Our Editor of PA Life sat down with Samantha to find out about her work and life as an EA, and what her first impressions of the PA Life Club have been.
“I’ve been at Aegis (a syndicate of Lloyd’s) for just over a year and it’s flown by! Prior to being in the Insurance sector, I’ve worked in various sectors including FinTech, Events, and the Creative industry – one of my big passions is Events Management.
When I returned from travelling in Mexico, I was seeking a new venture through a recruiter I’d stayed friendly with and was lucky enough to find myself at Aegis…
YOU JOINED PA LIFE CLUB IN MAY 2023. WHAT HAVE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS BEEN AND WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN REASONS FOR JOINING?
The club is amazing; a bunch of professional, successful women who all have similar but varied career goals.
In the first two weeks of joining I attended a wonderful event at the Science Gallery, and was invited on an exciting FAM trip to Reading where we explored the city’s corporate & social offerings. Thank you PA Life Club!
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS YOU WOULD LIKE PA LIFE CLUB TO INTRODUCE TO ITS MEMBERS?
Wider networking opportunities with even more suppliers, like-minded individuals and other highly experienced professionals to learn from would be welcomed as they say, ‘Your Network is your Net Worth’.
WHAT ARE THE MOST ENJOYABLE ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB, AND THE LEAST?
At Aegis, we have a great culture and our CEO is very involved in the day-to-day business and small details. I’m creative-minded so the mundane tasks; spreadsheets, expenses, anything repetitive is the part I least enjoy, but is also a huge part of being an EA, or any admin support, it’s all part & parcel.
In contrast, I’m heavily involved in the Event Planning and most enjoy this; from the concept to the budget, I love to plan and execute events!
WHAT DO YOU SEE ARE THE KEY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS ASSISTANTS SHOULD FOCUS ON NOW?
The goal is to be irreplaceable, with new developments such as AI becoming more prominent in everyday life. It’s important Assistants and all professionals focus on becoming diverse, adapting to a potentially changing job role, and learning digital skills.
I believe it’s important to bring value, in whichever role you are in. People skills & communication will always be required, regardless of the sector or business you find yourself working in – you are always selling yourself to someone so improving your personal & professional skills constantly is key.
On AI, I believe it will make some jobs redundant, but will also create jobs; it’ll be a new leap like the industrial revolution – we just need to be ready for it!
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Feel the fear and do it anyway!
YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO IN LONDON?
I have a beautiful little French bulldog called Róka and he comes everywhere I go so it has to be dog friendly…
Gaucho is my favourite restaurant; all branches are dog-friendly. Bluebird in Chelsea allows fluffy friends, they make great cocktails and have a wonderful food menu. My favourite park is Battersea Park; I go to the Monthly Bulldog meetup there and it’s so much fun!
FOR YOUR DIARY:
See all the not-to-be-missed upcoming events HERE
