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How to Become an Executive Personal Assistant: Australian Careers in Business Administration

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What is a Executive Personal Assistant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Executive Personal Assistant?

An Executive Personal Assistant (EPA) supports senior executives by managing their schedules, communications, and day-to-day administrative tasks. They act as a trusted link between the executive and the rest of the organisation. This allows executives to focus on strategic decisions rather than routine work.

EPAs handle a wide range of duties. These include organising meetings, booking travel, preparing reports, and managing correspondence. They are often the first contact for clients and stakeholders. Strong communication skills and discretion are essential in this role.

The role suits people who thrive in fast-paced environments. EPA work spans many industries, including finance, health care, and professional services. Most roles are based in large cities. About 33% of Personal Assistants work in New South Wales (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

With the right skills and qualifications, EPAs can progress to senior administrative roles, office management, or specialist project work. It is a career that offers variety and genuine professional growth.

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Career snapshots For Executive Personal Assistants

Around 50,900 people work as Personal Assistants in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS Labour Force Survey, 2025). The occupation has a strong female share, at 97% (JSA, ABS Labour Force Survey, 2025). The median age is 43 years (ABS Census 2021, via JSA).

About 72% of Personal Assistants work full-time hours (JSA, ABS Labour Force Survey, 2025). The average full-time worker puts in 41 hours per week (ABS Census 2021). Median full-time earnings are $1,832 per week. This is equivalent to around $95,000 per year (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025).

New South Wales accounts for 33% of employment in the occupation (JSA, ABS Labour Force Survey, February 2026). Victoria follows with 25%. Future demand is projected to decline slightly, with annual employment growth of around -200 positions nationally (JSA, 2025).

What will I do?

Executive Personal Assistants run the admin side of executive work. They manage schedules, handle comms, and keep key tasks on track. Their role helps the executive stay focused and the office run well.

  • Calendar management: booking and managing meetings, appointments, and reviews
  • Comms contact: being the main link to internal teams and outside contacts
  • Meeting support: writing agendas, taking minutes, and chasing action items
  • Travel booking: booking flights, hotels, and local transport
  • Document prep: drafting and editing reports, letters, and slide decks
  • Project support: tracking due dates and giving admin help on live projects
  • Expense management: processing claims and checking them against budget rules
  • Office admin: managing supplies and keeping the workspace in order
  • Confidentiality: keeping sensitive data safe and private at all times
  • Event planning: arranging team off-sites, functions, and business events

What skills do I need?

Executive Personal Assistants need a broad mix of practical and people skills. Strong planning and organisation are the core. You must handle many tasks at once, meet tight deadlines, and keep close attention to detail.

Clear written and verbal comms are key. EPAs work with senior leaders, clients, and partners every day. Discretion and good conduct are a must. Most employers expect strong digital skills. These include Microsoft Office, calendar tools, and basic project software.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Discretion and professional confidentiality
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Calendar and diary management
  • Problem-solving and initiative
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Multitasking across competing priorities
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Project coordination and administrative support
  • Research and report preparation
  • Travel and logistics coordination
  • Understanding of business etiquette
  • Digital fluency across productivity and collaboration tools

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.