Executive assistants (NOC 1222)

Executive assistants co-ordinate administrative procedures, public relations activities, research and analysis for governments, corporations, private firms and associations.

Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of an executive assistant is like.

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Executive assistant

WorkBC's Career Trek

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On behalf of executives, committees and boards of directors, executive assistants:

• Create and co-ordinate administrative policies and procedures
• Check incoming and outgoing messages, submissions and reports
• Prepare and co-ordinate summary briefs and reports
• Prepare agendas and arrange meetings
• Carry out research, compile data and prepare papers
• Prepare correspondence and presentations
• Meet with individuals, special interest groups and others to discuss issues, make assessments and recommend courses of action
• Communicate with key internal contacts and external organizations
• Lead and co-ordinate projects
• Co-ordinate internal and external events
• Act as strategic business partners

Executive assistants usually work in a structured environment, such as an office. With new technologies, they can more easily work from multiple or remote locations.

Though there is a steady stream of new graduates coming into the occupation, there are many positions available to executive assistants in B.C. Specifically, demand is high in the public administration, financial and university/education sectors.

Executive assistants are now using new technologies to achieve greater results and provide more efficient support. As a result, there has been a move away from the traditional support role toward a role as a strategic business partner with greater responsibilities. These may include project management, event planning, strategic planning, financial analysis and public relations.