Executive Assistants are required to help corporate executives in a company. They perform different types of tasks including screening incoming correspondence, handling office functions, proofing letters, preparing reports, managing budgets, among other duties. These assistants are also responsible for scheduling executive’s appointments, such as travel arrangements and meeting times. They also supervise other staff members including secretaries and receptionists.

An Executive Assistant usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Handling paperwork.
• Conducting researches.
• Making arrangements related to travels.
• Supervising lower level staff.
• Managing executive’s calendar.

• Being disciplined.
• Having multitasking abilities.
• Being able to work alone or with a team.
• Being proactive.
• Having good written and verbal communication skills.
• Being efficient and organized.
• Having management skills.
• Having interpersonal skills.
• Being polite.
• Having excellent decision making skills.

People who want to work as an Executive Assistant need to have an Associate’s Degree related to this area and office experience as general requirements. Some candidates start as administrative assistants or secretaries in order to gain suitable experience and knowledge to move to higher positions. Other recommended award for this area is a diploma from a secretarial school or an executive assistant certificate. This last award is offered by community colleges and business schools and requires twelve months for its completion.

Workers on this area can obtain certification for proficiency in office skills. They can also gain the designation of Certified Administrative Professional or the Certified Professional Secretary offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals. These certifications require two and four years of work experience respectively.