How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working your way into the role
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- business administration
- business management
- public administration
Employers will usually accept qualifications in other subjects, providing you have the qualities they are looking for, such as communication, organisational and IT skills.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could study for a college qualification, which may help you to get a job as a junior executive assistant or personal assistant.
Courses include:
- business studies
- business administration
- T Level in Management and Administration
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an organisation.
This can take up to 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could find a temporary job through a personal or executive assistant recruitment agency to get administration experience. You could then apply for permanent roles.
If you're already working as a business support administrator or secretary, you could move into this role through company training and promotion.
To get work, you'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, A levels, or equivalent qualifications. Employers will also expect you to be well organised and have strong communication skills.
Other Routes
You could do training courses with a private training provider before applying for work.
You may also find that recruitment agencies that specialise in placing executive assistants will offer training to help you into employment when you join them.
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Career tips
You’ll be expected to have excellent IT skills and working knowledge of the main business software packages.
Further information
You can find out more about a career as an executive assistant from the Institute of Administrative Management and the Executive and Personal Assistants Association.