Executive Assisitant Or Export Marketing Which Is Better For Career???

Dear Seniors,

Greetings!

My friend has completed an MBA in International Business Management and has been working as an Executive Assistant (EA) to the CEO of a leading infrastructure company in Ahmedabad for the past 3 years. Recently, due to a low pay scale and a lack of increment this year (citing the reason as "Market is down"), he has received an offer from another company in the plastic manufacturing sector. The Managing Director (MD) of the new company has presented two different roles to him: (1) EA to MD and (2) Export Marketing Executive. The MD believes that given my friend's MBA specialization in IB, he should opt for the export marketing role to gain more experience in that area. However, the salary hike offered is minimal (only a $2,000 increase from his current monthly salary), and a 2-year bond is also required.

Currently, my friend is uncertain about whether he should switch careers after gaining 3 years of experience as an EA. If he remains in the EA role, what are the future prospects for career growth? On the other hand, what potential career growth opportunities exist in export marketing?

I am reaching out as he sought my advice, and I am also a bit unsure about the best course of action. I would greatly appreciate the insights and opinions of the Seniors on this matter.

Regards,

Meghna

Dear Seniors,

I have been reviewing the previous posts regarding EA and "Executive Assistant," but I still need advice and suggestions on this. Please do the needful.

Regards,
Meghna

Dear Megha,

Though you have mentioned in your second post that you have referred to other posts on "Executive Secretary," I recommend that you go through the replies in the following posts:

- https://www.citehr.com/475592-workin...ml#post2103088
- https://www.citehr.com/480499-career...assistant.html
- https://www.citehr.com/419400-execut...-director.html

From my perspective, being an "Export Marketing Executive" might be a better option than an "Executive Assistant." In the current company, why hasn't he transitioned to a more senior position? Can one remain an Executive Assistant indefinitely?

Lately, Managing Directors or Directors are fortunate to have MBAs as their secretaries. They simply designate them as "Executive Assistants."

Regards,
DVD

Dear Seniors,

Greetings!

My friend holds an MBA in International Business Management and has been working as an EA to the CEO in a leading infrastructure company in Ahmedabad for the past 3 years. Due to a low pay scale and no increment this year (citing the reason as the "Market is down"), he has received an opportunity in another company in the leading plastic manufacturing industry. The MD has offered him two different roles: (1) EA to MD and (2) Export Marketing Executive. The MD suggested that with his MBA in IB, he should explore the export side for learning opportunities. The offered salary hike is minimal (only a 2k increase on the current monthly salary), and there is a 2-year bond requirement.

Now, he is uncertain about switching careers after 3 years of EA experience. If he continues in the EA role, what will be the future prospects? What career growth can he expect in Export Marketing?

I am sharing this as he sought my advice, and I am also a bit unsure. I would appreciate hearing the opinions of the Seniors on this matter.

Regards,
Meghna

Dear Mr. Dinesh,

Thank you for the reply. He has to give an answer today itself, so I am glad that you replied. I will surely pass him your message. He is currently working as EA to the CEO in his current company, and his CEO is not allowing him to shift departments. Even the directors are also not in favor of this change. Now, he has the opportunity in Export, but he would have to start at the fresher level. At the age of 29, he is concerned that starting as a fresher would put him behind others of his age. Additionally, the salary offered is also lower at 15.5 K.

Thank you.