Executive Assistant

An executive assistant performs a variety of administrative duties in order to help a particular organization or company operate more smoothly. Some of these duties might include organizing paperwork, scheduling meetings, conducting research, and sharing information with relevant parties through email, postal mail, and telephone. In order to conduct these duties, an executive assistant must know how to use a variety of office equipment, including photocopiers, fax machines, scanners, and multi-line telephone systems.

The specific duties of an executive assistant may vary according to the type of organization for which he or she works. For instance, an executive assistant who works for a law firm will likely be called upon to prepare legal documents, while an executive assistant who works for a medical practice may need to transcribe diction or record medical histories.

The amount of money you make as an executive assistant will depend largely upon your experience and expertise as well as the type of organization for which you are working. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual income for executive assistants as $41,650 in 2009. Those who worked with with the postal service earned the most, with a median annual salary of $63,880. Those who worked for colleges and universities, on the other hand, earned the least with an annual median income of $43,090.

In order to become an executive assistant, you should earn an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in business or in a field related to the industry in which you wish to work. Although some companies will hire candidates without a college degree, most of the higher paying positions require one. This is particularly true of positions that involve working closely with top executives.

A good candidate for becoming an executive assistant is someone who has strong oral communication skills as well as excellent typing and organizational skills. It is also beneficial to be a good speller and have strong interpersonal skills. Those who are discreet, who can exercise good judgment and can multi-task in high-pressure situations are particularly well suited to this career.