The role of PAs and EAs is still widely misunderstood and many people think theyโre simply glorified secretaries. However, it has become a valuable career with progression opportunities, according to Sarah Daffy.
Sarah, writing for her employer News Corpโs Australian Daily Telegraph, says people should never underestimate the power of the executive assistant. โThe job requires a high level of intellect, professionalism and resilience,โ she comments. โOften times your intelligence needs to match that of your boss and you need to be three steps ahead of them at all times. Itโs just as rewarding as it is exhausting.
She believes the digital era has been the driving force behind the evolution of the role, with large companies tripling productivity and reshaping the way in which they operate. Because of this, an executive needs somebody they can depend on to work alongside them.
โThe secretary who used to sit on the end of the phone opening mail and making coffee doesnโt cut it anymore,โ Sarah says. โPower players need a smart assistant they can rely on to oversee much larger responsibilities. Someone who can think for them and de-clutter their brain.โ
Successful EAs know what their boss is thinking before theyโve thought it, according to Sarah, and itโs their job to offer help before a request is made. They have to be their execโs shadow and will become an indispensible part of their bossโs daily life.
So the next time somebody says youโre โjust a secretaryโ, be sure to tell them what youโre really worth to your company.
Read Sarahโs original article at bit.ly/1STrKnf
