seems you like to argue with people. You might consider that you give that impression when interviewing."

I'll tell ya what, Anne. I'll consider your criticism. Okay?

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "Sales ability and the ability to deal with PEOPLE is the most important asset in real estate -- documents are NOT the challenge.

"Paralegal work is all detail and mainly for people who tend toward introversion."

Now, that's something I must answer with a question. Have you worked as a paralegal, Anne? If you have you would know that paralegals spend a large amount of time working with clients. Probably more than attorneys.

Point made.

Hey, I'm really not interested in arguing with anyone. And I don't need to be "corrected." That's condescending don't you think? I have worked WITH paralegals before. I know about 4 paralegals, all tend towards introversion. :) Maybe you don't. It's not necessarily a bad thing.

I DO wish everyone on this board who desires a job gets one including you!

In Tune in Baltimore, Maryland said: You are just now figuring that out?

No, I've known it for a while. This is a complete waste of time you are right!

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "Hey, I'm really not interested in arguing with anyone...."

So why are you arguing? You've been arguing with me from almost the beginning of this thread.

"I know about four paralegals, all tend towards introversion. Maybe you don't. It's not necessarily a bad thing."

Generalizations are always dangerous, Anne. Four paralegals is hardly enough upon which to base a judgment. I've known far more paralegals than you, and with all manner of personalities.

Once again, Anne, I hope you sell something this week. I mean it sincerely. Best wishes.

Scarlett said: Why is a college degree needed to be a secretary/receptionist/typist? What ever happened to life experience and good old fashioned common sense? I know the answer is that there is an overabundance of college degrees out there and, therefore, employees can now ask for degrees for the most menial jobs imaginable. When I got out of secretarial school, I taught myself, and was taught by some wonderful people on the job, pretty much all that I needed to know. I never got the sheepskin for financial and familial reasons and it now seems that I cannot compete anymore with all the freshly minted people coming out of colleges with BAs and above. How many employers really think that anyone with a BA is going to be content to be a secretary, or administrative assistant. Did they really lay out hundreds of thousands of dollars to be a glorified secretary? Will someone please explain to me why a degree is necessary to properly answer a phone, take accurate messages and compose and type correspondence. No, I certainly don’t know everything, but I love to read, and learn, and give me a day or two and I will be up to speed. Learning how to learn is just as important, if not more so, than where it was learned.

I worked for 12 years, before starting/completing a degree. I agree with you to a degree (get it, degree). It boils down to putting in 4 - 5 years, studying, completing homework, and working. You have to be honest, as an employer I would select the college graduate/with limited work experience. Why? The college graduate has proven he/or she can be taught/will learn quickly/and knows a special field. This person is not an expert. However, they have the degree to back up knowledge learned within a college setting. It is basic math - college degree means this person has had 3 levels of English, at least 1 Math, and all general education complete... So, the college graduate will be paid more/advance quicker. Next Stop - MBA!

Patricia said: It is early when I wrote my comments and I am noticing my spelling mistakes. Sorry about that, good proofreading and spelling are very important, but you don't have a second chance when you leave a comment here. You can't go back and edit :)

Do not worry about it. We all make spelling mistakes. However, 4-5 years in college; teaches us to proofread our work. I am saying, going to school makes me or anyone else better than. However, I work will a job and demand more money because of my degree (plus 15 years job experience). Go to school for you... Age is not an excuse! Money is not an excuse! Time is not at excuse! If, you want it - you will GET IT! I did it, and I am active military - deploy in harms way! No one on this board, is in the sands - You can do it!

Anne in Littleton, Colorado said: I think you have to consider your age when deciding if it's really worth it to get a degree. I don't think the degree will help much if you're over forty. If you are you'll probably be deemed as overqualified or experience age discrimination.

I totally disagree. Most MBA candidates are in their late 30s!

I agree with you. Most MBA candidates are in their late 30s! I am in my early 30s - Age is a non-factor. Get the degree for you! Education is the best investment in the world! Think about it.... I rather be unfit, and educated. Than, slim and uneducated. Just a thought!

