Differences between Assistants
To understand the requirements for becoming the assistant to someone earning a six-figure salary, you first need to understand the differences between the various positions. Let’s start by looking at the role of the administrative assistant.
Most executives would not be able to function without this member of their support staff. He or she is going to be in charge of handling schedules, making and taking phone calls, preparing written communication, and more. While many of the responsibilities involved would be classified as either clerical or secretarial, administrative assistants play a very professional role in the office. Since they are sometimes the first people to greet clients, administrative assistants must always be aware of the first impression they are making on others.
While the administrative assistant is most likely to be found in the office, the executive assistant could be anywhere. These individuals are basically charged with picking up the slack the executive can’t because of other commitments. For example, if the executive must make a decision about a merger, the executive assistant may be required to do research and compile a report to help the executive make an informed decision or to explain the decision to the board of directors. Of all assistants, these are the newest and are mostly a result of the increasing demands on executives.
Finally, personal assistants are a different breed altogether. While they may do some of the tasks associated with the administrative and executive assistants, their real job is to be at the beck and call of the executive. Does he need coffee? Does she need a gift for her anniversary? Does she need to hire a caterer for a get together for clients? Does he need someone to pick up his dry cleaning? These are the types of tasks most often assigned to personal assistants.
Requirements of Each Position
As one might expect, an administrative assistant is going to need a strong clerical background. In some cases, assistants may have worked their way up from being a receptionist or other entry-level secretary. Others complete training in the field and become certified administrative assistants so they can be hired in at a higher level automatically. Good oral and written communication skills are a must, but so are good manners and etiquette. The ability to present oneself in a professional manner at all times is just as critical as computer skills.
The executive assistant should have some of the same skills but also needs a strong background in the area that the company is a part of. For example, if he or she is working for a banking executive, then he or she needs to understand the banking industry. Most of these assistants do need at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related area. In some cases, this can be an entry-level position for someone with a strong background in the field, some experience (perhaps an internship), and a desire to move up the career ladder.
With a personal assistant, important skills are being able to take directions and remain calm, even when being berated by the boss for bringing the wrong coffee or being late with lunch. A high school diploma is usually necessary and some college is a good idea. Being able to drive is obviously going to be a plus.
Benefits of Each Position
One of the main benefits for any position is the salary, but there can be others as well. For administrative assistants who work for upper management, the pay is going to be higher than normal. On average, these positions pay over $41,000 per year, with some earning over $56,000. Those numbers are compared to the average of $27,000 for other types of secretaries.
Executive assistants are in a wonderful position. For one, they can learn hands-on about how to be an executive while also networking and demonstrating their capabilities. These positions are an excellent way to work one’s way up the executive ladder, especially if you excel at what you do. The pay is also quite good. On average, most executive assistants earn $44,000 to $81,000, depending on how much work is required, how much education and experience they bring to the position, and the role of their executive.
Personal assistants can also try to turn their positions into a way to get further in their career. The pay is usually around $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
