Executive assistant

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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 .

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

You could work in an office.

You may need to wear smart business clothes.