Secretarial courses

Polarbeary

I've worked as a PA for a few years, managed to get to quite nice position and earn quite good money and looking for my next new challenge of more of a senior PA/executive assistant role.

I've seen lots of secretarial courses around and wondered if it was worth doing one as I get asked about it in interviews and some person specifications state that a secretarial diploma is 'desirable.' I have a degree and also an NVQ 2 in Business and Admin (free course via Vision2Learn!).

Some other PAs I've met have gone to the Quest Professional College and have completed the 'Executive PA Programme' but I'm guessing my experience is equivalent to this.

Was wondering if anybody else had done a secretarial course and can recommend it? I have a couple of books about working as a PA which have been helpful too.

LegalSec

I have always worked as a secretary and have done a number of secretarial courses through the local college. Most local colleges offer evening classes to gain some form of PA qualification usually at a fraction of the cost of the private colleges (I see Quest charge about £5,000!), so worth having a look around in your area. Check out LCCI who provide PA or secretarial diplomas often through local colleges. I have also heard good reports about Souters and Lewis College.


Whilst your current job as a PA ticks the ‘experience box’ for future employers and your degree should be viewed as better than a secretarial diploma, getting an Exec PA job will probably mean going to a recruitment agency who will really test all your technically skills (audio typing, MS Office, minute taking etc), for instance I joined an agency last year where I had to demonstrate I could type at 65wpm before taking my application any further. If you need to perfect any of your skills then you might just want to do a single course(s) rather than go for the full diploma. Good luck!

bookgirl_2

If you are already an experienced PA, I would think you are better off going on short courses which enhance your skills. For example, courses on the Microsoft packages (advanced features), marketing, social media for business, project management etc. Also, things like fire safety, first aid, health and safety would help if you are interested in office management.

In my experience, the Executive PA courses are more for those wanting to get into these roles (or those struggling in a role).

Local colleges often offer medical or legal specialist courses which are good if either sector is of interest to you.