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How Do I Become an Executive Administrator?

Nicole Long
Nicole Long

If you hope to become an executive administrator, it is important that you have the right mix of education and experience to fulfill the duties of the position. Knowledge of a range of topics, including management principles, business planning, and finance is also required. In addition, you will need to feel comfortable working with computers and have excellent organizational and communication skills.

Executive administrators are responsible for a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. Typically, this position will support upper-level executives in a corporate environment. Responsibilities and job duties include tasks above and beyond that of a typical secretary. Some common job duties include conducting research, preparing agendas, coordinating activities, and overseeing other administrative professionals.

Executive administrators must be highly organized.
Executive administrators must be highly organized.

An individual hoping to become an executive administrator should obtain the appropriate level of education and experience. While some employers may hire someone with a high school diploma if they have an exceptional amount of experience, employers typically prefer to hire an individual with a college degree in a related field, such as business administration. Participating in a vocational training program and combining that with an appropriate amount of experience is another option if you are looking to become an executive administrator. Experience can be gained through employment in entry-level and mid-level administrative positions.

Arranging meetings is one aspect of most executive administrator jobs.
Arranging meetings is one aspect of most executive administrator jobs.

If you want to become an executive administrator you should have a firm grasp on management principles. This includes understanding how to manage employees and delegate job duties and responsibilities. In addition, you should understand the basics of resource allocation and production methods.

As an integral part of the executive team, you should feel comfortable discussing business plans and finances. You should also have a solid understanding of strategic planning and financial reporting. Other topics you should feel comfortable with include the analysis of financial markets and basic accounting principles and practices.

Computer skills are a requirement if you hope to become an executive administrator. You should be proficient with word processing and spreadsheet software. In addition, you should be able to put together presentations and feel comfortable assembling projects and reports.

Above all else, you should have excellent organizational and communication skills. When handling high-level or mid-level executives, you will need to be able to prioritize tasks and meet the needs of several individuals at the same time. This requires a highly-organized person. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are a necessary part of supporting executives and communicating with other administrative professionals.

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    • Executive administrators must be highly organized.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Executive administrators must be highly organized.
    • Arranging meetings is one aspect of most executive administrator jobs.
      By: aleksandar kamasi
      Arranging meetings is one aspect of most executive administrator jobs.