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There is no single starting point on an executive assistant career path, and successful EAs can find their way into the role in very diverse ways. However, for those people with a clear desire to pursue an EA career, there are several organizations that offer learning and development opportunities tailored to the profession.
Employers should take note of these higher education institutes, both as a marker of experience and initiative in an EA candidate, and as potential partners for their internal learning and development programs.
In this blog we’ll look at some of the best executive assistant courses, covering the spectrum from online executive assistant qualifications to full-time diplomas. If you’re an aspiring executive assistant you may well be nervous about being underqualified for the job. We’re here to put your mind at ease, and show you exactly what actions you can take to secure your dream EA job. For employers, this is designed to give you an idea of what to look for on candidate resumes, and what to offer in your employee benefits.
Before we delve into some fantastic options for EA education, let’s first address a common question: do you need a degree to be an executive assistant?
The short answer is no – many EA roles will require education up to high school only. The long answer is: it depends on the particular EA job. In more formal and high-pressure workplaces such as corporate finance, private equity, or family offices, an undergraduate degree may be a prerequisite, while the more interesting and higher-paid EA positions will of course be more suitable to a candidate with a degree.
However, there are alternatives to a degree that can be just as powerful when it comes to EA jobs. This is why we advise you to consider the below executive assistant courses: someone with these under their belt is more likely to be successful and see long-term career progression.
One of the most accessible and effective courses is ASAP’s Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE). This online course can be taken year-round at a date of the student’s choosing, and includes modules covering communication, project management, and computer and technology skills.
The IEAA run executive assistant training programs featuring accredited tutors, both online and in-person. Their courses run from junior level to more senior EA training, with the opportunity to gain a certificate or diploma.
The IAAP offer a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential, as well as the Certified Administrative Professional in progress (CAP ip) for more junior administrative assistants. This qualification is a clear marker that an EA has up-to-date skills and knowledge to take on whatever is thrown at them in the modern EA role.
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Executive assistant courses should be a consideration at any point in the career of a EA, due to the ever-changing nature of the role. However, at the outset of the EA journey, jobseekers should draw on any qualifications you have when aiming to impress a hiring manager. Read our guides to executive assistant resumes, EA personal statements and EA cover letters for insider tips on how to make your experience shine.
When you’re ready to apply for your next EA job, head to our job search page.
If you are looking for the best way to hire an executive assistant, read our ultimate guide to hiring an EA. When you are ready to start the hiring process, get in touch with your requirements.
Which course is best for executive assistants?
The best executive assistant course depends on the level of experience a prospective student has of the executive assistant role, and their level of education. For example, high school leavers considering a career as an EA may wish to take a degree such as business studies in order to improve their chances of a higher-level position. Others may prefer a diploma or online course to help them onto the first step of the career ladder in a more junior admin position.
How do you train to be an executive assistant?
There are several higher education options for people wishing to become an executive assistant, including degrees, diplomas, and online certificates. These courses will train students in the skills and knowledge required for an EA role.
How do I become a good executive assistant?
Improving your executive assistant expertise can be achieved through higher education courses, learning and development programs within a company, mentoring, and through the experience gained while on the job.
How do I become a well-paid executive assistant?
You can increase your chances of a higher salary as an executive assistant by gaining appropriate academic qualifications, as well as through internal promotion while in the job.
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