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "You seem very insecure, Displaced. I haven't had a problem with 'drawing up documents.' It's hardly rocket science. The documents are already 'drawn up' by the Real Estate Commission. We simply fill in the blanks and put any addendum and or details and check it to be sure it's accurate. Again, not rocket science."

So, as well as a real estate agent and "practitioner of limited law" you are also a psychologist?

"It seems you like to argue with people. You might consider that you give that impression when interviewing."

Whatever. You are entitled to your opinions. You have made inaccurate comments about, e.g., University of Phoenix, MBAs, and baby boomers. I am merely responding to, and correcting, your comments. Perhaps you should look at yourself in the mirror before criticizing others.

And, Anne, once more, relax! It's only an internet discussion. Once again, have a great afternoon! Hope you sell something! :D

OK! See, we educated people argue too much! :). This is why, education is key! Look around you - everyone with a nice car, job, clothes, etc. well they went to school. Sorry, but it is the America way of life! College degree equals job chances equals security equal YOU WILL BE RESPECTED by others. Respected because you are EDUCATED! People that do not have degrees, meant know more... However, you have to prove it! My degree says, I am the boss! Sorry, but True!

College Graduate in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: OK! See, we educated people argue too much! :). This is why, education is key! Look around you - everyone with a nice car, job, clothes, etc. well they went to school. Sorry, but it is the America way of life! College degree equals job chances equals security equal YOU WILL BE RESPECTED by others. Respected because you are EDUCATED! People that do not have degrees, might know more... However, you have to prove it! My degree says, I am the boss! Sorry, but True!

It is true...

Degree or NO degree...you will have a hard time finding a job or even getting interviews if you are over 50.

The degree only pays off for the younger job searcher. No sense in a senior citizen signing up for part time classes towards a degree if their only goal is to get a job. After a certain age, you are undesirable with or without the degree. Trust me, I just had that eye-opening experience myself.

That is, unless your degree is in a very specialized technical or medical field, not some liberal arts degree. Even then, I believe the younger person with the same degree would get the job.

Scarlett said: Why is a college degree needed to be a secretary/receptionist/typist? What ever happened to life experience and good old fashioned common sense? I know the answer is that there is an overabundance of college degrees out there and, therefore, employees can now ask for degrees for the most menial jobs imaginable. When I got out of secretarial school, I taught myself, and was taught by some wonderful people on the job, pretty much all that I needed to know. I never got the sheepskin for financial and familial reasons and it now seems that I cannot compete anymore with all the freshly minted people coming out of colleges with BAs and above. How many employers really think that anyone with a BA is going to be content to be a secretary, or administrative assistant. Did they really lay out hundreds of thousands of dollars to be a glorified secretary? Will someone please explain to me why a degree is necessary to properly answer a phone, take accurate messages and compose and type correspondence. No, I certainly don’t know everything, but I love to read, and learn, and give me a day or two and I will be up to speed. Learning how to learn is just as important, if not more so, than where it was learned.

Scarlett - I couldn't agree with you more. I couldn't have put it any better myself. I can't imagine anyone going to college, earning an Associate or Bachelor's degree, and spending all that money, with the intention of making a career as a secretary or administrative assistant. Employers are so close minded, all they think about is saving money, but they will loose in the end. When the economy gets stronger, (soon, we hope), and the job market opens up again, these college students will go on their merry way (and rightfully so).

dee in Boston, Massachusetts said: Scarlett - I couldn't agree with you more. I couldn't have put it any better myself. I can't imagine anyone going to college, earning an Associate or Bachelor's degree, and spending all that money, with the intention of making a career as a secretary or administrative assistant. Employers are so close minded, all they think about is saving money, but they will loose in the end. When the economy gets stronger, (soon, we hope), and the job market opens up again, these college students will go on their merry way (and rightfully so).

I agree too, if I had a college degree I would not be an admin. Once at my old job, they hired this girl fresh out of college to be an admin. It was her first office job. She didnt even know how to use excel or powerpoint which she must have lied because it was important in the group she supported. But she was young and cute and her boss loved her.

