Executive assistants provide direct administrative support for the leadership of businesses or organizations. The amount of training needed for a position in this field depends on the level of management receiving the assistance. However, certain standards do exist for becoming an executive assistant.
General Skills of an Executive Assistant
While the stenographic skills frequently associated with the secretarial profession are not completely obsolete, these days a firm grasp of common computer applications is much more important. Aspiring executive assistants must show proficiency in the word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation software and e-communication.
Depending on the specific position, additional proficiencies may be necessary. For example, executive assistants in human resource management may help with staff development and business law adherence, while those in event planning may be tasked to manage budgets and coordinate meetings. Executive assistants working in inventory control may need to procure equipment and keep records. Finally, assistants in the project management field may handle research and public relations.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutExecutiveAssistants">Important Facts About Executive Assistants</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td><b>Work Environment</b></td><td>Office or home (as a virtual assistant)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Optional, but could help you stand out to employers</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2023)</b></td><td>$60,661*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</b></td><td> -20% (<i>for all executive assistants and executive administrative assistants</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *Payscale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---ExecutiveAssistantTraining">Executive Assistant Training</h3><p>You may begin to acquire the above skills in one of the office administration programs offered by community colleges, business schools or vocational institutes. These 1- or 2-year curricula may be enough to start a career in an administrative setting. Generally, though, more training is necessary before an individual is handed the responsibilities of supporting a decision-making executive.
</p><h3 id="section---EducationRequirementsForEmploymentAsAnExecutiveAssistant">Education Requirements for Employment as an Executive Assistant</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers seeking executive assistants often demand a bachelor's degree. A study of business administration may be beneficial. Positions dealing with high levels of management may require an advanced degree.
</p><h3 id="section---SpecializedExecutiveAssistantPositions">Specialized Executive Assistant Positions</h3><p>Specialized work environments may require more focused training. For instance, executive assistants in the medical field may need familiarity with medical terminology and medical insurance practices. For positions with law firms, you'll need to know legal office procedures and the accepted methods of processing legal information.
</p><h3 id="section---ExecutiveAssistantExperience">Executive Assistant Experience</h3><p>Experience requirements vary widely, but some employers prefer ten or more years of experience in a related work environment. At the very least, someone seeking an executive assistant position must have a well-documented record of teamwork and competence.</p>
