The role of the Executive Assistant is at a crossroads, as we write this article. Employers and recruiters are now looking for a different profile for an Executive Assistant. Traditionally, the role has been viewed as primarily providing administrative support, but it is now recognised as a vital and visible part of strategic management in businesses. Today’s EA have evolved from just helping the business run smoothly to assisting in driving the business forward.
Trends in Executive Assistant Jobs in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, numerous large companies with international teams, hybrid work arrangements, and fast-paced industries have a significant demand for a modern EA. The job market increasingly expects the EA to be capable of combining business awareness, cultural understanding and strong emotional intelligence. It is no longer enough to be organised and efficient with a focus on diary and email management. The most successful EAs understand the strategy of their company, which enables them to work autonomously and generate value.
This shift has turned the EA role into a far more dynamic role that is more visible in the executive arena. Instead of managing calendars and correspondence, these modern EAs are now contributing to business conversations, interpreting goals and anticipating problems proactively.
Effective Communication Skills for an EA
Communication has become a cornerstone skill. The modern EA often sits at the crossroads between executives, teams and clients. They need to be able to mix their communication with influencing, empathising and collaborating skills. In international settings, which are common in the Netherlands, this includes understanding the cultural nuances between different nationalities with whom you will be working.
Equally important is emotional intelligence for a modern EA. Executives rely on their EAs to read the mood on the floor, as you are the bridge between them and the employees. The best EAs can offer insight into how to break news and initiate change.
Technology is now even more significant with the arrival of AI tools. Automation has opened new possibilities that will allow EAs to delegate repetitive tasks to systems and focus on high-value business activities. This means being tech-savvy is no longer an optional extra, but a core skill.
Trends in EA Careers
This trend means that the role is now a mix of strategy, empathy and innovation. Today’s Executive Assistant is a valued member of the leadership circle. They are making greater impacts and have more visibility than ever before. They are no longer the quiet figure behind the scenes. The modern EA is at the centre of business life and has become a more dynamic and engaging career.
In the Netherlands, you will find that many of the modern EA jobs are delivered entirely or primarily in English. Large Dutch multinational like ING, ABN AMRO, Shell and many more need their EAs to interact with the world. This means effective communication in English is crucial.
You can learn to be a modern EA by taking our Executive Assistant Courses that the IEAA accredits. This is an international body for Executive Assistants and related careers.
