DEVELOPMENT
How to future-proof your career
As an EA, you’ re not immune to the role changes sparked by increased use of robotics and AI – but you can be prepared for what’ s coming, says Michelle Gibbings
As an assistant – whether PA, EA, chief of staff or another title – you’ ll be well aware that role change isn’ t new, and it’ s a constantly fluctuating topic as EAs creep up the corporate ladder. We’ ve gone from pools of secretaries in the sixties to now, where virtual assistants provide support across the globe and robots perform basic admin tasks, freeing busy PAs up for more strategic and value-adding work.
What is new, though, is the pace and breadth of the impact – take note of the following tips to make sure you’ re prepared.
Image © iStock / sorbetto
“ The predictable, routine and process elements of your role will eventually be fully automated, but your relational skills and emotional support you provide for the boss can’ t be replicated by a machine”
Keep your eye on the future The best way to understand what’ s happening right now and in the future is to stay tuned in to the changing nature of work – think new tech trends, gadgets, apps and devices that’ ll help you do your job more effectively and efficiently. The more you understand what’ s changing, the more readily you’ ll see where there are opportunities for you to proactively change what you do and how you do it.
So, consider setting up Google Alerts to get early notice on topics relevant to your industry and profession, and using curated news sites like Pocket and Flipboard to get a daily or weekly dose of on trend articles that’ ll help to expand your knowledge on what’ s happening. Keep abreast of events too, especially those that promise insight on where your industry is heading.
62 Chief of Staff | April / May 2018