Executive Secretary

Your Fit

Income

$69K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-21.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Executive Secretary?

An Executive Secretary provides high-level administrative support to executives in an organization, handling tasks such as correspondence, scheduling, and document preparation. They play a key role in ensuring that executive offices run efficiently and effectively.

Sample job titles:

Administrative Assistant, Administrative Secretary, Executive Assistant, Executive Secretary

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Executive Secretary.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Executive Secretary earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Executive Secretary.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$58K per year	$69K per year	$80K per year	$102K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.33K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Executive Secretary do?

Work environment

Executive Secretaries typically work in office settings, often in close proximity to the executives they support. Their work environment is professional and can be fast-paced, requiring them to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. They may also be required to attend meetings and assist with special projects or events.

Quick task list

Manages schedules and appointments for executives.
Drafts, edits, and prepares business correspondence and reports.
Organizes and maintains files and records.
Handles confidential information and ensures privacy.
Coordinates travel arrangements and manages expense reports.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Legal Executive Assistance: Specializing in supporting executives in legal firms or departments.
Medical Executive Assistance: Providing support to executives in healthcare organizations.
Corporate Governance: Assisting executives in large corporations, focusing on business operations and corporate affairs.
Non-Profit Sector Assistance: Specializing in supporting executives in non-profit organizations.
Government Executive Assistance: Working with government officials or public sector executives.

Description

The role of an Executive Secretary is vital for the smooth operation of any organization's top-level management. They act as the first point of contact for the executive, handling communications, organizing meetings, and managing schedules. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Executive Secretaries must possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be adept at handling confidential information. They often serve as a liaison between the executive and other staff or external contacts, requiring diplomacy and professionalism. Proficiency in office software and technology is essential, as is the ability to adapt to new tools and processes.

This career offers the opportunity to work closely with organizational leaders, providing a unique perspective on business management and decision-making. It can be a rewarding profession for those who thrive in supporting roles and enjoy the challenges of executive-level administration.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being an integral part of a company's executive team.
The variety and challenge of handling diverse administrative tasks.
Opportunities to develop strong professional relationships and networks.

You might make a good Executive Secretary if you are...

Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Discreet and capable of handling confidential information.
An excellent communicator, both in writing and verbally.
Proficient in using various office technologies and software.
Adaptable and able to work under pressure.

Pros:

Close collaboration with company leaders and insight into executive decision-making.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
A diverse range of tasks, providing varied day-to-day work.

Cons:

High levels of responsibility and potentially long working hours.
The need to constantly prioritize and manage time effectively.
Handling high-pressure situations and meeting tight deadlines.

How to become an Executive Secretary

Typical education

A high school diploma is often required, but many employers prefer candidates with some post-secondary education, such as an associate's degree or professional certification in administrative assistance or a related field. Additional training in business communication, office technology, and management is also valuable.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies to understand basic principles of business and administration.
English and Communication for developing strong writing and speaking skills.
Computer Science or Information Technology for proficiency in office software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in student government or administrative clubs.
Volunteering in office settings or taking on organizational roles in clubs and events.
Developing leadership skills through team sports or group activities.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing an associate's degree or certification in business administration, office management, or a related field.
Internships or entry-level positions in administrative roles for practical experience.
Continuous learning in new office technologies and software.

More resources

International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) - Offers resources and certification for administrative professionals.
American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) - Provides training, webinars, and networking opportunities for executive assistants.
Executive Secretary Magazine - A resource for articles, training, and advice tailored to executive secretaries and assistants.
O*NET Online - Comprehensive resource for detailed information on various occupations, including Executive Secretary.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.