Executive Assistant

As an Executive Assistant, you provide high-level administrative and organisational support to senior executives such as directors, CEOs, or department heads across a wide range of Irish organisations. Your day involves managing complex diaries, scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, preparing correspondence, and handling confidential information with discretion. You act as a key point of contact between the executive and internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders, often liaising with other departments to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. You may also prepare reports, take minutes at board-level meetings, and assist with the coordination of company events. Working closely with senior leadership means you need to anticipate needs, prioritise competing demands, and represent the executive professionally at all times.

A Leaving Certificate with good results in English, Business, and a modern language is a strong foundation for this career. Many Executive Assistants enter through a QQI Level 6 Higher Certificate in Business Administration or Office Management, available at Colleges of Further Education and Institutes of Technology across Ireland. A Level 7 or Level 8 degree in Business, Management, or a related field can improve your prospects, particularly in larger multinationals or public sector organisations. Some candidates complete PLC courses at Level 5 in Business Administration before progressing to higher-level qualifications through the Higher Education Links Scheme. Professional qualifications from bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) or ECDL certification in IT skills are also valued by employers. There is no statutory registration requirement for this role, but demonstrated expertise in office systems, confidentiality, and business communication is essential.