The role of an executive assistant is often underestimated, with many outsiders viewing it as just a “support” position. But ask any seasoned professional, and they’ll tell you: it’s much more than that. There are many benefits of being an executive assistant—both professionally and personally—that can help shape a fulfilling and successful career. If you’re thinking of making the leap, let’s explore the numerous advantages.
The Benefits of Being an Executive Assistant
Variety: Every Day Is Different
One of the best parts of being an executive assistant is the sheer variety that comes with the role. From managing schedules to organizing events, handling communications, and supporting high-level decision-making, no two days are the same. The fast-paced nature of the job keeps things interesting. You get to switch between different tasks and challenges, which keeps you on your toes and ensures that you’ll never get bored.
Each day presents new learning opportunities and experiences, making it a great career for someone who enjoys variety and problem-solving. Embrace the unpredictable nature of the role—it’s the key to keeping you engaged and constantly growing.
Developing Highly Transferable Skills
As an EA, you’ll develop a broad range of highly transferable skills that can be used across industries and job roles. You’ll gain proficiency in project management, communication, negotiation, time management, and conflict resolution. These skills are highly valued in any professional setting.
The versatility of the skills you develop means you have room to move. Whether you decide to continue climbing the executive assistant ladder, transition into operations, or shift into a completely different role, the skillset you build as an EA is highly marketable.
Being in the Room Where It Happens
As an executive assistant, you’re often working directly with the leadership team, executives, and high-level stakeholders. This gives you a unique vantage point to see how key decisions are made, how businesses operate at the top level, and how important relationships are managed.
Working closely with decision-makers exposes you to important projects and confidential information, providing valuable insights into the strategic direction of the company. This exposure can help you develop a deep understanding of the business world and provide networking opportunities that can propel your career forward.
Making a Direct Impact
As an executive assistant, you’ll play a key role in the success of your executive and, by extension, the entire organization. Your ability to streamline operations, manage schedules, and ensure things run smoothly has a direct impact on the productivity and success of your executive team. The work you do every day helps executives focus on what they do best, making you a crucial part of the company’s success.
For many, the sense of making a direct and tangible impact on the organization’s success is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Be proactive in identifying areas where you can add value. EAs who constantly look for opportunities to improve efficiency or eliminate bottlenecks are seen as indispensable team members.
Building Strong Relationships and Networking
As an executive assistant, you’ll work with a wide variety of people. These interactions allow you to build a diverse professional network and strengthen your relationship-building skills. You’ll develop connections that could last for years, and those relationships can help you advance your career, land new opportunities, or gain insights into how to succeed in different areas of business.
Treat every interaction as a potential networking opportunity. A large part of your role will be interacting with clients, vendors, and partners—always keep a professional but approachable demeanor. Every person you meet could be a key player in your career advancement.
Competitive Pay
The earning potential for executive assistants can vary significantly depending on the industry, company size, and location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2023 national average salary of $73,680 for Executive Assistants, with the 90th percentile at $104,000.
Beyond the base salary, many EAs also benefit from performance-based bonuses, comprehensive benefits packages, and opportunities for career progression. As EAs gain experience and take on higher-level responsibilities, the potential for salary growth and added perks, such as profit sharing or additional paid time off, increases, making it a role with a wide range of financial rewards.
Final Thoughts
There are many benefits of being an Executive Assistant. From the variety of the work and the transferable skills you gain to the career advancement opportunities, the EA role offers a fulfilling and rewarding career path. It’s a role that not only gives you the chance to work closely with influential people but also provides plenty of room for growth and development.
If you’re ready to kickstart your EA career, we can help give you an edge as you navigate your journey toward becoming a top-tier executive assistant.