As an executive assistant, you’ve definitely heard jokes that you could be, should be, or actually are running the company.
But what happens when you really do want a different career? How far can your skills take you–and how do you take your first step?
- Identify your transferable skills
Because the role of an EA covers such a wide range of tasks, you probably have a broad set of skills and competencies you can transfer into a new role. The trick is to be able to demonstrate how those skills could carry over, so think about your strengths and character traits as well as your skills and competencies.
- Identify your career options
When you have a clear picture of your skillset, do some research to find out where your skills are needed and would enable you to add value. For example, if you have a lot of project management experience, you might be able to transfer that into an actual project management role. Try to build up more experience in your chosen field while you’re still in your EA role. When it comes to crafting a CV for your new career path, don’t be afraid to tweak it to highlight your transferable skills and experience.
- Use your network
As an EA, you probably have a strong network, so make sure you reach out to your professional contacts when you’re looking for a new role. Employers will be much easier to convince of your value when they’ve seen you in action or know someone who can recommend you.
- Upgrade your skills
If you have the bandwidth while working as an EA, take a course or class in your spare time to develop your skills in the area you want to move into. If it’s a field that requires some qualifications, it’ll be easier to get started when you already have them under your belt.
- Consider a different role in your current company
It’s worth considering starting an alternative career with your current employer. After all, you probably have people in the organisation who’ve seen what you can do and can recommend you. Be aware that you may face some old-fashioned prejudice when you step from an EA role into a leadership role in the same company. Classism and sexism may be in play–but you can prove them wrong. The skills that make you a great EA will stand you in good stead in whatever role you choose to take on.