Being an administrative professional is more than simply another day at the office. When you understand how to become an executive assistant, a morning salute to the boss is only the tip of the iceberg. Managers and senior management often have busy schedules. They don’t have the time to take phone calls, organize meetings, write messages, or drill reports. If a trade in this fast-paced yet rewarding field stakes you, read on to find out what it takes to land your first managerial job. How to Become Executive Assistant.
What Is an Executive Assistant?
An executive assistant (also called an executive administrative assistant) is an administrative professional similar to a secretary. The difference is that an executive assistant takes on more advanced administrative duties to assist a company’s executive or senior management and has greater decision-making abilities within a company or agency. In short, they make the jobs of executives much easier.
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Typical Duties of an Executive Assistant
While responsibilities differ depending on the specific needs of a company, department or executive, you can expect to perform these kinds of activities:
How to Become an Executive Assistant?
You don’t necessarily need a college degree or credential to become an executive associate. But becoming an executive associate is a highly competitive field. Prior managerial assistant experience, an internship, a college degree, or a credential will put you ahead of the competition. In reserve to college education and prior experience, employers look for prospects with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, interpersonal skills etc.
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Executive Assistant Education
Many executive associates have an associate degree, but some companies prefer to hire prospects with a bachelor’s degree. Tons of accredited colleges offer executive assistant courses covering:
Executive Assistant Certification
Executive subordinate certification is general from many accredited colleges and professional organizations. For example, you can obtain the Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant (ACEA) by attending a five-day, in-person training course or completing the studies remotely. The program concentrates on strategic review, corporate goals, management, leadership, problem-solving, and other essential skills.
The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) offers basic, medium, and premium levels of certification for administrative professionals, including executive subordinates. The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation is planned for college students or graduates with at least an associate degree who want the experience they require to maximize their hiring opportunities.
What Executive Assistant Salary Can you Expect?
With advancing levels of responsibility come rising salaries. According to the latest Robert Half Salary Guide, the midpoint starting salary (or median national) for an executive assistant in Canada is $70,500. In an industry where talent contest is moderate, an organizational assistant can expect a salary of $52,250 at the midpoint, the level at which candidates have average experience with the essential skills to meet the job conditions.
An administrative assistant salary can rise even higher at the senior organizational associate level, and you can find that projection in the Salary Guide. The commitments are similar, but a senior executive assistant supports the most senior managers, particularly in large companies, and is wished to have specific industriousness expertise.
In-Demand Skills for Executive Assistants
Verbal and written communication skills
A large part of the job involves speaking with employees and stakeholders at all levels, from shareholders to mailroom employees, and clients to top executives. Executive assistants also need to write memos and letters, and prepare reports and information for distribution. Whatever the means of communication, the ability to be clear and concise is frequently at the top of an employer’s checklist when hiring for this role.
Strong technical know-how
An executive assistant’s computer proficiency must extend beyond spreadsheet management and word processing. Executive assistants often use their computer-based skills to maintain company records, set up filing systems or digitally manage daily operations.
Versatility and flexibility
The responsibilities of executive assistants vary greatly and are rarely the same each day. They must be resourceful and adaptable enough to handle tasks ranging from the mundane to the more complex on a daily basis. From screening calls to organizing documents for a board meeting, a first-rate executive assistant must be prepared to help out in areas like corporate responsibility, budgeting, hiring and social media.
