We surveyed 39,406 administrative assistants to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical administrative assistant. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as an administrative assistant?
Low
High
Working as an administrative assistant typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become an administrative assistant?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as an administrative assistant typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as an administrative assistant?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically not very difficult to find a job as an administrative assistant. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for administrative assistants.
Do administrative assistants work full-time or part-time?
72% of administrative assistants work in full-time roles while 28% work part-time.
Is being an administrative assistant stressful?
Low
High
Administrative assistants tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as an administrative assistant?
Low
High
Organization is considered a very important trait for administrative assistants, and is critical to success in the field.
How competitive is the workplace for administrative assistants?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for administrative assistants.
Does being an administrative assistant require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Administrative assistants will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are administrative assistants allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Administrative assistants rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do administrative assistants have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Administrative assistants tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being an administrative assistant physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as an administrative assistants is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are administrative assistants exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, administrative assistants tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being an administrative assistant require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for administrative assistants, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good administrative assistant require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as administrative assistants.