College Graduate in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I worked for 12 years, before starting/completing a degree. I agree with you to a degree (get it, degree). It boils down to putting in 4 - 5 years, studying, completing homework, and working. You have to be honest, as an employer I would select the college graduate/with limited work experience. Why? The college graduate has proven he/or she can be taught/will learn quickly/and knows a special field. This person is not an expert. However, they have the degree to back up knowledge learned within a college setting. It is basic math - college degree means this person has had 3 levels of English, at least 1 Math, and all general education complete... So, the college graduate will be paid more/advance quicker. Next Stop - MBA!

With all respect, how many levels of English do you need to be a Secretary? 3?? I studied hard, and graduated from high school, with honors, and yes, I can write, spell, read, and speak English, quite well. I DID NOT need a college degree to do my job. A great deal of "Baby Boomers" received on the job training, which is virtually unheard of today. The baby boomers have been in the workforce for many years, and are "ALREADY" experienced. I tend to believe that age discrimination is an issue, as more employers are looking for candidates with an Associate or Bachelors degree, for certain jobs which DO NOT require a degree.

kiana in San Jose, California said: I agree too, if I had a college degree I would not be an admin. Once at my old job, they hired this girl fresh out of college to be an admin. It was her first office job. She didnt even know how to use excel or powerpoint which she must have lied because it was important in the group she supported. But she was young and cute and her boss loved her.

Yeah, I can believe that! I have seen that happen myself. She better learn quick. Cute wears off when it comes to poor job performance.

Amen, sister! I have 34 years of office experience, graduated high school with straight A's, took some courses in night school (community college), and I don't feel a 20-something college grad has any better skills, knowledge, or experience than I do when it comes to providing Administrative Assistance or Office Management.

I think companies use the degree as a screening tool - to discourage the "older", or even less affluent person from applying for the job. But I believe that experience, skills, professional appearance, and communication trump a four-year degree ANY DAY! We didn't all have the same opportunities in life, believe it or not! And back when I started working, you didn't NEED a degree to be a Professional Secretary or Admin. Assistant.

I went college in my mid-30s to fulfill a goal of mine to obtain an education. Pure and simple. My occupation has been administrative assistant since age 19. This position worked for me until I needed to repay those student loans and found that it's extremely difficult to do on an AA salary which hasn't risen to meet the cost of living let alone the expense of education. I foolishly thought that adding a degree to my resume would increase my salary potential. Eight years later, unfortunately, I have not found this to be the case. Everyone tells me that THEY can't take that education away from me. Unfortunately, THEY can take my home away from me. I write this as a cautionary tale to those who think that obtaining a degree might solve their problems. Make sure you have a PLAN. I've always been against boxing myself into a corner with a specific degree or career--thinking myself more of a free spirit. Unfortunately, I did just that--boxed myself into a corner; I feel more like a slave than a free spirit. Yikes! But I haven't given up. I intend to get myself out of this corner one way or another. Stay tuned.

I don't know but I'm finding that getting a job these days is like finding a needle in a hay stack. I am finding out that not only do you have to have a degree to answer the phone but you have to almost know the president that runs the company and even then, if they are not willing to help you get your foot in the door you are at square one. I have found that companies are so worried about you having a "piece of paper" than life and work experience. I would hire someone who has work experience before I would someone with a degree. What does it prove....that the person will be in debt for the next 40 years trying to pay off college expenses with a receptionist job!!!!!

Scarlett said: Why is a college degree needed to be a secretary/receptionist/typist? What ever happened to life experience and good old fashioned common sense? I know the answer is that there is an overabundance of college degrees out there and, therefore, employees can now ask for degrees for the most menial jobs imaginable. When I got out of secretarial school, I taught myself, and was taught by some wonderful people on the job, pretty much all that I needed to know. I never got the sheepskin for financial and familial reasons and it now seems that I cannot compete anymore with all the freshly minted people coming out of colleges with BAs and above. How many employers really think that anyone with a BA is going to be content to be a secretary, or administrative assistant. Did they really lay out hundreds of thousands of dollars to be a glorified secretary? Will someone please explain to me why a degree is necessary to properly answer a phone, take accurate messages and compose and type correspondence. No, I certainly don’t know everything, but I love to read, and learn, and give me a day or two and I will be up to speed. Learning how to learn is just as important, if not more so, than where it was learned.