PA role

edrushuk

Hello Group,

I would like to make the jump from being an administrator to PA. I have over 20 years admin/reception experience, and during that time covered the role as PA during annual leave and illnesses, so I am very familiar with the position.

I believe I have the skills to do the role, but never had a full time role

At the moment I am trying to teach myself shorthand, I also I did think of doing a language, but not sure which one.

I would be willing to do a p/t PA role for free, but it would have to work around my full time job.

So what else could I do improve my potential?

Thank you

Susanna

heretolearn_2

It's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question, it depends on the role. PA covers a lot of different things. Generally my experience is that shorthand wouldn't be required these days, it's much less a secretarial job than in the past (I'm not sure that even secretaries often need shorthand nowadays) and more of an assistant whatever your boss is. If boss is a senior manager, then the PA role can be like an assistant manager. It can be a highly responsible role. I'd go for things like financial skills - PAs frequently have budgets to manage - even if it's just managing the stock of stationery and being responsible for ordering and negotiating prices. Logistics - can you organise Meetings, events etc, the coordination of these is frequently a PA job. Organising venue (even if internal), time, date, inviting attendees, information packs, confirmations of attendees, catering, follow up and so on...

Your boss essentially has to be able to hand you a project, and know you can deal with it all, so he/she doesn't have to get involved in the details. Any practice of this, of any type, will help you.

I'd look for excellent software skills too, being truly proficient (not just picking about and making it up as you go, like most of us) in all Office applications. Advanced Excel for example. I'm always surprised how many people can't do a simple mail-merge as well.

Languages - yes these can be a tremendous advantage, but only once you are fluent. If you are just starting out it'll be a few years before you can use it in your career.