Executive assistant job description
Where we source our data
Let's get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you're making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That's why we anonymously surveyed executive assistants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it's really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can't guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Tasks and responsibilities for an executive assistant
Each day as an executive assistant is different from the last. There are many responsibilities in this role, and they can vary depending on what kind of company you work for.
So, what does an executive assistant do? Executive assistant duties can include:
- Managing the executive's or teams calendar
- Making travel arrangements and planning events
- Booking meeting rooms, scheduling meetings and taking minutes
- Delegating tasks to other assistants
- Preparing reports, presentations or proposals
- Maintaining databases, filing systems and giving administrative support
- Dealing with confidential and sensitive documents
How to become an executive assistant
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Work experience
Donating your time to the local community can be a great way to get some administration and office experience. This will look great on your CV when it comes time to apply for an entry-level position.
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Study
Taking the time to study processes and skills in working in an office environment provides confidence in a role as an executive assistant. Courses like a Certificate III in Business BSB30120, a Certificate IV in Business BSB40120, or a Diploma of Business BSB50120 cover the essential skills and knowledge — and put you ahead of the rest in a job application process.
Pathway options
The skills an executive assistant needs to perfect the job effectively and the skills strengthened and honed over time in the job as transferable to many other roles. You could even be qualified for more senior positions in a company.
Where a job as an executive assistant could take you:
Junior
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Office assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Business (BSB30120)
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Administrative assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Business (BSB30120)
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Executive assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Business (BSB30120)
Mid
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Office manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420)
Senior
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Business manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120)
Explore related qualifications
An accredited course provided by TAFE or an RTO (registered training organisation) is an excellent way to strengthen your new career as an executive assistant. You can gain executive assistant training through a few different qualifications.
Certificate III in Business - BSB30120
This course covers a range of business administration skills and reflects the role of people in jobs such as administrative officers, executive assistants and clerical staff.
Some of the subjects covered in this course are focused on workplace health and safety, creating documents and presentations and working effectively in a team environment.
The average duration for the course is one year and can be studied full or part-time. It can be completed online or in class and may be eligible for course payment subsidies.
2 providers offer this course
Certificate IV in Business - BSB40120
This course covers a basic and more comprehensive range of skills needed to be an executive assistant, such as critical thinking, communication strategies and human resources. Individuals who complete this qualification may have a supervisory role and be accountable for various performances.
This course usually takes around a year, but it can be completed faster if you take it full time. You can study online or in the classroom, and payment concessions may be available for eligible students.
8 providers offer this course
Diploma of Business - BSB50120
This course covers fundamental and complex skills in various business services job roles. Learn about business operations, human resources, marketing, management, and leading and communicating effectively.
This qualification is excellent for students who would like to advance their career path into team leadership and management roles and can be a pathway into major Australian universities.
The average duration for this diploma is a year. It can be taken part or full-time and is available for online learning with some providers.
4 providers offer this course
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