Executive assistants support high-level executives in public offices and private companies. They may manage the executive’s schedule, make travel arrangements, prioritize the executive’s emails, and sometimes act as a receptionist or gatekeeper, serving as the liaison between the executive and anyone who wishes to meet with them.

“They’re pretty much the right hand to that executive,” says Mary Crosswright, business operations administrator in the City and County of Denver’s mayor’s office.

In some cases, executive assistants supervise other support staff – for example, in addition to supporting the mayor’s chief of staff, Crosswright also manages the mayor’s office internship program.

“I like to be challenged,” Crosswright says. “I like the autonomy that comes with my role and the trust that the chief of staff has in me in making decisions on his behalf or saying ’yes’ or ’no’ on his behalf. I like the responsibility that comes with it.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -21.1% employment growth for executive assistants between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 108,100 jobs will be lost.

Executive assistant roles typically require some combination of education and experience. An entry-level position may only require a high school diploma, while other organizations prefer to hire executive assistants with an associate or bachelor’s degree and some secretarial experience. Executive assistants who support someone in a C-suite position typically need at least three to five years of related experience, according to Crosswright.

While there’s no specific college major that executive assistants must have a degree in, studying business administration or communications can be helpful. Earning a professional credential like Certified Administrative Professional or a Microsoft Office certification might help you demonstrate your skills to potential employers as well, though these certifications are not necessarily required to get a job in the field.