Leveling Up: The Power of Growth in Your Executive Assistant Career
Irene Robertson
Senior Executive Assistant | Certified Chief of Staff | Project Management Certified | Notary Public
Being Executive Assistants (EAs) is one of the most versatile and impactful roles in any company. It’s a role I’ve come to love and continually strive to grow in. As EAs, we don’t just manage calendars or book travel - we are problem-solvers, the trusted partners to our executives. But to truly thrive in this role, constant growth and skill-building are essential.
Why Growth is a Game-Changer
Keep Up-To-Date: Trends in technology and workplace dynamics are always evolving. Staying current with new tools and techniques helps us bring even more value to our teams.
Boost Our Skills: The more we learn, the more we can do. From project management to leadership skills, growing our skillsets lets us take on bigger challenges and make a greater impact.
Build Our Confidence: Learning and improving give us the confidence to handle whatever comes our way.
Open New Doors: Whether we dream of transitioning into Chiefs of Staff, Operations Managers, Executive Operations Partners, or even new roles like Project Manager, Human Resources Leader, or Business Consultant, growth keeps our careers moving forward and opens up new possibilities.
How to Keep Growing
I'm addicted to learning so I've prioritized growth by taking courses in Accounting & Finance and Management & Leadership, as well as earning certifications in Project Management and Chief of Staff. These opportunities have provided me with the skills to take on more responsibility and provide leadership to newer administrative staff.
Here are some ways we can all focus on growth:
Take courses, read books, or watch tutorials on topics like time management, new tech tools, or leadership skills. There are countless online resources that fit any schedule.
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Join EA groups, attend networking events, or participate in webinars. Engaging with other EAs exposes us to fresh ideas and industry trends.
Don't be afraid. Take on new challenges, such as staff retreats, managing budgets, or leading projects. These experiences are invaluable for growth and will show the powers that be that you are capable of more.
Regularly seek feedback from executives and colleagues. Their insights can help us set clear goals and continuously improve.
Learning from seasoned professionals or mentoring others can be mutually enriching and highly rewarding.
Growth is the Key
In the end, we should always strive for progress. Every new skill acquired and every challenge faced helps us become stronger, more confident Executive Assistants. By committing to our growth, we not only make ourselves indispensable to our teams, but also set the stage for exciting and fulfilling careers. Let’s invest in ourselves - it’s worth it!