Transitioning from Executive Assistant to Human Resources: A Strategic Career Move.

Some executive assistants (EAs) reach a point in their careers where they seek new opportunities for growth and development. One natural progression for many EAs is transitioning into Human Resources (HR), a field that complements the skills and experience they’ve built throughout their careers. This ACEA Training article explores how executive assistants can strategically begin the transition into HR while continuing to excel in their EA role.

Why Human Resources?

The skills an executive assistant develops—such as organisation, communication, problem-solving, and multitasking—are highly transferable to HR. HR professionals work closely with employees and leadership teams to manage recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and organisational development. Executive assistants, with their deep knowledge of company culture and people, are often well-positioned to bridge gaps between leadership and the wider workforce.

1. Leverage Your Existing Skills

As an EA, you already possess several core competencies that are vital in HR, including:

• Communication: EAs are accustomed to managing high-level communication, making them well-suited for HR tasks such as mediating employee conflicts or conducting interviews.
• Confidentiality: Handling sensitive information is second nature to EAs, which aligns perfectly with HR’s need for discretion in personnel matters.
• Organisation and multitasking: Whether it’s scheduling, managing documents, or coordinating large projects, an EA’s ability to stay organised translates directly to the demands of HR.

By recognising how these existing skills apply to HR, you can start positioning yourself as a potential HR candidate within your current organisation.

2. Seek Out HR-Related Tasks

One of the best ways to begin your HR journey is by actively seeking opportunities to contribute to HR tasks while remaining in your EA role. Many HR functions overlap with the work EAs already perform. Here are some tasks you could volunteer for:

• Recruitment support: Help with interview scheduling, candidate communication, or even participate in interviews as part of the selection panel.
• Onboarding: Offer to assist with the onboarding process for new hires by organising orientation schedules, preparing documents, or facilitating introductions to key personnel.
• Employee relations: Assist in handling employee queries, organising team-building activities, or supporting performance review processes.
• Policy development: EAs are often closely connected to senior management, which gives them insights into company strategy. Volunteering to help draft or communicate HR policies is a great way to gain experience.

3. Pursue Relevant HR Training and Qualifications

To successfully transition into HR, building your knowledge and expertise through formal education is essential. There are many accessible options that you can pursue while continuing to work as an EA:

• Online courses: Platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer HR-specific courses covering everything from talent management to employment law.
• Qualifications: Pursuing recognised HR qualifications, such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the UK, can significantly boost your credibility.
• HR-specific webinars and workshops: Attend industry-related events and workshops to stay current on HR trends and network with HR professionals.

These educational pursuits will help you bridge the gap between your current EA skill set and the specific knowledge required for HR.

4. Network with HR Professionals

Connecting with HR professionals both inside and outside your organisation is another key step towards transitioning. Building relationships with colleagues in HR can help you learn more about the field and provide opportunities to support HR initiatives. You can:

• Arrange informational interviews with HR team members to learn more about their daily tasks, challenges, and career paths.
• Join HR-related professional organisations such as the CIPD, where you can access resources, attend events, and meet HR professionals.
• Offer to assist with HR projects within your company, giving you hands-on experience and a closer look at HR operations.

Networking also opens doors to mentoring opportunities, where experienced HR professionals can guide your career transition and offer advice on how to move forward.

5. Request a Gradual Role Expansion

If you’ve started taking on HR tasks and demonstrating an interest in the field, consider having a conversation with your manager about expanding your responsibilities to include more HR functions. Some companies might allow you to take on a hybrid EA-HR role, where you split your time between supporting leadership and managing HR duties. This transition can serve as a stepping stone, giving you practical experience without needing to make an abrupt job change.

6. Prepare for a Formal Transition

As you build experience and expand your HR-related responsibilities, you may find yourself ready to make a full transition into HR. When the time comes, you can:

• Update your CV to highlight both your EA experience and the HR-related tasks and skills you’ve developed over time.
• Apply for internal HR roles if they become available. Having already worked on HR projects and demonstrated your skills, you may be well-positioned for these opportunities.
• Consider external HR roles if internal opportunities are limited. Your EA experience combined with HR-specific training and skills will make you a strong candidate for entry- to mid-level HR positions.

Summary

Transitioning from an executive assistant to a human resources role is a strategic career move that allows EAs to leverage their existing skills while expanding their professional horizons. By gradually taking on HR-related tasks, pursuing relevant education, and building relationships with HR professionals, you can make the transition seamlessly, while still performing as a top-tier EA. Whether you choose to pursue a full-time HR role or explore a hybrid EA-HR position, this transition can open doors to exciting new career opportunities.

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About the Author: Richard Arnott, BA, FInatAM, FIToL, is a Director of BMTG (UK) Ltd, and the author and lead presenter of the groundbreaking, globally recognised Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant: ACEA® program. Richard also sits on the editorial board of Lucy Brazier OBE Executive Support Magazine.

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