08/07/2018
How to progress from PA to EA – 3 strategies to try
Volunteer to take on more responsibility
Review job specs for the types of roles you want. See where your gaps are.
If you are lacking experience in certain areas such as minute taking, agenda writing, travel planning etc. offer to take it on. Be creative about how to bridge the gaps. Start expressing your opinion more, really contribute to decision making rather than just doing tasks. Expand on what you currently do as a PA. Offer to cover for a colleague when they are on leave. Ask can you shadow a more senior admin once a week with a view to expanding your skill set.
Offer to review processes and suggest improvement. Basically, promote yourself and move past your current job title and spec.
Training
Using the job specs as above, identify what skills you need formal training in or skills that you think could get you ahead. Utilize in-house training for internal IT packages.
Offer to learn systems you could use in the event of someone being on leave/as a backup plan.
Get training in MS Visio so you can learn to process map. When asking for funding, have a business case ready outlining how your training will benefit the company.
Elevate yourself
Get professional headshots , network internally and externally, find a mentor, whether formally or informally, join in Lunch and Learn etc., position yourself as part of the larger managerial team, dress the part, review and revamp your CV putting an emphasis on the strategic elements of your role as well as the practical.
