New course offers PAs management skills

Equipping PAs to succeed in today’s fast-changing workplace is the aim of a new part-time study programme being offered by Birkbeck University’s Department of Management from October this year.

The programme aims to develop and enhance the skills and understanding of existing and aspiring PAs by exploring current management thinking, practices and technology. Programme director Dr Ian Harrison has worked closely with Rosemary Parr, founder and CEO of the Global PA Network and an associate lecturer at Birkbeck, to tailor the qualification. Research co-authored by Rosemary Parr in 2009 showed that 75% of PAs would welcome a professionally recognised PA qualification, while 80% believed it would raise their status.

The Certificate of Higher Education in Management for Personal Assistants will plug the gap created by the transformation of office working practices over the past decade. Topics will include the role of the executive PA, people management and diversity, leadership and team building, strategy and business planning, and managing change.

Masterclasses in assertiveness, social media and key management skills will also be included in the course. It will be taught in the evenings and at weekends by Birkbeck and the Global PA Network, in a partnership aimed at addressing the shortage of customised training opportunities for PAs.

Parr, former Executive PA to past Chairman of BT, Sir Christopher Bland, says: “I am driven by a passion to help PAs develop their careers, as I know how hard it was for me. My career of 30 years as a PA was very chequered, and there were times when it was difficult for me to progress.

“There is definitely a reservoir of untapped talent in the workplace. This long-overdue programme will improve respect and career opportunities for the profession.”

On successfully completing the certification, students may progress to the second year of Birkbeck’s Foundation Degree in Management. Qualified applicants may also apply for admission to the second year of Birkbeck’s BA Management, BSc Business or other undergraduate degrees.

Update 24/07/13

For those interested in further information on this course, you can register online here: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/study/ce2013/management/awards/UEAMNPGA.html

There is also an email address if you have additional questions: management-ug@bbk.ac.uk, or you can phone 020 7631 6894. For any further queries, contact editorial@palife.co.uk