Current job title: Executive Assistant
[to a high level executive]
Industry: Banking
Department: Administration
Years worked in this industry: 22
Years worked in this department: 22
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): I had
several years of experience as a secretary before coming to this position.
I continue to take software and management classes as available.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 2
Typical work hours: 7:30 – 4:30
Weekends or overtime hours: No, I
normally don’t work weekends or overtime. I am salaried and if I do work
overtime, my boss always offers me comp time off. He is very generous with
me when I need time off so this more than makes up for it.
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): approx. $55,620 per
year with a 10% bonus
Benefits (direct or indirect): I have
five weeks of vacation, the usual hospital and life insurance coverage and
a small 401K match.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
In my particular area, we are mostly administration so don’t use a lot of
industry specific lingo.
A typical day on the job: I am in
early, check phone messages and emails, my bosses calendar for the day.
I prepare anything that he might need for the day. I also handle facilities
for our company, so have a lot of my own responsibilities to cover. I make
sure I am always available if the boss needs me. He is pretty self
sufficient so that makes it much easier on me.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Again, not industry specific,
but I love helping people. I am always in the thick of things.
I get to participate in very interesting meetings and events.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
1.) I work for a bank and they
are constantly being sold. [However, during the last sale], they asked me to stay.
2.) I think banks typically don’t pay well.
3.) The perception seems to be that we don’t do very much for what we
earn.
Type of workspace/office:
cubicle (outside of boss' office) I learn a lot of what is going on in the company
sitting here. I don't feel isolated and know what is going on. Also has
office available to work on confidential matters when needed.
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
1.) Main is to keep my boss’
schedule and keep him to is.
2.) Manage our facilities which consist of a main office, parking garage
and 40 plus branch offices.
3.) Pay all the bills for these branches
4.) Arrange meetings including transportation, hotel, meals, etc.
5.) Arrange airline travel for all associates.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
1.)
You have to be a “people person”
2.) You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
3.) Good computer skills
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, fax, Dictaphone, copier, scanner
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Lots of computer (much of our communication is done through email.)
Critical soft skills: I use both
negotiation and good communication on a regular basis. I deal with vendors
relating to my facilities responsibilities. I also have one direct report
and it is important that we communicate clearly. I have also learned to be
very adaptable. I never know what my day might bring. I may think I know
when I come in in the morning, but that can change suddenly as we all
know.
Pace of this position: very fast and
ever changing (It is what I love about it. It is much easier to be busy
than to pretend to be busy.)
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™