The business world is demanding that Executive Assistants in the US and Canada update their skills to meet business needs. There are a few major shifts that are requiring EAs to evolve their skill set and this is primarily due to culture in the workplace, technological advances, and the needs of the business and the executives that they are supporting, changing. We will take a detailed look at the evolution of Executive Assistant skills in the job market.

Executive Assistant Skills

Businesses are demanding increased IT proficiency as the diverse use of apps and systems continues to grow. One of the significant changes is naturally adopting AI tools and the expectation that you can automate some simpler processes using AI. This means that the adoption of Copilot, Otter, Chatgpt, Calendly, and other AI-powered tools can potentially assist you. Additionally, it is increasingly expected that you should have more diverse Microsoft Office or Google Office skills. In particular, the usage of data analysis means that you are likely to work with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook 365, SharePoint, Teams, and Canva.

Additionally, it has become more popular to use work planning and project management software. This can include the use of Asana, Trello monday.com and many other work planning software. The development of skills to use ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, NetSuite and other major brands. CRM platforms, such as Salesforce, are becoming increasingly crucial for executive assistants. Hopefully, these examples give you an idea of the requirements for advancing your IT skills, as well as a diverse range of programs that are expected.

Managerial Skills for an Executive Assistant

Additionally, there is a push to develop better executive-level communication skills. This will mean facing off against a diverse range of people and being expected to problem-solve at a higher level. This means potentially dealing with a broader range of stakeholders and acting as a gatekeeper for your manager. As you gain this exposure, you will need to be aware of your sensitivity and apply discretion. The business world is increasingly global, which makes it likely that you will need to know how to communicate in a cross-cultural environment.

Travel Management Skills

Calendar and travel management is a vital skill and always has been. Travel logistics are now different. The global economy means that you are likely to need to plan around a diverse range of time zones. This means that International Diary Management is a key skill, but it will also require you to use apps and AI more effectively to ensure this.

Business Skills for an Executive Assistant

Finally, another significant part is developing excellent business skills, which involves getting more involved in areas like project management, event management, finance, and various other business-related fields. The movement towards this business support and strategic partner role has been a major focus of the effective assistant role over the last 5 to 10 years, and the traditional, more admin-focused role is likely to be increasingly replaced by automation.

If you’re interested in seeing some programs, you can explore our Executive Assistant Diploma, which is specifically designed to help you develop a mix of skills to build or launch your career as an executive assistant. The development of your career skills will be particularly vital as things become more competitive.