Considering a Move from Executive Assistant: What Are the Career Growth Opportunities?

Good day, I have been working with a Shipping & Logistics company for the past 2 years as an Executive Assistant to the MD. I have just received another offer from Rose International Pvt. Ltd. They are involved in manufacturing/exporting high-end jewelry and distributing luxurious watches and apparel.

Background and Experience

Regarding my background, I completed an MBA in Operations Management from Mumbai University. Prior to that, I worked with a KPO as a Senior Analyst for 2 years.

Career Prospects Inquiry

Could you please advise on the career prospects as an Executive Assistant? Are there opportunities for career growth in terms of designation and salary? What comes after being an Executive Assistant?

Thank you for your assistance.

You have provided information about your past and the future assignment that you may take up. Nevertheless, one vital point was missed regarding the designation that Rose International will offer you. What would be your designation?

Career Path Analysis

Your career appears to be wavy or ripple-like. The ripples are formed out of joining dots of unconnected companies. Your first job had nothing to do with the second. The qualification has nothing to do with either job. Is the third job connected with your past two jobs or your qualification?

Role of Executive Assistant

The post of Executive Assistant is offered to junior MBAs so that they can take up the job of manager in some department. With a good qualification behind you, why do you not wish to slip into the role of a manager in the same company or at least in any other company? Why did your current company not make any career plan for you?

You have been working right under the nose of the top boss. This must have given you good exposure to the leadership style of your boss, his decision-making capabilities, negotiations for various reasons, etc. Why not put the learning to use for the benefit of your career's growth?

Career Growth Prospects

To answer your query, "Is there any career growth in terms of designation and monetary?" The Executive Assistant role does not have any career growth as such. You are not an Executive Secretary where you can afford to stagnate forever in the same role or position.

My views may appear a little severe, but unless we take a critical look, some good ideas do not emerge.

All the best!

Regards,
Dinesh V Divekar

Dear Mr. Dinesh, Thank you for your reply. Sorry to have missed that. Rose International is offering the same designation as Executive Assistant to Managing Director. The current organization I am working for was started in mid-2012 and is still at a nascent stage of development, facing some financial problems. We have not received salaries for many months, and the current company will only offer growth when it grows, which is still uncertain. Hence, I am looking for a change as I am unable to fulfill some personal obligations. Rose International seems to be a good company, but I am unsure whether they will provide any opportunities for Executive Assistants to move to the next level of a managerial position. Please advise.

Thank you!!

Regards, Vishal

Job Description and Career Development Concerns

Has Rose International provided the job description for this position? Are you at risk of becoming an Executive Secretary under the guise of an Executive Assistant? Please verify.

Career Development Plan (CDP)

It appears that you have not developed a proper Career Development Plan (CDP). Please search this forum for "Career Planning" to find numerous posts. As part of the career plan, conducting a SWOT Analysis is essential. You can refer to my past replies on these topics using the following links:

- https://www.citehr.com/205660-need-y...velopment.html
- https://www.citehr.com/453062-how-ma...ml#post2033000

Utilizing Your MBA in Operations

Considering your MBA in Operations, you should have joined an Operations Department. If not Operations, then at least Purchasing or Administration. Each of these departments offers growth opportunities. Utilize the knowledge gained during your MBA. Given the years that have passed since obtaining your MBA, it is questionable whether you retain the management concepts you once learned. Nonetheless, you can still realign your path.

Best regards,

Dinesh V Divekar

Below is the JD they have provided:

Designation - Executive Assistant to the Managing Director

Brief of the Job Profile:

- Managing the calendar, including meetings, contacts, and interactions.
- Organizing business meetings with proper interaction and coordination with clients.
- Creating PowerPoint presentations and coordinating conferences.
- Liaising with international buyers on trade-related issues.
- Acting as an external and internal interface on behalf of the MD.
- Opening, sorting, and distributing incoming correspondence.
- Retrieving corporate documents, records, and reports.

My role in the current company provides an opportunity to be involved in executing and implementing business administration skills. I oversee cash flows, P&L, and the balance sheet of the project we have completed to date (only one project so far), as well as IT implementation and HR policies at times. However, due to the slow business, we are struggling financially, making it challenging to survive. Therefore, I am looking for a change and am a bit skeptical about the JD/role provided by Rose International.

I have been following your articles on SWOT and implementing them in real life. Given the JD above, please provide your opinion. Do you think it is worth joining there, or will I be wasting my skills? I do not aspire to be an EA for my entire career.

I am also planning to pursue CFA certification and eventually CS in the near future once my financial situation improves.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Regards,

Vishal Londhe.

I have gone through the job description (JD) that you have provided. Rose International is clever to combine the roles of an Executive Secretary and an Executive Assistant. Hire the Executive Assistant and you essentially get the Executive Secretary for free. Pretty clever!

Setting aside their cleverness, what you need right now is a good job where you can manage your finances. Therefore, the decision to join or not is up to you. My focus is on your career advancement. Inquire about their plans to transition you into another department as an Assistant Manager or similar role.

On another note, I have posted a response related to the Executive Assistant position in this forum. Although it may not directly address your query, you might find it useful. Here is the link: https://www.citehr.com/475592-workin...-director.html

Regarding furthering your education, there is nothing inherently wrong. However, you cannot simply keep acquiring degrees. What truly matters is applying the knowledge you have acquired. Even now, you can leverage your MBA (Ops) in various ways – such as delving into Retail Operations, joining the Purchase Department where non-technical individuals are needed, or working in the backend operations of insurance companies or banks.

Best of luck!

Regards,
Dinesh V Divekar