Why More EAs are Becoming Chiefs of Staff
The Executive Assistant position has long been recognized as a critical support function, but a noticeable shift is happening: EAs are increasingly stepping into Chief of Staff roles. In fact, 50% of our Nova Certification students are EAs, demonstrating that EAs increasingly see the potential and value of the Chief of Staff role as their next career move.
Why the rise in EA-to-CoS transitions? There are several reasons, and the trend highlights a shift in the workplace and how leadership views potential among their staff.
Executive Assistants are leaning into their power—and y'all have a lot of it. EA confidence is building: There’s absolutely no reason that a high-achieving, driven, intelligent, and resourceful EA can’t move onto whatever next role they want—just like anyone else.
Executive Assistants are having career development conversations, discussing their goals, and identifying and pitching next steps more than ever before. Now that’s some Chief of Staff energy! 😊
Next, Chief of Staff is one of the highest-trust roles that exist. Who’s better to take on a high-trust role like CoS than someone you already trust more than anyone else? Well, if your EA is capable and wants the job of CoS, it’s a no-brainer.
Additionally, both leadership and societal constructs have changed. Gone are the days when someone fits into a perfect box, and that’s where we keep them. Nope. Leaders now identify talent not by current role and circumstance but by potential. Employees with the drive, desire, and ability are being given more opportunities regardless of their current position.
Finally, the CoS role is growing like crazy. Leaders are telling their friends about the power of a Chief of Staff. And once it’s clear to that leader what the role can offer them, it’s hard not to see it: The EA sitting right in front of them—who’s been raising her hand and taking on more and more responsibility—might be the perfect fit.
As a people leader for the last two decades, let me tell you: Executive Assistants are some of the most capable and influential leaders I’ve ever met.
While the path from EA to CoS isn’t the most traditional, it’s becoming an increasingly common and natural progression for executive assistants with drive, ambition, and capability. If you’re an EA thinking about your next move, don’t hesitate to start having those career development conversations. The opportunity for career growth has never been more accessible to EAs, especially for those ready to embrace the responsibility and leadership that comes with a Chief of Staff position.
Curious to learn more about the Chief of Staff role and how it could change your career trajectory? Download the Syllabus for Nova's Chief of Staff Certification course and take the first step towards a leadership role. And to hear from those who’ve successfully made the leap from EA to CoS, check out our Case Studies highlighting their success stories.