EAs are in an enviable position

The title of EA used to carry a much different connotation from its current incarnation back when management assistants were “just secretaries” and the salary reflected this attitude. Today, EAs are seen as the gatekeeper to their company and have the chance to earn a decent salary.

In California’s Silicon Valley, for instance, base pay for support roles starts at $60,000 (approximately £40,000) and goes as high as $200,000, (£133,000) plus bonuses for those supporting executives at board level. The job has shifted to become a career goal for highly educated young people – most of them women.

Recruitment manager at camera manufacturer GoPro Nicole Budovec says she has noticed a shift in educational qualifications – the next generation of EAs will hold degrees, which is a big change from the days when secretaries usually only had vocational certificates.

2014 saw a 25% increase in EA recruitment in the UK and studies show that one in three management assistants are ready to move roles this year. Despite the boost in available jobs, the wider perception is slow to follow, which may be keeping some from considering these positions.

“There’s definitely a stigma about the title,” comments Shana Larson, EA at visual discovery company Pinterest. “The initial transition was scary, but I’m glad I took the leap.” She holds a master’s degree in broadcast journalism and says she plans to continue in her role as it allows her to get access to all aspects of the business and she regards herself as being “fairly compensated”.

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