There’s never really a typical day. There’s no telling what kind of tasks I might be expected to manage on a given day. Over all, I am responsible for making sure my executive is working at their most optimal level and has everything they need to be fully efficient.
CAREER
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$62,060
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
-20.2% (decline)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants Do
Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
Other Job Titles Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants May Have
Administrative Assistant, Administrative Secretary, Executive Assistant, Executive Secretary
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
A great day starts with just a few follow up emails to act on in the morning - most emails sent to the Executive will require an action to be taken! It then depends on the day...if you have a meeting, you have to anticipate everything you will need. If you have interviews, you have to make sure everything is ready for them. If you receive a customer complaint, you have to handle it with grace and composure - it's tough!
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Manage and maintain executives' schedules.
- Make travel arrangements for executives.
- Prepare invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements, and other documents, using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software.
- Coordinate and direct office services, such as records, departmental finances, budget preparation, personnel issues, and housekeeping, to aid executives.
- Answer phone calls and direct calls to appropriate parties or take messages.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Associate's degree (34%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Project Management
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Banking and Financial Support Services
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Problem solving, multitasking, and time management skills are essential.
You MUST be good with all different types of people and personalities. If you want to succeed in this line of work - or in most - you have to be able to mold to many differing situations/personality types. I'm not saying change who you are, I'm saying you must be able to assess a situation and act accordingly!
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Executive Assistant
Anticipate deadlines and meet them on a regular basis. Time management. Prioritizing what is due when and meeting or beating those deadlines. English skills - both written and verbal (if you cannot communicate you will fail at any career). The genuine enjoyment of helping others is essential to being a successful assistant (and human being).
Get your High School Diploma.
Consider your long-term goals and make a plan. Do not become stuck in something that seems comfortable if you are unhappy.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
