Executive assistant
Executive assistants support senior managers in an organisation, helping with projects, client communications and decision making.
In this guide
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your exact duties will depend on your role and responsibilities.
For example, as an executive assistant you could:
- manage projects, working closely with other teams and departments
- organise complex diaries and use your judgement to prioritise tasks
- research and summarise information for senior management teams
- assist with decision-making processes
- plan and co-ordinate board meetings, company events and travel
- handle sensitive information in line with company policies
- act as a contact for internal and external clients and manage those relationships
As a personal assistant, you would:
- respond to enquiries by phone, email and in person
- set up meetings and make appointments
- take notes at meetings, and draft letters, memos and emails
- prepare documents, reports and presentations for managers
- help to organise events, such as conferences
- update files, records and contact lists
- manage travel arrangements, and book transport and accommodation
- supervise and mentor admin staff
Working environment
You could work in an office.
You may need to wear smart business clothes.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could work for a more senior manager or move to a larger organisation. You might also become a senior executive, with greater responsibility in business operations.
If you have specific industry knowledge like legal, medical or financial expertise, you could take on specialist executive assistant roles or become a company secretary.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- business management skills
- administration skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Related subjects
Most relevant
- Business - Executive assistants need a strong understanding of how organisations work, including business operations, strategy, and management structures. They support senior leaders with decision-making and project management, so knowing how businesses function helps them anticipate needs and contribute effectively.
- English Language - Executive assistants draft letters, emails, reports, and presentations on behalf of senior managers, so clear and professional writing is essential. They also communicate with clients and colleagues at all levels, meaning strong spoken and written English is used constantly throughout the day.
Also relevant
- Mathematics - Executive assistants work with budgets, expenses, schedules, and data when supporting projects and organising events. Being comfortable with numbers helps when preparing financial summaries, analysing reports, or managing travel and event costs.
- Computer Science - Executive assistants are expected to have excellent IT skills and may need to manage databases, automate tasks, or troubleshoot software issues. Understanding how digital systems and tools work at a deeper level can help them streamline processes and handle complex data management.
- Modern Foreign Languages - Executive assistants in international organisations or those supporting senior leaders with global responsibilities often communicate with clients and partners in other countries. Speaking another language is a valuable asset, and some roles – like bilingual secretary – specifically require it.
- Law - Executive assistants handle sensitive and confidential information and need to understand data protection and company policies. Some specialise in legal settings or progress into company secretary roles, where knowledge of corporate governance and legal procedures becomes directly relevant.
- Psychology - Executive assistants manage relationships with internal teams and external clients, often acting as a gatekeeper for busy senior leaders. Understanding how people communicate, what motivates them, and how to handle stressful situations calmly helps them navigate complex workplace dynamics.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working your way into the role
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- business administration
- business management
- public administration
Employers will usually accept qualifications in other subjects, providing you have the qualities they are looking for, such as communication, organisational and IT skills.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You could study for a college qualification, which may help you to get a job as a junior executive assistant or personal assistant.
Courses include:
- business studies
- business administration
- T Level in Management and Administration
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could apply to do a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an organisation.
This can take up to 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You could find a temporary job through a personal or executive assistant recruitment agency to get administration experience. You could then apply for permanent roles.
If you're already working as a business support administrator or secretary, you could move into this role through company training and promotion.
To get work, you'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, A levels, or equivalent qualifications. Employers will also expect you to be well organised and have strong communication skills.
You could do training courses with a private training provider before applying for work.
You may also find that recruitment agencies that specialise in placing executive assistants will offer training to help you into employment when you join them.
Career tips
You’ll be expected to have excellent IT skills and working knowledge of the main business software packages.
Further information
You can find out more about a career as an executive assistant from the Institute of Administrative Management and the Executive and Personal Assistants Association.
In this guide
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains original content developed by Coffee With Ltd. You may share this page as a link but you must not copy the content or use it with AI tools. All rights reserved.