Project assistants are an entry-level position that can be found in almost any industry. The specific requirements will vary by industry, and the more professional or exclusive the work environment, the more extensive the requirements will be. Gaining experience in administrative support, coordination, and logistics, as well as applying for a position in an industry where you have some topical education or interest, can help you become a project assistant.
Project assistants are needed in almost every industry, from technology to construction to entertainment. The job is similar to that of an executive assistant, except that instead of providing administrative support to a specific executive, the assistant assists with a specific project. The position is usually designated as a project assistant rather than an executive or administrative assistant because it is funded through a project’s budget, and the designation serves as a reminder of the specific task.
You can become a project assistant at the entry level in an industry that does not require professional or specialty expertise by demonstrating basic office skills, computer literacy, and outstanding organizational skills. For this type of job, there are no specific educational requirements. Functional skills can be acquired through a combination of training and classes at community colleges, universities, or proprietary trade schools. Your credentials and previous work experience will be expected to demonstrate your overall competence, as well as your interest in the underlying industry.
Additional credentials are frequently required for project assistant positions in certain professional and specialty industries. Applicants for some positions will be required to have prior experience with project management software. Formal education credentials, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, will be required for other positions. You can work as a project assistant in these industries by obtaining the necessary credentials and enrolling in training or certification classes to improve your administrative skills, especially if the industry employs specific project management software.
Because the project assistant position is usually considered entry-level, the job posting is frequently shared. You can look for open positions on the human resources section of any company’s website that you’re interested in as a potential employer or on popular Internet-based job search websites. Whether it’s a general or specialized position, the job announcement will emphasize organizational skills and your ability to manage and multi-task. To work as a project assistant, you must have a consistent “can-do” attitude and a broad set of general administrative skills to back it up.