Should someone with a MS get a job as an executive assistant or will they always think of you as a secretary?
Asked by JK
I have a MS in science but have been working in another field for years, would it be a good idea to take a job as an executive administrative assistant (assistant to the president) of a science related company? Could it lead to an executive job later or will they likely always think of their assistant as just a secretary? Also, would it be easy to go from executive assistant at one company to be an executive at another company or does it just look like secretarial experience on a resume?

Best Answer:
I'm sorry hon but an Executive Administrative Assistant is just a fancy title for Secretary. It could lead to an executive position if there's room for growth but you will always be considered the former "secretary" if it's with the same company. Executive Administrative Assistants are glorified secretaries. Since you have a Masters degree, you should be able to pursue other areas of work.

Don't let the title fool you. Responsibility gets you noticed. Be selective in the Exec Asst jobs you apply to, and go with self-iniative and professional goal setting high on your list. Make sure you aren't being hired to replace a receptionist or secretary. Seek positions with corporate responsibility, responsive directors and a 21st century mission statement. Promote yourself as well-educated, capable and worthy of any title. Be prepared to take opportunity within the company to move up... Good luck...
Answered by PatV

I accepted a similar position for which I am over qualified but it has been wonderful. I do make executive level decisions and am recognized for it, have input and control over policy formation and I do find it odd to go from one extreme to then performing trivial administrative stuff. Working with the right person and in the right company I think you can parlay it into a much better position. My opinon though is that it would be difficult to go from an Exec Asst title to an executive at another firm. Although you may be doing the work it is hard for a potential new employer to know how much of the creative work you are doing compared to how much of the admin work you are. If you beleive there is growth WITHIN the company you are looking at the position at then you should consider it.
Answered by Iknowthis!