Job Description of an Executive Assistant
Executive assistants offer high-level office support to business executives and managers. Executive assistants take on far more responsibilities than entry-level secretaries. Supervising and training lower level staff, conducting research, preparing important reports and arranging travel are a few of the essential business tasks executive assistants perform. Successful executive assistants exhibit great customer service skills, manage deadlines well, maintain a professional appearance and pay close attention to details.
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Education
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Unlike entry-level secretary jobs, it is recommended that candidates looking to fill executive assistant positions complete some higher education classes. Nearly half of the executive assistants working in 2008 completed some college coursework, according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Another 18 percent had acquired bachelor's degrees.
Certification Programs
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Several organizations offer professional certifications for executive assistants. They include the National Association of Legal Secretaries, the International Virtual Assistants Association and many others. Certification policies vary from organization to organization; however, most require candidates to pass a written exam and complete several years of professional experience.
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Job Outlook
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According to the BLS, in 2008 there were approximately 1,600,000 workers employed as executive assistants. Compared to other industries, this career path is experiencing average job growth. The BLS projects 400,000 executive assistant positions will be created between 2008 and 2018.
Work Conditions and Occupational Hazards
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Most executive assistants work in well-lit, temperature-controlled office buildings away from extreme weather conditions and noisy environments. A few work from home as virtual assistants. These individuals are self-employed and use faxes, phones and computers to supply office support. Weekend and holiday work is not unheard of, but it's rare. The majority of full-time executive assistants work traditional business hours.
Although not a physical job, prolonged hours in front of the computer screen typing can result in physical ailments. Repetitive motion conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain and headaches are common concerns.
Earnings
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The average hourly wage for executive secretaries in 2008 was $20.35. Workers took home $42,340 annually. Wages vary by industry, experience and location. The lowest 10 percent of earners took home $13 an hour while the top 10 percent of earners were paid nearly $30 an hour. Executive assistants working in the securities and commodity exchange, sound recording industries and tobacco manufacturing have the most earning potential. In 2008 executive assistants working in these industries took home more than $26 an hour on average.
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References
- Photo Credit secretary image by DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com
