I have been an Executive Assistant for 5 years, what position would be a good next step?
Asked by Annieetha
I started out as an Executive Assistant at CBS, then I moved to ABC, now I am working as one for Deloitte. My 'problem' is I don't have a special 'skill set' such as sales, marketing, HR, or accounting. What would be a good next move up? I am afraid I am getting "stuck" with this title forever.

Best Answer:
You should consider management now. Even an assistant manager and work your way up. Being an executive assistant means you get your hands into a little bit of everything which means great experience. I was in this same position and found it fairly easy to obtain an assistant management career and am now the general manager. Good luck!

Why not manage that small area you work with?
Answered by David W

Hon, I don't know too much about that work environment, but I would think the next logical step from exec assistant would be a senior position in the same area like an office manager, for example. Maybe I'm completely off, but I am not familiar with it. I would not stay in a position like that for more than 2 or 3 yrs. Really, I think being "stuck" is a very legit concern. Since you're talking entertainment industry- why don't we call it "type-casting"? lol!! Do you have a degree? That should be a priority if not. Any college should do as long as you get one. My mom was an administrative assistant for MANY years working for Caldwell Banker assisting with commercial property management. She did the job so well, and screwed herself out of advancement bc she became content. It wasn't until she was MANAGING portfolios for several very young and inexperienced managers that she realized THEY should be assisting her... and she should be managing- don't let this happen to you! The point of the story is that my mother "type-cast" herself as an admin assistant and had a nearly impossibly time advancing out of that position bc her own supervisors thought she was not capable of doing anything but that. Thereby sacrificing almost a decade's worth of advancement and higher pay. Eventually she got the opportunity to advance, excelled, and took on two additional portfolios- something none of the other managers were able to do. Unfortunately it was a long time coming before that opportunity came. Always look forward, hon. Also- a degree in finance and/or accounting will never fail you. There is a demand for people in those fields and the pay is excellent. I am considering going back to school for that very reason. Hope this helps and I apologize for it's length. Cheers!
Answered by MP

I would look for an Executive Assistant position within a certain department, learn that department like no other position can (we love you, assistants, you are the wheels that keep us going), and go from there. Good luck
Answered by justme