At last year’s Office show, PA Life Editor Colette Doyle led a debate on the importance of continuing professional development (CPD) to the PA community. Here we review some of the points raised by the panel. As a starting point, Colette asked the panel what they felt was the best way for PAs to continue their own professional development on the job. Adam Fidler began by saying they should join an association that promotes development, or network to meet other assistants. He said CPD provides PAs with the confidence they need to be as assertive as they ought to be.
Nuala Gansler agreed, saying training has given her “so much confidence” to do her job and being a member of a body such as The Association of Personal Assistants is key to getting that training. She added that PAs should read about what’s going on in the world of CPD and make sure they keep informed when it comes to courses or seminars that pertain to their job.
Emma Kernan-Staines noted that participating in CPD shows you’re devoted to your job and can increase job satisfaction. She agreed that networking is key, and pointed out that many companies offer PAs training in their particular business sector, which is important if you want to succeed.
Angela Mortimer advised that PAs should always be learning because companies look for [knowledge of] Microsoft programmes and social media skills when recruiting new PAs. She hinted that staying in touch with other assistants can help with CPD and specifically mentioned a PA of hers who started a network at her own office.
Lindsay Taylor suggested that learning doesn’t always have to take place in a formal environment. “Networking definitely has big benefits. There’s a wealth of knowledge right here in this room,” she enthused. “PAs should always learn from each other.”
On the subject of networking, the panel was asked how associations could help with the development and evolution of the PA role and whether networking should officially be considered part of CPD. Adam commented that it should be mandatory for PAs to network, as sometimes you can learn more from each other than from a book or at a course. “It’s only when you move out of your comfort zone that you learn about yourself and others.”
Emma posited that the knowledge base of PAs as a collective is “astounding”, while Angela commented that networking offers the fun of learning about different cultures and provides an insight into your boss’s business. Lindsay advised that PAs use every networking opportunity as a learning experience and that they should ask themselves what they can learn from those around them.
When asked the difference between experience, teachable skills, ‘soft’ skills and actual accredited qualifications, Angela was quick to say that all people learn differently and what works for one person may not work for another. She suggested PAs learn from the behaviour of those around them as well as from qualifications because her clients look for well-balanced and solution-focused candidates.
“I yearned for knowledge after getting into the role and I learned from a range of outlets,” Emma stated. In her opinion it’s not always diplomas and qualifications that make a good PA, but also the experience you bring to a role. Lindsay agreed that it’s about the whole package of a person, including the skills set and ability to use it in any situation.
Clearly, the panel had established that PAs should pursue CPD, but can it actually lead to a better job appointment? Nuala happily pointed out that she is living proof of the value of CPD. “It gave me the confidence to excel,” she said. Angela retorted that you should always be aware of the movement within any company where you have an interview opportunity. If it appears there is rapid movement, it means there is a chance for growth. Lindsay added that it surprises her the way more people don’t see the interview process as a two-way street and that PAs should view it as a chance to get to know the company and get a feel for their chances of promotion.
Next, Colette asked the panel to consider how much time and effort it takes to complete a course and if the results are worth it. In Emma’s case, she had just had a baby, was ill with flu and the homework wasn’t light, but she still managed to complete a course. She agreed that it is a lot of time and effort, “as it should be”, but insisted it’s worth it in the long run. “You’re the only person who can arrange the time to do it, so if you don’t, you can only blame yourself.”
And if the panellists could map out their perfect CPD scheme for the PA profession, what elements would it include? Adam suggested PAs gain a strategic awareness and learn about the industry they work in. He stressed that ‘soft’ skills are essential, as it’s not always what you do but how you do it. “You could be the best PA, but if you’re rude that’s how people know you,” he said, adding that CPD can also teach PAs how to deal with confrontation effectively.
Lindsay said CPD should give PAs the communication skills that are so essential to their role. It should show them how to say the right things at the right time in the right way. Emma stated that she wanted to see more mentoring within companies as part of CPD and, in that vein, more recognition of what PAs do and more pathways to progression.
So PAs are convinced of the benefits of training, but how can they convince their bosses that it is worth investing? Lindsay was quick to say you have to view it as an investment in yourself. Ask what’s in it for you and have the answer ready when your boss asks what they’ll get out of it. Angela finished her thought, saying that when everybody involved is on board, it’s so much easier to make the decision and stick with it.
But, argued Colette, with so many courses available, how do PAs know which ones to choose? Emma suggested that PAs need to be discerning when it comes to selecting a course. “There’s no point spending money on a course if you’re not going to use what you learn every day.” Adam added: “Find courses that give you skills to help your boss do his job so he has a better work-life balance.”
The panel all agreed that while training courses can provide a productive learning environment, PAs need to utilise their contacts and network to glean knowledge from other PAs, as they can provide the practical knowledge needed to really make training count. And as Adam noted: “The best PAs are those who can demonstrate the things they’ve learned from CPD.”
Angela ended with some food for thought, commenting, “I hear people say, ‘What happens if somebody gets training paid for by the company and leaves?’ I feel it’s worse if they don’t get the training and stay.”
Meet the panel
PA Life’s closing question to the panel was how essential they believe CPD is to the PA profession.
Adam Fidler, EA to the Chief Executive of Salford City College, PA trainer and PR Officer for networking association EUMA
“My employer has made it mandatory to schedule time for CPD every week.”
Nuala Gansler, PA to the Heads of Life & Savings at Royal London (CIS)
“It’s important to be one step ahead in a changing world.”
Emma Kernan-Staines, PA to Sir Trevor Brooking at The Football Association
“I think it’s very important and The Association of Personal Assistants offers some really valuable courses.”
Angela Mortimer, founder and owner of recruitment agency Angela Mortimer
“I have made it mandatory for my employees to have two hours of training every week.”
Lindsay Taylor, Director of training and coaching company Your Excellency
“It’s very important. Those who don’t train will get left behind.”
