(ig-zek-yuh-tiv uh-sis-tuhns) (n.) The administrative practice
of providing support to high-level support to offices and top
executives. Executive assistants provide key support to managers
and business executives by performing a broad range of
administrative functions and, to some extent, decision making.
They work in corporate settings, government posts, financial
markets, and commercial as well as public enterprises. To enter
this career, an aspiring executive assistant must obtain an
associate or bachelor's degree in majors such as marketing,
business administration and finance. Most executive assistants
are certified by agencies like the International Virtual
Assistants Association (which recognizes online or virtual
executive assistants) and the National Association of Legal
Secretaries. As in most other professions, a higher education or
extensive experience can lead to more lucrative and challenging
employment options. Some of the important tasks that executive
assistants perform in the course of a da