Being a personal assistant may sound like a mundane job. But, in reality, it can be a challenging and rewarding career, as long as you have the right skills and attitude. Personal assistants can come from all walks of life and do not necessarily need to have fancy degrees or qualifications. All you need is to have a good head on your shoulders, an eye for detail, and the ability to think on your feet.

Why Be a PA?

Learn from the best. Personal assistants keep amazing company and rub shoulders with the who’s who of the industry. You have the opportunity to see how influential leaders work in their day-to-day life and pick up essential skills and tips for success. Through your boss’s connections, you will meet other movers and shakers and build relationships that can help you further your career in the future.

Be front and center. Being the PA to a key player in the industry will put you in the heart of the action. PAs often accompany their bosses to exclusive meetings and events that would be out of bounds of normal executives. You will be the first to know about any exciting developments and negotiations and will stay at the forefront of your field. Your colleagues will be coming to you for the latest news and looking to you for advice.

Earn a pretty penny. As PAs are expected to hold a great number of responsibilities, their salaries reflect their abilities. An average PA will make an average of $70,000 a year while an executive assistant can make between over a hundred thousand. Certain high-power PAs who work for CEOs of multinational corporations can even earn double that figure.

Keep life interesting. For adrenaline junkies who love to face problems head-on, the daily life of a PA varies widely. There are a myriad of activities and tasks that will be thrown onto your plate, and you will be expected to be able to take charge of any situation. In addition, if your boss is a frequent traveler, chances are that you will be visiting many new and exciting places as well.

How to Be the Best PA

Keep on top of things. As a personal assistant, you are your boss’s ‘right hand’ and they will be relying on you to set the groundwork for success. Your goal is to make life easier for your executive leaders by sharing the load and taking care of the nitty-gritty. A good PA needs to be able to multitask and prioritize key projects and activities. You also need to be detail-oriented, prepared, and ready to leap into action at any time.

Always upgrade yourself. There are numerous online PA courses that you can take to add to your professional qualifications and skills. If you are not sure which course to invest your time in, ask your boss what you could learn to be more assistance to them. From business English courses to Microsoft Office diplomas, your enthusiasm for earning new qualifications will impress your boss and increase your career prospects.

Observe and take notes. Your boss will probably go to various places and interact with many people daily. The volume of information that goes through your mind could be massive. Therefore, always take notes, even if they seem unimportant at that time. Aside from noting down business interactions and possible ideas, you should also observe your boss’s habits to know what they like and do not like. Simple things like their favorite snacks can improve your busy boss’s mood and day.

Be discrete. Working with high-level executives means that you may become aware of confidential business information. Sometimes, PAs have to perform tasks that involve the private lives of their bosses as well. Keeping your lips sealed on your boss’s information, movements, and personal life is essential in maintaining your integrity and credibility as a professional. Trustworthiness is an invaluable skill for PAs and will cement your place by the side of your boss.

Be on top of the schedule. Busy leaders have a lot to think about and do not always have time to remember their appointments. You should keep track of your boss’s calendar and remind them of important engagements. By knowing who your boss is planning to meet, you can also set up the appropriate bells and whistles—like a preferred coffee—that truly impress your boss and their guest and highlight your proactivity and motivation.

Being a personal assistant is a fantastic career choice for those who love to surmount challenges and better themselves. Your time as a PA will put you in the company of leading industry professionals and could assist in propelling your career up several rungs. If you would like to be a great PA, and not just an average one, constantly upgrading your knowledge and skills will ensure that you stay at the top of your game.