Executive Assistant Jobs
What Do Executive Assistants Do?
An executive assistant’s primary duty is to ensure that an executive’s office and schedule run smoothly. They work closely with their employer to streamline their operations. This entails handling data, organizing schedules or meetings, and managing clients.
Executive assistants must handle communication, meetings, and program allocation. This can include calling ahead to schedule meetings and organizing conference room booking details.
The role also entails handling communications between their employer and their colleagues or subordinates. This may require the assistant to work with other executive assistants to streamline plans or communications. In addition, it helps remove the planning and communication workload for the executive’s hands.
The executive assistant may be required to organize and present data directed to managers. Commonly, the employer will create a rough draft which the assistant will organize and prepare a final copy for presentation.
Executive assistants may also procure and produce any presentations or reports. This crucial task helps keep the executive ready for departmental or corporate meetings. In addition, the assistant may have to prepare the presentation materials from scratch or a draft. So, they’ll require business organization and computer skills.
A large part of being an executive director is organizing files and data for the executive. So, they may have to devise, handle, and improve an internal database. This database can either be physical (files) or electronic (computer). By creating an orderly database, the executive will find it easier to access files, data, or other essential pieces of information.
Executives attend a lot of meetings in a day. During those meetings, the executive assistant may be required to write minutes and any dictations on behalf of their employer. Great listening, writing, or typing skills are essential to succeed in this aspect of the job.
Besides, the assistant will have to help their employer with office tasks such as document printing and email editing. Essentially, this is a large part of the job because most executives have a large paper trail and communication requirements. Therefore, the executive assistant may be required to handle such tasks for their employer.
When dealing with top-level executives of a large organization, the executive assistant may draft and type speeches or memos. Typically, the executive will create a rough draft and give it to the assistant for thought organization and preparation. Then, the assistant will need to prepare a final copy for company use.
Another task expected of assistants involves organizing and answering phone calls. They will be needed to handle small details and only forward important calls to their employer. Again, this helps their employer focus only on the important stuff.
Also, assistants help welcome visitors and identify their reasons for visiting. They also manage appointment scheduling and directing meetings between their employer and the visitors. This helps keep the executive’s daily schedule organized.
Executives tend to travel a lot for business purposes. Therefore, an executive assistant must plan travel preparations and handle all itineraries. This entails planning transportation, reserving flights and accommodations, and scheduling activities.
Where Do People in Executive Assistant Work?
Executive Assistants can work in various workplaces, especially with an administrative hierarchy. Therefore, there are many places where you can get an executive assistant position. Some include governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, large private companies, schools, law firms, and social organizations.
What Degree Required to Become an Executive Assistant?
There is no specific degree requirement to become an executive assistant. Instead, you need a high-school diploma plus basic organization and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication and computer skills are a must.
However, a business administration degree might help you become a better executive Assistant. Besides, you could also have a degree related to the company’s line of business.
Some other programs and courses can help you jump-start your career as an executive assistant. They are geared towards equipping you with basic business organization skills. These courses include human resource management, information management, operations management, finance, and accounting. Also, you can enroll in computer and communication skills courses to equip yourself with the necessary expertise.
How Much Money Does an Executive Assistant Earn?
Executive assistant jobs are great because they offer competitive salaries. Typically, executive assistants make an average of $63,110 annually. However, that figure varies depending on the company size, business field, and scope of work. In big organizations, executive assistants earn as much as twice that amount.
Executive Assistant Job Requirements
Training for the executive assistant job mainly happens in the workplace. It is up to the assistant to be open-minded and willing to learn. The job requires commitment and willingness to work hard, especially under pressure and deadlines.
But several certifications help executive assistants get started. Some include IPMA-CP Professional Human Resource Certification and the Advanced Certification for the Executive Assistant (ACEA). These certifications come in handy when hunting for a job. They help a candidate stand out from a pool of applicants. Besides, they are resourceful in building a long successful career.
Executive Assistant Career Path
There are always opportunities for career advancement available for hardworking people. So, committed and hardworking executive assistants have the opportunity to progress. They can move up to work for top-level executives or celebrities. This means more pay and exposure to better career opportunities with larger organizations. On a long-term scope, executive assistants can become business analysts, human resource consultants, event organizers, and public relations specialists.
Latest Executive Assistant Jobs Listings
| Position | Company | Location | Posted |
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| Executive Coordinator | Freedom Together Foundation | New York, New York US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Executive Assistant | American Registry of Radiologic Technologists | St Paul, Minnesota US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Division of Parole & Probation Executive Assistant Director | Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services | Baltimore, Maryland US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Senior Executive Assistant | State Voices | Washington, Dist. Columbia US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Executive Assistant - Financial Services | Capital One | Plano, Texas US | 12/20/2024 |
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| BusinessAssistant,Payments-Pakistan | JPMorgan Chase | Pakistan, PK | 12/20/2024 |
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| Sr Executive Assistant | Blue Cross Blue Shield | Randolph,Chicago, Illinois US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Senior Executive Assistant | Mastercard | O'fallon, Missouri US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Senior Executive Assistant | Mastercard | Tampa, Florida US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Executive Assistant | Ultimate Staffing | Baltimore, Maryland US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Executive Assistant | Zurn Elkay (Elkay Manufacturing) | Milwaukee, Wisconsin US | 12/20/2024 |
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| Executive Assistant | Hearst Television | Albuquerque, New Mexico US | 12/20/2024 |
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