The start of a new year is always brimming with potential. As we step into 2025, many professionals, particularly executive assistants, find themselves reflecting on their careers. After the challenges of 2024, when the job market proved unpredictable, it’s the perfect time to reassess goals, embrace new opportunities, and prepare for a brighter future.

Reflecting on 2024: A tricky year for many

Last year, 2024, was undeniably a challenging period for many industries. Economic pressures led to significant cost-cutting measures, up to 70% of Australian businesses had planned to implement cost-cutting measures in response to market uncertainty.  (Deel’s Australian Business Leader Pulse Check 2024)  This included implementing salary reductions, redundancies, and hiring freezes. And 60% considered leveraging new technologies such as AI to automate and cut costs. Entire departments were downsized, and many executive assistants experienced the ripple effects of these decisions.

Locally here in Australia, the annual retrenchment rate increased from 1.4% in February 2023 to 1.7% in February 2024, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This rise then reflects growing economic pressures and cost-cutting measures by companies during 2024, leading to a higher number of redundancies.

It wasn’t just about layoffs. Job seekers often found themselves in frustrating situations, with stories emerging about roles being advertised, candidates accepting offers, and then being informed that positions were cancelled or restructured internally before their start dates. This uncertainty created a cautious approach to job changes for many professionals, executive assistants included.

In 2024, SEEK, Australia's leading employment platform, reported a notable decline in job advertisements. Specifically, there was an unheard of 20% reduction in ad volumes over the year, as highlighted in an article by The Guardian. This decrease was particularly evident in states like Victoria and New South Wales, affecting many sectors (Guardian, Aug 2024).  Equally, these figures underscore the challenges faced by job seekers, reflecting a more competitive employment landscape due to fewer advertised positions.

If this all resonates with you, you’re not alone.   You may, like many other individuals, have begun to doubt your own abilities and if it ‘was you’ as the reason why it has been hard to find a role. But equally the fact this issue made it into the mainstream media a number of times, in conjunction with the many other statistics from 2024, shows it’s NOT you, but the market and economy.

So what now?  There is a light !

As 2025 unfolds, and partially as a result of the downsizing and cost cutting, certain roles and sectors in Australia are experiencing pronounced skills gaps, reflecting evolving workforce dynamics and industry demands.  Whilst the skills gaps are in roles such as cybersecurity experts, data analysts, and software developers or construction project managers and specialised trades, as infrastructure projects ramp up for example, these all help to present more opportunities for Executive Assistants.

Looking at the key industry sectors with significant skills gaps reveals emerging opportunities for executive assistants. Here are some of the key sectors to keep an eye on:

• Technology: The tech industry continues to expand, driven by advancements in AI, automation, and digital transformation. Skilled executive assistants will be in demand to support leaders navigating this complex, fast-paced environment.

• Healthcare: Australia’s ageing population and post-pandemic focus on health have spurred growth in this sector. Many organisations will be looking for EAs who can manage operations and support leadership in a rapidly changing field.

• Renewable Energy: With global shifts toward sustainability, renewable energy projects in Australia are booming. Executive assistants with project management experience will find opportunities to support these initiatives.

• Professional Services: Accounting, legal, and consulting firms are going to go through growth to support the new technology disruptions, requiring EAs who can manage client relationships, oversee logistics, and ensure operational efficiency.

Hybrid roles not the working from home kind, that was 2023, but the ones professionals can wear multiple hats are also on the rise. This trend aligns well with your strengths, as an EA, being already accustomed to balancing diverse responsibilities.

Many EAs will have chosen to “hold on” over the holiday season, waiting for the new year to make decisions about leaving roles that no longer align with their goals. Now, with 2025 here, it’s time to take the leap, whether that’s securing a promotion, switching industries, or exploring new career paths.   We should start to see more roles appearing from end of January through February as people start to come back from summer break and start looking around for that change.

So the question is, if this is you and you are wanting that change, whatever that may be, are you ready?!

Setting Resolutions for Career Success

The new year offers a chance to start fresh. Begin by asking yourself: What does career success mean for me in 2025?

For some, it’s about growth within their current organisation. For others, it’s the opportunity to pivot into a new role or industry. As an EA you are particularly uniquely positioned to transition into adjacent fields like project management, event management, or operations. These roles leverage the same core skills—organisation, problem-solving, and multitasking—but often allow for broader responsibilities and strategic input.

Here’s how to make your resolutions actionable:

1. Define Clear Goals: Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or exploring new industries, write down your objectives and break them into manageable steps.

2. Update Your Professional Branding: Refresh your CV and LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills and accomplishments from the past year.  Don’t forget, we at Platinum Alliance, are always here to chat if you want to run through your resume or ask advice.

3. Upskill: Explore certifications and courses to broaden your skills set.  Executive Assistant Network have some great courses and qualifications for just that, for example : Cert IV of Project Management Practice https://www.executiveassistant.com/ProjectManagement   The Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Executive Office Management including leadership and many other skills to add to your repertoire and even webinars on subjects like AI and how you can embrace the new technology to your advantage. Have a look at https://www.executiveassistant.com/Academy and keep an eye out for any courses and upcoming webinars to build your skillset.

4. Expand Your Network: Attend industry events, connect with former colleagues, and join professional groups to increase your visibility and learn about new opportunities.  Reach out to fellow members through EAN, compare notes, ask advice or simply connect – that’s what it’s all about ! https://www.executiveassistant.com/

For those considering a total career change

If you’re ready to pivot into a new field, project management and event management are excellent options. Here’s why:

• Project Management: With the right certification, you can step into roles that require coordinating teams, managing budgets, and delivering results—skills you already excel at as an EA.

• Event Management: If you enjoy planning and executing events, this career path allows you to combine creativity with organisational expertise. Courses in event planning or certifications in hospitality can strengthen your candidacy.

• Operations Management: Many EAs already act as the operational backbone of their organisations, making this a natural transition.

To make the leap, start by researching the requirements for these roles. Identify any gaps in your skills and address them with online courses, workshops, or mentorship programs.

Practical steps to start the year strong

Even if you’re not actively job hunting, staying prepared is always a smart move. Here’s how to position yourself for success in 2025:

1. Assess Your Current Role: Reflect on whether your current job aligns with your goals. If it doesn’t, identify what changes you need to make.

2. Track Industry Trends: Stay informed about the skills and roles in demand. This will help you position yourself strategically in the job market.

3. Invest in Professional Development: Dedicate time to learning new tools, technologies, or leadership strategies. Many courses are available online, making it easy to upskill at your own pace.  Again Executive Assistant Network have some great webinars and courses, take advantage of that: https://www.executiveassistant.com/

4. Strengthen Your Network: Reach out to past colleagues and mentors. Building relationships often leads to unexpected opportunities.

5. Focus on Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries and establish routines that allow you to perform at your best without burning out.

Looking forward to a fresh start

As we navigate 2025, it’s important to remember that the job market is evolving, and new opportunities are emerging every day. For executive assistants, the combination of adaptability, strategic thinking, and organisational excellence makes you a sought-after professional across multiple industries.

Whether you’re looking to grow within your current role, make a lateral move, or pivot to an entirely new field, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to take action. By setting clear goals, staying informed, and preparing for what’s ahead, you can turn your aspirations into achievements and make 2025 a year of growth, success, and fulfilment.

Do you have any roles available within your organisation? 

We currently have a pool of highly skilled and experienced Executive Assistants ready to make an immediate impact and would love to hear from you on any great organisations they can start their 2025 with !

For additional career insights and resources, feel free to contact us at

recruitment@platinumalliance.com.au

We're here to help!