[Kristen]

I am moving from an office administrator position into an Executive Assistant position in September (within the same company)and my boss wants me to start training for the EA position. Can anybody recommend any essential (or even mildly helpful) courses, books, cd-roms, or programs that I should take a look at?

Thank you!

[Kevin Cannella]

There is a great online book that we are currently revising that is expected to be finished early next week.

It will be on OfficeArrow.com.

I hope that is soon enough for you!

[lilysunshine]

I just recently read Managing Up by Rosanne Badowski, the EA for GE CEO Jack Welch. It's not a step-by-step by any means, but it IS a pretty good idea of what makes a good relationship between boss and EA, in my opinion. I read it a few weeks ago, and while I couldn't list to you the things I've learned, I know that there's a definite difference in mindset.

Hope that helps!

[GeeBee]

I can hardly wait for the on-line book from OfficeArrow! One thing an EA has to do is empower themselves and the best way is to keep on top of your profession. Some books I would recommend for anyone entering the EA profession are: 'The Valuable Office Professional' by Michelle Burke and 'Become and Inner Circle Assistant' by Joan Burge. A great book for some organization tips is 'Getting Things Done' by David Allen. There are lots of books out there, start with these and enjoy your journey!

[LisaOlsen]

I will put in a plug for my recently published book, When Work Becomes You, It's All About the Fit. I cover 6 essential areas for success as an EA and in the office environment. It's available on Amazon.com.

In the meantime, my first suggestion would be to start off by having regular meetings with your boss to clarify tasks and ask lots of questions. A key to being an effective EA is to watch and listen and observe. Tune into your boss's heartbeat, personality and his or her vision. Good EA's are the eyes and ears for their boss - working diligently to lighten their load and be effective in a diversity of roles. Take initiative whenever you can. And remember that others will be looking to you so always set a professional example.

You've got what it takes! Good luck.

[Buhle]

Hi,

I would recommend you take a look at the CAP/CPS qualification from the International Association of Administrative Professionals. It is a self-study programme that covers Four subjects depending on your level, Office Administration, Office Systems and Technology, Management and Advanced Organisational Management. At the end of either stage, you can be a Certified Professional Secretary CPS or a Certified Administrative Professional CAP. I have found the material to be very helpful and the sens eof achievement from taking the course is tremendous. I'm a CAP by the way!!
Hope it all goes well for you!

[LisaOlsen]

You also might consider checking into the World Class Assistant seminars offered by my colleague Joan Burge at Office Dynamics. These are three day courses held in Las Vegas at the Red Rock Country Club. Joan limits the sessions to 24 assistants. Participants have the ability to attend three levels of training and get certified as a WCA upon graduation. I have conducted several of these for Joan and they are extremely beneficial. You can check out the course content on line at www.officedynamics.com. Click on World Class Assistant seminars. I would also recommend her book, The Inner Circle Assistant - one of the best books out there for the career.

[Jodith]

If your company uses Outlook, and you aren't already an expert, I recommend learning it inside and out. It can be an invaluable tool to managing your executive's schedule.

The other software I found I use much more as an EA than when an AA is PowerPoint. I prepare many, many more presentations now than I ever did in the past. Learn to jazz them up with nice templates and using transitions. It's a way to be really creative with out work. Be sure to find out if your company has presentation criteria. Some have a preferred template that they want everyone to use for making any presentation outside of the company.

[LLETT27]

What's the name of the online book.

LaTanya