what is an executive assistant?

Executive assistants fill clerical roles within their organisation, assisting high-level employees in executing their duties. You work closely with the executive (or executives) you work for. You ensure that their tasks are made easier by taking some of the more routine parts of their job off their plate. These tasks are largely administrative in nature.

You get to know the executives you work with, learning their personal preferences so that you can effectively anticipate their needs and form a tight-knit team. Your work allows your executives to focus on their core responsibilities rather than handling day-to-day management tasks that can more efficiently be delegated.

Although you work for your executive in a subordinate role, you are also a source of advice. Part of your role involves filtering information to your executive, ensuring they are not inundated with things that don't require immediate attention. That makes your insights valuable when dealing with important issues, as you may have a fuller picture to base them on. You also have a degree of familiarity with your executive's personal life insofar as it is relevant to your role.

Would working as an executive assistant suit your skills and interests? Are you looking for valuable experience as you move up the career ladder? Keep reading to find out what qualifications and competencies you need for this role.

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average salary of an executive assistant

The average salary for an executive assistant in India is approximately ₹307,200 per year. At entry-level, the average salary is around ₹154,000. Meanwhile, at the higher end of the spectrum, the most qualified and experienced executive assistants earn as much as ₹800,000.

factors that affect an executive assistant's pay

The most important factor in how much you earn as an executive assistant is your experience in the role. More experienced executive assistants, especially those who have worked for the same organisation for some time, tend to command higher salaries. Your performance will help in your efforts to improve your salary.

Another factor is the geographical region in which your organisation is based. While there is no direct correlation between this role and any particular locations, some regions—particularly cities—have higher salaries on average.

executive assistant roles
executive assistant roles
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types of executive assistant

There is only one type of executive assistant since the role is essentially divorced from what the organisation does. It will help immensely to understand your employer's business, of course, but the bulk of your responsibilities are the same regardless of the industry you are working in. The main differences in your role are influenced by the type of executive you assist. For instance, the role of an assistant executive to the company's chief executive officer will involve different tasks and a higher level of responsibility than being the executive assistant to a production manager.

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working as an executive assistant

As an executive assistant, flexibility and comprehensive organisational skills enable you to keep up with the demands of the job. Read on for more information about the roles and responsibilities of a typical executive assistant.

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education and skills

Some of the academic qualifications for executive assistants include:

  • high school leaving certificate: while it is not a recommended path to take for a career as an executive assistant, it is possible to get an entry-level job and work your way up. This is a lengthy process with a lot of variables.
  • degree: getting a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject matter, such as business administration or business management, will greatly improve your chances of getting hired and enhance your starting salary when you get a job.

skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of an executive assistant include:

  • communication skills: during the course of your work, you interact with clients, colleagues, and executives. Strong communication skills ensure that you can deal effectively with a wide variety of people.
  • good time management: in this role, you are responsible for your own time and much of your executive's time. Having excellent time management skills makes this part of the job much easier.
  • multitasking abilities: sometimes, you need to be able to keep your mind on more than one thing at once, particularly if you are working for more than one executive.
  • reliability: your executives need to rely on you to perform the tasks at hand. If your executive has to start checking that you have organised their schedule correctly, it defeats the purpose of your role.
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FAQs about working as an executive assistant

FAQs about working as an executive assistant:

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