A position as an administrative assistant can be an excellent stepping-stone towards an executive assistant job. However, in many cases, it’s up to you to prepare yourself for the career change. How can you get ready to move up the ladder?
Show Initiative. In a fast-paced business environment, executives need assistants who can work independently and take the lead in solving problems. In fact, executive assistants often answer communications, address issues, or make decisions on their boss's behalf. Start demonstrating your initiative by taking a proactive role at your administrative job, and look for creative ways to go above and beyond in any task you were assigned to complete. If you see something isn't functioning smoothly in your department, suggest ways to improve it and implement those changes.
Seek Responsibility. Executive assistants are critical members of the executive team, and are often asked to perform important, high-level tasks. In your current position, don’t shy away from responsibility. As you become comfortable with a task, gradually take on more accountability for its completion. Find ways that you can take responsibilities off your boss’s plate, and contribute to the organization on a higher level. When a new project begins, take a central role in its development and suggest ways that you can contribute to the process.
Strengthen your Skill Set. The more skills you can bring to an organization, the more of an asset you will be. There are numerous certification and training courses aimed at office administrators, which can improve your organizational and management skills, while simultaneously serving as a valuable networking tool, helping you make contacts in the industry. You can also consider taking an online course to enhance your computer skills.
Be Reliable. Reliability is essential to administrative assistants, as well as successful executive assistants. Lay the groundwork for a high-level job by establishing good habits at your current position: always be on time, be organized and up-to-date, and always be consistent and professional.
