How to Become an Executive Assistant
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Executive Assistant
What does an Executive Assistant do?
AN Executive Assistant provides multi-faceted administrative support and assistance to ensure effective use of an executive's time and productive interactions with staff and the public. Handles a wide range of administrative and support tasks and independently initiates and implements processes to manage projects, information, and people. Being an Executive Assistant manages the executive's schedule, meeting preparations, follow-up tasks, and complex travel arrangements. Conducts research and information gathering on behalf of the executive and prepares summaries and reports. Additionally, Executive Assistant develops positive and strategic relationships at all levels of the organization. Uses discretion, judgment, and knowledge of the organization to facilitate the executive's activities and maintain confidentiality. May be responsible for directing and deploying support staff or other resources. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to c-suite executive. The Executive Assistant work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be an Executive Assistant typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
Like secretaries or personal assistants, they conduct clerical work.
They may not always be at the front-and-center of an organization, but an Executive Assistant is the unsung hero and Chief Efficiency Creator of any team.
With all that needs to be done in a single day, Executive Assistants ensure that executives have the time and bandwidth to do what only they can do, and delegate the rest appropriately.
However, executive assistants have additional responsibilities and higher levels of tasks to perform that can have an effect on the success or profitability of a business.
Successful Executive Assistants are reliable, responsive self-starters.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Executive Assistant
Best tips for those who want to become an Executive Assistant
Here are some tips to become an Executive Assistant.
Ask for more responsibilities and track your progress.
Ask for more responsibilities and track your progress.
Prepare a water-tight business case for your raise or promotion.
Prepare a water-tight business case for your raise or promotion.
Valuate the time you save your executive.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Executive Assistant
Best colleges and universities for Executive Assistant
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Executive Assistant
Is being an Executive Assistant Worth it?
Hearst Lifestyle Group is seeking an Executive Assistant to the Editorial Director.
Have the opportunity to work for and support our brands and provide office or executive support to help maximize the efficiencies of our business.
Progressive thinker with tremendous interpersonal communication and a proven history as a trusted consultant, liaison, and assistant with a commitment to integrity, quality and performance excellence.
General Administrative Support Open & distribute mail, keep track of all office deliveries See to tasks of additional members of executive team as needed Manage all incoming calls to main phone line, including new client inquiries Liaise with building personnel on a regular basis and be a point person for building/maintenance related issues.
To find out more about or apply to this Travel and Lifestyle Services Executive Assistant job—and other great opportunities like it—become a FlexJobs member today.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Executive Assistant
What skills do you need to be an Executive Assistant?
Every role has basic skill requirements for success, from supporting level roles to management roles. These skills will be utilized daily within this role: Business Communications, Call Screening, Desktop Publishing, Document Management, Document Processing, Drafting Correspondence, Inquiry Research/Response, Meeting Minutes, Meeting Scheduling and Logistics, Office Management, Project Planning, Reception and Gatekeeping, Records Management. They may seem basic, but some of the more fundamental skills required for this role include: Document Creation Software, Email Software, General Office Software, General Data Analysis Software. When applying for this job, it is important to consider these skills, as well as any others you feel would be necessary to succeed.
The Top Five Characteristics to Being a Good Executive Assistant.
When working for larger companies, however, one might need multiple years of experience as an executive assistant to be considered for the position.
In addition, executive assistants may need knowledge in the field which they plan to work in.
Communication skills are the most important quality for an executive assistant.
For example, if they are planning on being an executive assistant in a legal environment, they must be familiar with legal terminology and procedures.
Step 6: View average salary for Executive Assistant
How much does an Executive Assistant make?
The average salary range for an Executive Assistant is from $79,028 to $100,566. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Executive Assistant jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Executive Assistant jobs, and apply.
Looking for Executive Assistant jobs?
Here are some Executive Assistant jobs in the United States.