For thirty years my dream has been to be an Exec Assit. However, my career took me in different directions including Technical Writing and Project Planning. Now I've am looking for a position as an EA or even an AA and am being told I don't have the experience. How do I get the experience if I can't get a position? I'm in Milwaukee, WI. If anyone out there is willing to give me a chance... I won't let you down.
HELP
eileen
Submitted by: Eileen Allen
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After 15 years after leaving my Administrative Assistant job with AT&T and went to pursue a career as a full time Music and Worship Director for the Catholic Church. I intended to change careers and get into Conference Planning. I went to my first temp agency and passed all of the office proficiency exams and was sent to a job as an Executive Assistant and was hired a week and a half later.... I believe temping is now the best way in the door. Alan
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Alan Marcinek on
3/30/2008 5:38:32 PM
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Hello Eileen:
I'm a member of IAAP and I'm also the Professional Development Coordinator for my Chapter. In early November we actually had a workshop called "From An Executive Assistant's Perspective". The presenter provided some very very resourceful materials on what it takes to be a successful EA. I'd be happy to provide you the presenter's contact information via e-mail. My e-mail address is btapp16941@aol.com
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Brigitte Tapp on
12/20/2007 10:49:22 AM
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You absolutely can get the experience by finding ways to practice basic EA skills in your current position so that you can put them on your resume and highlight them. The path to becoming an EA varies for each of us, so you’re fine starting exactly where you are. The reason our career path and training can’t be comprehensively defined is our skill set and range are vast and diverse; more than any other occupation I know of. Our work is also special in that we are focused on WHO we support as much as WHAT they are accountable for. Simply put, one of our pivotal roles is to be caretakers of an organization’s most valuable resource; it’s leader. Look closely at the industries you have experience working in and focus on assisting an executive in that industry. Your time in that industry will be your major advantage.
Realize that technical writing and project planning are solid EA skills that you already have.
Convince 1 busy manager within your company to let you help maintain his/her calendar. Help with travel arrangements for executives or managers at your company. Help with planning the social functions for your company. All these things can go on your resume.
As a final note, there are positions that are rungs on a ladder to becoming a “True” EA, just like for becoming a CEO. In my case, the steps were: Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Coordinator, Administrative Manager, Executive Assistant, and currently, and Executive and Personal Assistant. “True” Executive Assistants generally have 4-year degrees, earn more than most managers and only work for 1 executive. The title is “Executive” not “ExecutiveS” Assistant. I am telling you this so that you will not hesitate to accept a different administrative position until the perfect fit comes for your transition to EA. Remember patience (even after 30 years). True EA positions are not plentiful – they’re solely based on the number of Executives.
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Amy Parham on
12/18/2007 3:42:28 PM
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Be creataive in how you set up your resume. A lot of the tasks you are doing are a part of being an EA or AA. If you would like to send me your resume I will work on it for you.
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Karen Gorring on
12/18/2007 10:50:26 AM
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