Career Profile of an Executive Personal Assistant
Job Descriptions January 2, 2013Top executives in firms rely on their personal assistant to perform administrative duties. Executive personal assistants are recruited by corporate businesses, and most of their tasks are done on a computer. Candidates who want to become an executive personal assistant, holding an associate degree will be helpful although it is not necessary.
Job Profile of an Executive Personal Assistant
Executives rely on executive assistants to ensure the smooth running of their company or organization. They typically perform clerical and administrative work. Their duties may involve a whole range of items including the preparation of statistical reports, creation of presentations, conducting of research, review of reports and memos, composing of correspondence, making of travel arrangements, and arrange meetings and conference calls. They have regular office duties to perform; for instance, they may operate office equipment, purchase supplies, answer phones, and organize and maintain files. Additional responsibilities include training and supervising other members of staff.
Prerequisites of an Executive Personal Assistant
Candidates who want to become an executive personal assistant, they do not need to carry a bachelor degree; many recruiters only insist on a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. However, they should be familiar with word processing, database, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and presentation software. Their efficient performance will depend on their familiarity with presentation software like spreadsheets, database, word processing and desktop publishing. They must have excellent grammar and typing skills. They can acquire these skills by enrolling into courses offered by community colleges and vocational schools. Typically, such programs in office administration take one to two years to complete. Great customer service and communication skills are essential to the successful performance of an executive personal assistant’s work. They need to be adept at taking initiative, exercising proper judgment and most importantly, they must have the ability to work independently.
Potential executive personal assistants should aim for a certification program conducted by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP); completion of the program will entitle them to the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation. To earn this designation, they are required to complete a four-part exam covering the topics of office technology, administration and management. Obtaining a certificate will enhance their career by giving them a greater professional position and increase their income potential.
