An executive assistant plays a very crucial role in helping top-level executives carry out their duties properly. The primary requirement is to have the best communication skills…
A majority of jobs in business require the candidate to have administrative skills. One of the most prominent jobs is that of an executive assistant. It is a top level clerical job with increased responsibilities and serious tasks.
This is a person responsible for assisting executives working at the top level management of a company. He works for executive professionals such as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Directors, General Managers, or Chairmen. He needs to be quite precise in whatever he does, as his duties may have an impact on the decisions of management executives.
How to Become an Executive Assistant
The most significant requirement for becoming an executive assistant is to possess good verbal and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills. Another important requirement is to have administrative and management skills to perform everyday duties.
When it comes to education, a bachelor’s degree is a standard requirement. However, some employers may select those possessing an associate’s degree. But note that this again depends on the employer. It is a plus point if the degree is in the field which the company specializes in. Computer skills are also required to be obtained, as it is a main requirement nowadays.
The next step in this career is to get a certificate in executive management and administration. Entities such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), have trainings to excel in the field. Good certifications are the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). These trainings help you acquire skills in areas such as office communication, records management, interpersonal skills, public speaking, accounting, business writing, project management and research, business law and codes, etc.
If you want to increase your job prospects, you can choose to take a master’s degree in administration. Once you have received essential certifications and educational degrees, you need to search for work experience. There are some diplomas in the field which may include a certain amount of work experience. You can start out with working in a small company, be it from any industry such as business, finance, banking, real estate, health care, and others. In order to excel in this career, you need to keep yourself updated with the latest software and management methodologies.
Job Description
An executive assistant is responsible for maintaining a schedule of appointments and meetings the executive has to attend. He answers calls and handles emails on behalf of the executive, due to a tight schedule of top management professionals. He coordinates with the administrative department to arrange transport for the executive. He also has to look after the executive’s travel plans.
He keeps a record of all tasks, so as to retrieve the data back when required. He has to help the executive in determining what all tasks are urgent, and what can be kept at low priority. He is kind of a working arm of the executive, he is carrying out the duties for. In large multinationals, every member of the higher management is assigned an executive assistant for daily tasks. The job description may even include overseeing work done by administrative assistants of the organization.
Salary Range
| Years of Experience | Median Salary Scale |
| 0 to One Year | $29,000 – $40,000 |
| One to Four Years | $33,000 – $46,000 |
| Five to Nine Years | $38,500 – $53,000 |
| 10 to 19 Years | $41,500 – $58,500 |
| Over 20 Years | $43,000 – $61,000 |
| State of Employment | Median Salary Scale |
| New York | $41,000 – $62,500 |
| California | $41,500 – $61,500 |
| Texas | $36,500 – $52,000 |
| Georgia | $38,000 – $51,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,500 – $52,000 |
| City of Employment | Median Salary Scale |
| New York City | $43,500 – $64,500 |
| Houston | $38,000 – $53,500 |
| Atlanta | $39,500 – $53,000 |
| Chicago | $41,000 – $57,000 |
| Los Angeles | $38,000 – $56,500 |
Becoming an executive assistant is just a matter of being good at managing complex things in a proper manner and in due time. Nowadays, computer knowledge has also become a universal requirement for all jobs in the business industry.