How to Become an Executive Assistant

An executive assistant supports the executive of a company, by undertaking admin duties and representing them at meetings. Executive assistants essentially organise the executive’s working life by filling out their timetable and advising them where and when to attend appointments.

An executive assistant works for the executive of a company. They essentially organise their day for them; arranging appointments, answering emails and representing them. 

The duties of an executive assistant include: 

• Making phone calls and writing emails for the executive. 
• Arranging appointments, events, and meetings. 
• Working out travel arrangements for the executive. 
• Creating thorough reports in regards to the executive’s work.
• Occasionally, attending meetings as a representative of the executive. 
• Assuming a managerial role for junior assistants. 

 There are no particular qualifications that are necessary to become an executive assistant, but general knowledge about business administration is beneficial. Candidates could demonstrate this through a secondary qualification in business, or a college diploma in business administration. They should also train in IT, perhaps taking a course in office-based IT skills.

 Candidates can gain experience through temporary or permanent junior office roles. Most candidates will enter the field as a personal assistant for another professional, or an executive assistant’s assistant. This role is generally found in larger firms. They will then progress up the career ladder as they learn more skills.

 As well as hard skills such as IT proficiency and admin knowledge, candidates will be required to demonstrate various soft skills. Trustworthiness is a crucial soft skill for executive assistants, as they will have access to sensitive data and information about the executive. The executive must be able to trust them. 

Executive assistants should also be experts at time management. They will often have multiple tasks to complete and must be able to prioritise specific tasks. They will also need to be able to delegate tasks to people in junior positions.

An executive assistant can expect to work traditional office hours, with some overtime potentially needed during events and particularly busy times.