Executive Assistants (NOC 1222)
Description
Executive assistants co-ordinate administrative procedures, public relations activities as well as research and analysis functions for members of legislative assemblies, ministers, deputy ministers, corporate officials and executives, committees and boards of directors.They are employed by governments, corporations and associations.
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Example Titles
- committee clerk
- corporate secretary
- executive assistant
- legislative assistant
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Classified Elsewhere
- Administrative Officers (1221)
- Conference and Event Planners (1226)
- Executive secretaries (in 1241 Secretaries (Except Legal and Medical))
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Duties
Executive assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
- Establish and co-ordinate administrative policies and procedures for officials, committees and boards of directors
- Analyze incoming and outgoing memoranda, submissions and reports and prepare and co-ordinate the preparation and submission of summary briefs and reports to the executive, committees and boards of directors
- Prepare agendas and make arrangements for committee, board and other meetings
- Conduct research, compile data, and prepare papers for consideration and presentation by the executive, committees and boards of directors
- Meet with individuals, special interest groups and others on behalf of the executive, committees and boards of directors to discuss issues and assess and recommend various courses of action
- Liaise with departmental and corporate officials and with other organizations and associations on behalf of the executive, committees and boards of directors.
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Skills
Executive assistants should have the following skills and abilities:
- an interest in assisting people and in organizing their work,
- keyboarding and ability to use a variety of computer software such as word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, desk-top and accounting programs,
- excellent organizational and time management skills,
- good analytical and problem-solving skills,
- ability to work independently or as part of a team,
- excellent interpersonal skills,
- good writing skills (spelling, punctuation, grammar) and oral communication skills,
- ability to adapt to changing workplaces and changing technology,
- ability to take responsibility and to take initiative,
- tact, judgment and integrity,
- an understanding of the company or organization for whom they work,
- ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines,
- knowledge of a second language may be useful.
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Employment Requirements
- High school completion and extensive work experience in office administration is necessary.
- For executive assistants a bachelor's degree may be required, in addition to experience in a related administrative occupation.
- Completion of a one or two-year college program or previous clerical experience may be required.
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Terms & Conditions
Executive assistants usually work in an office environment. Most work regular office hours, although there may be an occasional requirement for evening or weekend work. Most executive assistants work full-time (90%), and a small percentage (8%) work part-time.
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Earnings
$31,200 per annum - starting
$43,000 per annum - average
$55,900 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- Assiniboine Community College, l'École technique et professionnelle, Red River College and the University College of the North offer diploma and certificate programs in business/office administration.
- Programs in office administration are also offered at most private vocational institutions in Manitoba, at Yellowquill College, and Winnipeg Technical College.
- Some high schools in Manitoba offer programs in Business Education.
- For those seeking promotion, advanced courses in office management and business administration are recommended. Degree programs in business administration are offered at all universities in Manitoba.
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Career Paths
Experienced secretaries may advance from routine, clerical tasks to executive assistant positions. Because executive assistants become knowledgeable in many aspects of the business, there are opportunities to move to various operational branches.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for executive assistants are expected to be good in the period 2010 to 2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 960.
The role of executive assistants will continue to evolve. Technological advances reduce the amount of time required for routine tasks allowing executive assistants to assume more challenging responsibilities as part of a team rather than supporting a single manager. It is anticipated that the number of executive assistants will increase, replacing some of the less-skilled office jobs. Good opportunities will be available for well educated individuals who possess a thorough knowledge of office technologies, and good administrative skills.
A proportionally larger share of jobs for executive assistants are located in Winnipeg. This occupational group is found in every major industry sector, both public and private.
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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