Career Advice >> Browse Articles >> Job Profiles

Featured Career: Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant

Executive Assistants are a step up on the job ladder from Administrative Assistants. Like Administrative Assistants, they perform a variety of administrative and clerical duties necessary to run an organization efficiently. Executive Assistants, however, usually support a high ranking executive or will serve multiple managers. They will also aid in more advanced responsibilities, like researching, letter drafting, even marketing and sales assistance.

All administrative work takes a great deal of dedication, motivation and tact. It also calls for a comfort with technology and openness to training. When figuring out if becoming an Executive Assistant is the best fit for you, ask and answer the following questions:

• Can you keep close track of confidential information?

• Can you multitask with great accuracy and attention to detail?

• Does working with a team and supporting many people excite you?

• Do I enjoy changing gears on a moment’s notice?

Median Salary $42,383

Education Requirements

An Executive Assistant must have a high school degree or equivalent certification. More than ever, however, employers are demanding advanced degrees from all Executive Assistants. Two options are earning either your Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree. The most popular tracks are Office Skills or Business Administration, or a degree in a field applicable to the organization you are working in, such as Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, Marketing, etc.

Job Outlook

In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that there were 1,618,000 executive assistants and administrative assistants in the U.S. By 2016, this number is projected to grow by 15% or 239,000 jobs to 1,857,000 executive assistants. This is faster than the average for all jobs in the U.S., which means the opportunities in this area are plentiful.
For more info on admin jobs click here.