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Claire, Executive Assistant at Boost VC: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from high school English teacher to Executive Assistant at a venture capital firm, a path showcasing transferable skills and adaptability.
The role transcends typical administrative tasks, demanding prioritization, patience, and exceptional people skills to support a demanding executive in a fast-paced environment.
A day is unpredictable, filled with event planning, personal errands, and interactions with fascinating individuals in the deep tech world. Success requires resilience, anticipating needs, and navigating unexpected challenges.
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the creation of groundbreaking innovations and supporting individuals building something amazing.
Entry-level positions like receptionist or administrative assistant can build valuable transferable skills, supplemented by internships or networking. The key lesson learned?
Letting go of minor criticisms to maintain a positive outlook and prevent burnout in a role where many people rely on the executive assistant.
This career demonstrates the power of empathy, strong relationships, and a proactive approach to build a fulfilling and impactful career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Claire K
Executive Assistant
Boost VC
UCLA
UC Santa Cruz: MA Education + Northern Arizona University: MA English Literature
English, Writing & Education
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Business Strategy
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of an Executive Assistant at Boost VC
Claire's career journey, from a high school English teacher to an Executive Assistant at a venture capital firm, showcases a non-linear path emphasizing transferable skills over specific job titles. The transition, described as a "vast, huge gap," was bridged by years of diverse employment—from "multiple jobs at a time" to roles requiring skills applicable to their current position, highlighting the importance of experience over strict career linearity.
Main Responsibilities Of An Executive Assistant At Boost VC
Claire's role as Executive Assistant at Boost VC transcends typical administrative tasks; the small team environment necessitates a "all hands on deck" approach, where prioritization focuses on "what's gonna make my boss successful today," encompassing everything from event planning to personal errands like servicing a Tesla. This holistic approach, combined with a positive attitude towards even mundane tasks, allows Claire to contribute significantly beyond a traditional executive assistant role.
A Day in the Life of an Executive Assistant at Boost VC
A day in the life of an executive assistant is highly variable; no two days are the same, ranging from routine tasks like scheduling and email management to unexpected events and interactions with fascinating individuals in the deep tech venture capital world, where Claire might be meeting with a founder whose company uses "cancer-sniffing dogs." The experience is heavily influenced by the executive's personality, the industry, and the work environment.
Most Important Skills For An Executive Assistant At Boost VC
Claire, an executive assistant at Boost VC, emphasizes the importance of "patience, prioritization, and people skills," highlighting these as character traits rather than technical skills. A seasoned professional, Claire describes the role as requiring resilience, the ability to "read people," and anticipate needs, even subtly influencing a superior's choices for optimal performance, demonstrating the crucial soft skills needed for career advancement in executive assisting.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Executive Assistant At Boost VC
Claire, an Executive Assistant at Boost VC, finds immense fulfillment in witnessing "someone become a better person," a sentiment stemming from their teaching background and now applied to supporting their boss's vision. The unique aspect of venture capital, for Claire, is the inspiring network of people they encounter, whose "thought life" has expanded their own perspective, allowing them to witness firsthand the creation of "something incredible, um, that the world needs or wants."
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Executive Assistant At Boost VC
Claire's biggest challenge as a new Executive Assistant at Boost VC is "getting started with someone new," requiring time to build trust and understand their boss's communication style and expectations. This involves overcoming initial hurdles of limited knowledge and managing expectations, ultimately emphasizing the importance of proactive, open communication to mitigate potential conflicts and build a strong working relationship.
Favorite Parts of Working in Venture Capital as an Executive Assistant at Boost VC
Claire, an Executive Assistant at Boost VC, thrives on the unique opportunity in venture capital to witness "the earliest stages of people building something amazing," specifically within the deep tech space. This involves supporting founders pursuing groundbreaking innovations, from life-saving technologies to revolutionary transportation like "the Tesla for boats," and feeling a sense of fulfillment in contributing to their journeys.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Venture Capital Industry, According To An Executive Assistant At Boost VC
Claire, an Executive Assistant at Boost VC, highlights the multifaceted nature of "thriving," observing that financial success in venture capital often comes at the expense of other life areas. The most successful individuals, like Claire's boss, demonstrate "prioritizing everything in their life," mastering time management to achieve both professional achievements and a balanced personal life, viewing work not as a "job" but a "life's mission."
What An Executive Assistant At Boost VC Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Professional Industry
Claire, an Executive Assistant, advises aspiring professionals to prepare for "ridiculous" situations and master the art of "reading people," as the role demands navigating often unreasonable demands and unexpected challenges, ranging from font size critiques to more serious interpersonal conflicts. Success hinges on adapting to individual preferences and maintaining composure amidst sometimes stressful and even "gaslighting" experiences.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Executive Assistants At Boost VC
Claire, an executive assistant at Boost VC, suggests entry-level roles like "receptionist," "administrative assistant," or even restaurant or retail jobs to build transferable skills for executive assisting. For venture capital, internships are ideal, but alternative routes include "cold outreaches" to managing partners or attending university events featuring venture capitalists, with an MBA potentially providing another pathway.
Significant Career Lesson From An Executive Assistant At Boost VC
Claire, an Executive Assistant at Boost VC, learned the significant career lesson of "letting it go," meaning releasing minor criticisms to avoid negative self-talk and maintain a positive work outlook; this is crucial in a high-pressure role where maintaining a positive attitude is key to success and preventing burnout, as "so many people rely on you."
College Experiences That Helped An Executive Assistant At Boost VC Succeed
Claire's undergraduate experience significantly shaped their career by developing empathy through tutoring, allowing them to understand "vastly different life experiences" and tailor communication accordingly. Furthermore, the importance of networking and building strong relationships, "the power of association is so strong," became a cornerstone of their success, highlighting the value of adding value to others without expectation of immediate return.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn.com/in/claire-k-⏻-129a6b13a/
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