Working as an executive assistant can be exciting, and it does not take much effort to actually reach this position. Most executive assistants start as administrative assistants, and then they work their way up to higher positions over time. Some students try to bypass that step by getting a college education. Either way, it is possible for just about anyone to learn how to become an executive assistant if he or she wants to. Here is a brief overview of that process so you can anticipate what may be in store for your future.
Benefits of Getting a College Degree
Since a college degree is not explicitly required to become an executive assistant, you may question whether or not to go to college for this career. There are several advantages that come along with having a college degree in executive assistance, including:
- Enhanced employment opportunities: University graduates tend to have more job opportunities than uneducated workers because of the skills and knowledge they possess. If you want to have immense flexibility in your field, you need to strongly consider getting a college education.
- Formal training: A college education will give you the training you need to truly succeed in this line of work. Without it, you will only have your employer to rely on for education. That may not be enough to advance your career later on.
- Higher salaries: Degree holders typically make more money than unskilled laborers because they are more sought after. Without a college degree, you may have to work as an administrative assistant for a while before finding a position as an executive assistant. That could cost you a great deal of money in the end.
- Impressive applications: Your future employers will be impressed to see that you have a college degree. This will instantly put you above the pack and hopefully secure the job you have been looking for.
- Advanced job skills: The extensive training you can get in your degree program will give you an advantage over other workers in your industry. The skills you will learn will allow you to be much more efficient at your work, and that will ultimately lead to better opportunities for your future.
Even if it is not necessary to get a college degree to work as an executive assistant, it is something that you should certainly keep in mind for the future. It may make a big impact on your career.
College Degrees for Executive Assistants
Most executive assistants get college degrees related to business. Common degrees include bachelor’s degrees in business administration, psychology, finance, accounting, office management, and medical assistance. If you want to specialize in a specific sector of executive assistance, you will need to take courses in your degree related to that concentration. That will allow you to understand the kinds of documents you may encounter in your work for the future. Some executive assistants only pursue an associate’s degree, which takes about two years to complete. If you want to maximize your job opportunities though, you should look into a full, four year bachelor’s degree.
To complete your degree program, you have the option to either go to school online or attend a traditional college campus. Online learning typically costs less than traditional learning, and it provides a more flexible schedule for executive assistant courses. Some of those courses may include:
- Public Administration
- Beginning Accounting
- Management
- Mathematics for Office Professionals
- Public Relations
- Stress and Time Management
- Filing Techniques
- Administrative Office Procedures
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Meeting Planning
- Travel Planning
- Records Management
- Technologies in the Workplace
- Resources and References
- Internet Basics
- Using Windows
- Keyboarding and Processing
- Office Finances
- Integrated Computer Applications
If you pursue an education online, you will be able to complete all of your school work at home. You do not have to worry about going to campus at a certain time to get to class. Some students thoroughly enjoy independent study programs online, but others may find them to be a bit overwhelming. If you think you learn well through distance learning, you may want to consider a business degree online. That degree will show you how to become an executive assistant. All you will need to do after that is graduate and start applying for work.
