Refine results

The Changing Role of a Personal Assistant

 

How have Personal Assistants changed?Go back a few decades and the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant and Secretary were often interchangeable. Advances in technology eventually brought an end to Mad Men-style secretaries who spent all day typing, proof reading, answering phones and making coffee, however the public’s perception of what a PA does has yet to catch up. That doesn't mean to say that new technology changed what a contemporary PA does but instead altered the way that they work.

As we look at what the future holds for Personal Assistants, it’s clear that the demand for digital skills is intensifying and automation seeks to change the professional altogether. Read on to discover what Personal Assistants will need to do to stay relevant in an ever-changing business landscape.

The Evolution of the Personal Assistant

Before we can contextualise where the role of a PA is heading, we first need to understand where it’s been. The role of a PA has always been to provide crucial support to their Manager so that they can solely concentrate on their principle objectives. This could cover anything from clerical administration, coordinating events and travel planning, compiling reports and creating presentations. In some cases, this could also include tracking finances, budgets, and processing invoices, and even Human Resources and training duties. The primary change Personal Assistants have had to adapt to over the years is the drive towards a more digital and connected business environment.

The Static Perception of the Personal Assistant

What hasn’t changed over time is the public’s perception of what the role of a Personal Assistant entails. Our below infographic shows this disparity:

What Personal Assistants Do At Work

A Glimpse to the Future

When we look at how the role of a Personal Assistant will change in the years to come, it’s clear that technology will once again play a leading part. We’re seeing employers ask for technical skills that stretch far beyond just having proficiency in Microsoft Office, and into new digital spaces, such as cloud-based applications, social media, and website and database management.

Whilst sticking with the theme of technology, advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are predicted to be another big driver behind change in the Business Support sector. As more businesses aim to implement automation into their workplaces, some grow concerned that A.I. could potentially relieve them of their jobs altogether. However, we believe that striking a balance between office automation and the human touch is entirely possible.

Another trend we’re starting to see emerge is the increase in demand for PAs to have a deeper understanding of their Manager’s role. This is especially true for industries such as legal and finance, where PAs are often expected to have a sound understanding of jargon, processes, and market trends. In these cases, a Manager might decide to hire a candidate who has a greater industry experience, as opposed to someone who is new to the field. However, in our experience having expert industry knowledge has yet to become a common job requirement.

How to Stay Relevant

As the market adapts, it’s imperative that you change with it. Attending industry events that are specific to your organisation will help you to stay on top of the latest trends and news, ensuring that you are prepared for changes and enabling you to stay ahead of disruption. It’s also worth noting that if you’re planning on moving to a new sector, attending industry events can provide you with the exposure you need to make that jump effectively. As an example, if you’re looking to secure your first Legal Secretary position, attending the Legal Innovation and Technology Festival could provide the chance to familiarise yourself with industry jargon, trends, and luminaries.

Another advantage of attending these events is that they allow you to build a strong network. Whether you’re attending smaller Meetup groups, or large-scale conferences such as the National EA and PA Convention, these are great opportunities to connect with likeminded professionals. On top of generating leads for potential new jobs and helping to advance your career, speaking with your peers can help you to identify changes that are happening throughout your market and find out how others are planning to react. This insight from others can inspire ideas on how to overcome problems that you’re currently facing in your role, and better prepare you for the future. Learning about other people’s roles and careers can also give you an idea of the kinds of skills you might need to further succeed in your own.

Once you’ve identified what areas you can develop or which skill gaps you need to close, the next step is to upskill yourself. One way to do this is to approach your Manager and find out what opportunities they have available to build on your skillset, and if there are any internal development plans you can pursue. Another option is to take advantage of the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled programme. This programme offers Government-subsidised training courses for a wide range of subjects including; administration, business, IT, marketing, project management and Human Resources. Continuing to develop your skillset is key to prospering in a volatile business environment, and by keeping an eye on industry trends and adapting your skills to suit, you can ensure your career remains on an upward trajectory.

Summary

As a Personal Assistant, turning a blind eye to the changing trends within the office support space can be a significant setback for your career. To avoid being left behind in the wake of disruption, it’s crucial to keep your skills and experiences relevant. To find out how we can help your career stay ahead of the curve, speak to us today.

 

Filed under
Job Search Advice
Date published
Date modified
14/09/2017
Author
Metier Recruitment
Metier Recruitment