Are you considering a career as an executive assistant? Working as an administrative professional is very rewarding. These roles are vital to any company and come with a lot of responsibility. At times, these jobs can be stressful. But with the right training and skillset, you can thrive in this field.
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Let’s take a look at what an executive assistant is, and what it takes to become one.
An executive assistant (EA) is someone who assists a high-level executive. Ideally, the EA is a strategic partner for the executive they serve. They offer a direct support system to leadership, helping executives stay organized and keeping the day-to-day functions of the workplace running smoothly. The EA's administrative support is crucial to a company's operations, expansion, and success.
EAs can have different job titles; administrative assistants, personal assistants, and senior support specialists can all fall under this category. Regardless of the job title, the roles and responsibilities for these positions are often similar.
One of the main duties of an executive assistant is to manage the schedule and communications of key personnel within the company. The list of daily and weekly functions of an executive assistant is lengthy. Further, their duties often change depending on the time of year and what is happening within the company.
The general executive assistant job description will likely include the following duties and responsibilities:
Prioritizing emails and phone calls
Managing calendars
Preparing for meetings
Managing important documents
Taking meeting minutes and notes
Drafting interoffice memos and announcements
Coordinating travel arrangements
Data entry
Event planning
Project coordination
Managing the office personnel
Customer service
To succeed as an executive assistant, it is essential to have a working knowledge of the following software and programs:
DocuSign
Microsoft 365, including Excel
Google Suite
Zoom
QuickBooks
In addition to the above basic programs, you must learn and adapt to any specific software programs your specific company is using.
To get started as an entry-level executive assistant, you must have the right education and training. At the minimum, you will need to have a high school diploma. If you can obtain a bachelor’s degree and want to work in the administrative profession, work towards a degree in business administration.
Attaining a relevant certification specific to this profession, such as PACE, is also beneficial. Having a specialized certification will set you apart from the competition when applying for jobs.
Finally, get on-the-job experience. Education will only take you so far. Entry-level work experience as a receptionist, office assistant, or administrative assistant will help you prepare to advance your career and eventually become an EA.
We are proud to be the leading provider of education and training for executive assistants. Our training resources prepare admins for more advanced roles, ensuring success and growth in their careers.
If you haven’t already achieved your PACE, consider attaining this valuable certification. The Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) is one of the best ways to demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to support executives in today’s evolving business world.
Reach out to us today to see how we can help you get started on the EA career path. Whether you're just entering this field or looking to make a career switch from another admin position, we're here to support you.
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