PA vs EA: Which Assistant Role Suits You Best?

Thinking about a career as an assistant? Personal assistant and executive assistant roles sound alike, and they share plenty of common ground. They are not identical, though. Here is what you need to know before you choose your path.

What does a personal assistant do?

A personal assistant (PA) supports reporting teams, senior managers and department heads. Your job is to help managers stay effective and productive. Common PA duties include:

• Managing the diary of the people you report to
• Reading and responding to emails and phone calls
• Organising meetings and taking meeting notes or minutes
• Preparing presentations and reading or preparing documents
• Managing expenses

Depending on the industry and company, you may take on extra tasks. A good daily checklist keeps management objectives front and centre.

Personal assistant skills that get you hired

Employers look for a few core abilities. Strong office and computer skills matter most. Typing speed of 30 words per minute or more is a common benchmark. Familiarity with tools like Office 365 or G Suite helps too.

• Attention to detail, so work is accurate
• Efficiency, so tasks get done quickly
• Effectiveness, so work meets a high standard
• The ability to anticipate what your manager needs next
• A willingness to support others and work as part of a team

Where a PA career can take you

Many people start in a general office role, move into a PA position, then step up to an EA role. Other paths exist too. You could work as a virtual personal assistant, supporting clients remotely. Real estate PAs help agents run open homes, attend inspections and speak with buyers and sellers.

What is an executive assistant?

An executive assistant (EA) works at board level. You might support managing directors, chief executive officers or chief operating officers. The role is similar to a PA, but the seniority is higher. Anticipating the needs of senior leaders is central to the job.

A day in the life of an EA

No two days look the same. You might arrange meetings, speak with a range of people and handle detailed computer work. You may also meet interesting, dynamic or intimidating people. Challenges are part of the appeal.

How PA and EA roles differ

A secretary may perform many of the same tasks as a PA. However, a PA is usually more senior. A PA works closely with one direct manager and shows more initiative. A PA may also handle personal tasks, such as buying gifts or arranging dry cleaning. A secretary often supports several people at once.

Salary snapshot

Figures vary, so treat these as rough guides only:

• PA salary in Australia: roughly $66,000 to $72,000 per year
• PA award wage: roughly $60,000 to $80,000 per year
• Part-time PA hourly rate: roughly $28 to $32 per hour
• EA salary at C-level: roughly $115,000 to $150,000 per year
• EA average salary: around $80,000 per year
• Celebrity EA salary: around $62,000 on average, rising to $120,000 to $150,000 for A-list clients

Getting qualified

You do not always need a degree to start. Many people build skills through study. Options include TAFE personal assistant courses, short courses, online executive assistant courses and bachelor degrees. A recognised certificate can help you stand out.

Practical takeaway

Start by asking what kind of support you enjoy giving. If you like variety and working with one person, a PA role may suit you. If you enjoy big-picture work at board level, look at EA roles. Build your office and computer skills, then apply with confidence.

Connectzapp matches you with relevant assistant jobs. When you and an employer each express interest, a connection is made. Visit https://www.connectzapp.com to get started.