How To Become An Executive Assistant With A Difference?

Answer 1

Requirements For The Job Of Executive Assistant

The definition of the title Executive Assistant changed radically over the last 30 years. Originally, this was known as an executive secretary. Thanks to a international group of professional secretaries, those working in this discipline realized salaries offered for these types of jobs were less than attractive. Over time, more education and training was required for secretarial positions with increased executive responsibilities. Today’s executive assistant in a corporate environment are often considered the third in rank from the president or general manager of a large corporate structure.

The Duties Of An Executive Assistant

It’s highly expedient for a person considering the position of executive assistant to have skills to produce technical reports, presentations and coordinating large business events like seminars and business expos. The executive assistant, where applicable, may also be responsible for travel arrangements nationally and internationally. Interface may occur with a wide range of departments in a corporation from personnel to accounting. Thus, the education level may include experience in basic accounting, technical writing, personnel and human resources management as well as management interface.

Where To Find The Best Educational Resources For An Executive Assistant Position

Most colleges offer courses in basic administrative subjects that complete a professional executive assistant’s educational background. This could include at least two years of bookkeeping or accounting, creative writing for sales and business correspondence, business law and office administration. The position of executive assistant could report to a single executive or a group of executives depending on the corporate structure in place. The expert executive assistant should be able to take charge whenever there is an absence of upper management as approved by immediate superiors to whom the executive assistant reports. The executive assistant often provides input for training, operations and safety manuals as well as overseeing initial interviews for new hires.

Salaries Of Executive Assistants

Depending upon locations of these positions, executive assistants with a full range of skills and experience can expect salaries of $40,000 to $60,000 annually. In areas such as New York City, executive assistant salaries begin as high as $80,000 annually which may also be true in the public sector.