Work & life: Kate Woodhatch

After starting out as a hairdresser, Kate Woodhatch took on a new challenge as a PA at Farnborough International. Here, she reveals what skills she has learnt to help shape her career

What inspired you to start a career in the PA industry?
Before I started my career, I was a hairdresser, which I absolutely loved. But after I had my first child, I decided to try something new and looked for a career change.

I went back to college and did a Bookkeeping, Business Studies and Social course. I then gathered experience in a few admin jobs, which helped me gain the skills I have now. I love to help others and enjoy being creative so becoming a PA was a natural progression.

How did you get your current job? 

I worked in the financial services industry for 11 years. During that time, I worked my way up through several different roles and expanded my knowledge across the business. The opportunity then arose to become a PA for the MD, wanting a new challenge I applied and got the job.

When you were younger, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Ironically, I always wanted to be a hairdresser. I’ve always been creative and so I didn’t fancy sitting and typing at school like my friends were planning. Instead, to become a hairdresser I had to take GCSE Art, Woodwork and Architecture, and was the only girl in the class. The subjects didn’t interest me, but it’s what I had to do to get me where I wanted to be.

“We all try to avoid talking about brexit, but I think The changes will make it a long, technical process for PAs to check travel logistics and whether any visas are needed.”

If you had to start again, what would you do differently?
Honestly – I wouldn’t change a thing. By following the path that I have, it has got me to where I am today.

What’s the biggest concern you feel is having an impact on the PA industry?
Without getting too deep into it – Brexit. We all try to avoid talking about it, but I think it could make planning travel for people increasingly difficult. The changes will make it a long, technical process for PAs to check travel logistics and whether any visas are needed.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Besides Tom Hardy… I love to dance. I’m known as the ‘dancing queen’ among my friends and I’m usually the first one up on the dancefloor and the last one off.

If you were a cocktail what would you be?
A Long Island Iced Tea – a bit of everything – variety is the spice of life.