How do you set and track your own professional development goals as an EA?

A personal skills assessment with a time component is also helpful in salary helpful negotiations. Setup a day to do basic tasks without phone operations or co-worker contact and time yourself. Start with the WPM test.

In my experience feedback from management, colleagues, etc. is the main source of identifying areas of strength and weakness. This comes through simple conversation, emails, more structured evaluations and Self-Assessments completed by the EA and Manager which are then compared and discussed. Overall, to receive the most beneficial and comprehensive feedback, and to set meaningful goals, utilizing the ASAT along with a combined Self-Assessment, an EA will receive a 360 perspective of their current skills. It will allow an EA to identify their strengths and pain points that need improvement. This will support an EA in setting and reaching the goals that are set.

Evaluate skills; Set measurable goals; Take relevant courses; Connect with professionals; Request and apply feedback; Stay updated; Create a structured plan; Review periodically; Be open to adjustments; Acknowledge successes.

Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your current skills, strengths, and areas for improvement as an EA. Reflect on the tasks and responsibilities you excel at and identify any areas where you may need further development. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors to gain additional insights into your performance.

I have my long term goals and my short term goals always in sight. Any company, individual or initiative I embark on MUST fall within at least one of the goals. I track my progress and professional development by how constant my goals are evolving, feedback, the market and other relevant forms of trackers.

Having a Performance Review with your Direct leader twice a year can be very helpful. This way, you can align your vision and set up clear and achievable professional goals within a specific time frame.

Once you have assessed your skills and needs, define clear and achievable short-term and long-term professional development goals. Short-term goals may focus on acquiring new skills, certifications, or training opportunities that can immediately benefit your role as an EA. These goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound to track progress effectively.

Online courses, one on one coaching sessions and YouTube videos are my go-to. Looks for what learning method is best for you and suits your lifestyle. Always practice what you learn to improve your abilities.

Having a learning plan has helped me immensely due to busy schedules, I have set days to Lear and set time too, it helps me stay disciplined, though life happens at times but it's better to have a plan than be without one

I find tracking my professional development (CPD) with an Administrative Association (I am a fellow member of the IAM in the UK) is very helpful and provides a professional display of what has been achieved. If you don't have the help of an Association's workflow to produce and keep track of yours - try splitting your activities into categories such as; Online courses/Workshop/Webinar/In-person training/Industry Conferences and the time and outcome spent on each activity - this can then be used as an aid in end of year reviews and appraisals to support your conversations with Management. NETWORK LEARN GROW

The path toward professional development is not a straight line, and that's okay. We set goals based on current knowledge and circumstances, yet we cannot foresee the future. That’s why I regularly review and adjust my objectives. The career of Executive Assistants is evolving faster than ever, and what was relevant a few years ago may now be obsolete. If we don’t adjust our goals accordingly, we risk being left behind. Therefore, I follow market evolutions by reviewing open job positions to stay on track. But remember, it's not about doing what everyone else is doing. If your goals don't align with your personal aspirations and preferences, the process will feel much heavier than it actually is.