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How to Become An Executive Assistant

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What is a Executive Assistant

An Executive Assistant is the right hand of a senior executive, keeping things on track every day. They manage schedules, handle emails, and take care of daily admin. This lets the executive focus on big decisions. It is a fast-paced role with real variety, and no two days look the same.

EAs organise meetings, prepare reports and slides, and book travel. They handle calls and requests from inside and outside the business. Many EAs also help with project work, budgets, and events. For those who like juggling tasks and staying busy, this is an ideal role.

An EA needs to stay cool under pressure and think fast. Being proactive is key, which means spotting problems before they grow. This role builds a wide set of skills, from time management to communication and project support. Many EAs use this base to move into management or specialist roles.

Those who thrive in fast-paced settings will find the EA role a great fit. The work puts them at the heart of the business, close to senior leaders every day. It offers good pay and real chances to grow. This is one of the most varied and engaging roles in business admin.

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Career Outlook for Executive Assistant

A career as an Executive Assistant is dynamic, well-paid, and in demand across Australia. Most EAs work full-time, with hours around 38 to 40 per week. Most roles are permanent, which gives EAs job stability and long-term career growth. The national average salary is around $95,000 per year (SEEK Career Advice, 2025).

Demand for skilled EAs is steady across all major industries. Finance, government, health, and tech sectors all rely on EAs to support their leaders. The role is not expected to shrink. More complex executive work has kept demand strong. Unemployment in this field is low, and new roles come up all year round.

For those just starting out, the EA career path has real momentum. Many EAs begin in office admin or PA roles, then work their way up. Senior EAs in large firms or C-suite roles can earn well above $100,000. With the right attitude and drive, this is one of the best careers in business. There is real earning power and plenty of room to grow.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Executive Assistant

Step 1: Complete the Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 12 months to 2 years, full-time or part-time. It covers business communication, project support, and admin systems. These are core skills for any EA role. Check the current code on training.gov.au before you enrol.

Step 2: Build key digital skills

Get skilled in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Learn to use calendar and meeting tools like Microsoft Teams or Google Workspace. Spend 3 to 6 months building these skills through online tutorials or short courses. Most employers expect EAs to know these tools from day one.

Step 3: Gain experience in an admin support role

Apply for entry-level roles such as receptionist, office admin, or personal assistant. Aim for at least 1 to 2 years in an admin role before moving to an EA position. On-the-job experience is where you build the skills and judgement that senior leaders rely on. Ask for tasks that push your skills, like managing diaries or writing reports.

Step 4: Progress into an Executive Assistant role

After 2 to 3 years of admin work, apply for EA roles. Update your resume to show diary management, communication skills, and project support. Most entry-level EA roles ask for a Certificate IV or higher. Be ready to show you can handle private information and work well under pressure.

Step 5: Join the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) and keep learning

Join the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) to access learning, webinars, and a national network. You can also consider further study. The Diploma of Business (BSB50120) takes 18 months to 2 years part-time. You can study at a TAFE or RTO. Ongoing learning keeps skills sharp and opens doors to senior EA and management roles.

What does an Executive Assistant do?

An Executive Assistant is the key support person for senior leaders, keeping daily tasks running on time. They manage diaries, run meetings, and handle all kinds of emails and calls. This lets the leader focus on big decisions and key goals. Beyond admin work, EAs write reports, book travel, and help with budgets. For those starting out, the role offers real variety and great career growth.

Tasks

An Executive Assistant is a core support role in any organisation. The work is varied and hands-on, covering everything from scheduling to project tracking. EAs need to be well-organised and able to handle multiple tasks at once. For those who enjoy being in the middle of the action, this is a great role to build a career in.

  • Calendar Management – Coordinating and scheduling appointments, meetings, and events to make the most of the executive’s time.
  • Communication Liaison – Acting as the main contact between the executive and internal and external stakeholders.
  • Document Preparation – Creating, editing, and formatting reports, presentations, and documents to support the executive.
  • Travel Coordination – Arranging travel plans, accommodation, and transport for business trips.
  • Meeting Support – Preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items for effective meetings.
  • Project Assistance – Helping with research, data collection, and progress tracking for projects.
  • Office Management – Overseeing office supplies, equipment, and facilities to keep the workplace running well.
  • Confidentiality – Handling sensitive information with care and making sure nothing is shared without permission.
  • Budget Tracking – Helping monitor and manage budgets for projects and departmental expenses.
  • Event Planning – Organising company events, conferences, and team activities to build a positive workplace culture.

Skills for Success

A career as an Executive Assistant calls for skills that span both admin and people work. Strong organisation helps manage schedules, run meetings, and stay on top of many tasks at once. Good communication is key to working well with team members, clients, and managers. Skill with office software and digital tools is also essential.

EAs need to stay cool when deadlines hit and things change fast. Attention to detail keeps work accurate and professional. A proactive mindset is a big plus. The best EAs think ahead and tackle issues before they become problems.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Proficiency in office software and technology
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Discretion and handling of confidential information
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Project management skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Proactive and forward-thinking mindset
  • Customer service focus
  • Basic financial and budget knowledge

Average Salaries

The average salary for an Executive Assistant in Australia is around $95,000 per year (SEEK Career Advice, 2025). Entry-level roles start near $70,000. Senior or C-suite EA roles can reach $120,000 or more. Pay depends on industry, location, and years of experience.

min $70 K

max $120 K

av $95 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.