AI is already killing the executive assistant job

AI is reshaping white-collar work beyond tech layoffs, with entry-level roles in software engineering disappearing and new graduates struggling to find next steps. Secretaries and assistants are among the most disrupted jobs, with executive assistants at professional services firms being reduced or relocated. PwC reportedly laid off 600 U.S. employees in February, including assistants and recruiters, and similar measures followed at peer firms. Deloitte, KPMG, and EY eliminated non-client-facing support staff, while EY and McKinsey relocated executive assistants to lower-cost states or outside the U.S. Banks and law firms are also affected. Budget pressures and reduced demand combine with automation and AI adoption to drive these cuts, including concerns about protecting partner compensation.

"Executive assistants at professional services firms are being cast aside, according to Bloomberg: In February, PwC reportedly laid off 600 employees in the U.S.-including assistants and recruiters, among other back-office roles-and its peers have taken similar measures."

"Deloitte, KPMG, and EY have eliminated non-client-facing support staff over the past year, as have consulting firms like McKinsey. EY and McKinsey have also relocated executive assistants, either to states with a lower cost of living or out of the U.S. altogether. Bloomberg found that this trend is impacting jobs at banks and law firms as well."

"It's not entirely unprecedented for professional services firms to cut back on such roles when budgets are tight, and some former staffers told Bloomberg they suspect part of the impetus for the layoffs is to ensure partner compensation remains intact. But these firms are also seeing less demand overall and-like other employers-are under pressure to embrace AI and reduce costs."

"According to Bloomberg, the cuts at PwC were fueled in part by greater automation and AI adoption at the firm. Traditionally, executive assistant positions can provide relatively stable employment-and the pay is nothing to scoff at, crossing $100,000 in the finance industry."

Read at Fast Company