How to Become an Executive Assistant
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.
What degree is most commonly held by an Executive Assistant ?
- Bachelors Degree in Public Relations
- Diploma of business Administration
- Bachelors of Health Care Administration/ Management
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelors Degree in Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Sociology
Career Transportability across Countries
Transportability: Low
What is the Salary of an Executive Assistant ?
Experience | Average salary | year | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
AU$ | UK£ | US$ | ||
Executive Assistant | 1-3 yrs | $45,000 | £26,100 | $41,366 |
Executive Assistant | 3-5 yrs | $60,000 | £32,500 | $50,098 |
Executive Assistant | 5-10 yrs | $80,000 | £42,500 | $61,000 |
What skills are needed to become an Executive Assistant ?
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office
- Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Time Management
- Event Planning
- Microsoft Word
- Leadership
- Event Management
- Project Management
- Social Media
- Office Administration
- Marketing
- Teamwork
- Communication
- PowerPoint
- Sales
- Diary Management
- Training
- Administrative Assistance
- Research
- Administration
- Executive Support
- Outlook
- Microsoft Outlook
Executive Assistant
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Need even more evidence about why you should learn on FutureLearn?
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Explore the fundamentals of contract management and learn about the contract management process in construction.Show course overview -
Management and Leadership: Well-being and Welfare at Work
Learn to support the development and well-being of the people you manage with this online course from The Open University and CMI.Show course overview -
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