NEWS
C A R EER
Professional development tips for executive-level PAs
INDUSTRY EXPERT INDUSTRY EXPERT
ALEX JONES ANTHONY CARTHEW
How to upskill in the
automation age
I love my job, but…
5. Learn at work
Peer-to-peer learning is a new trend. If you work
in a large organisation, can you set up a study
group with other EAs? Or could you ask a colleague
to teach you a skill you want to acquire? S Are you enjoying your current EA role, but feel
in a bit of a rut? We’ve all been there—kicking
goals and meeting KPIs, yet sometimes wondering
what else is possible? It’s a fine question, one that
demonstrates a desire to stay curious and keep
developing, no matter what our vintage. The
answer could be engaging a mentor.
A good mentor helps you explore where your
thoughts are leading and provides impartial
advice on alternative approaches to your role and
career. Approaching a prospective mentor can be
disconcerting, but aim high. Identify someone
you admire and respect. It’s helpful, but not
essential, to have some kind of connection—
either directly or through a contact. Use the right
approach and it’s likely they’ll say yes. People
appreciate hearing they’ve made an impact, like
to be acknowledged for their expertise, and many
find real satisfaction in helping others.
Think about what you’d like to achieve and
what may be troubling you. Keep your first
contact professional and concise, including some
areas you’d like to focus on and suggest an initial
catch-up. If the chemistry seems right, agree on
how often to meet. I’ve found every two or three
months works well. The onus is very much on you
to maintain the connection and fit in with your
mentor’s schedule.
Trust and respect are key, so be honest
and don’t gloss over things. Your mentor may
sometimes challenge you. Stay receptive and open
to being coached.
Being a mentor is equally rewarding. Sharing
knowledge and expertise to help others not only
feels great, but you invariably learn something
too. Mentoring has also led me to reflect on my
own achievements—something we rarely get
a chance to do as busy EAs. In fact, you may
already be one without realising it—junior staff
often look to EAs as best-practice professionals
and ambassadors. So, give some thought to how
mentoring could help you find the ‘what else’
you’ve been looking for. S
Alex Jones is Senior Regional Director at Hays Office Support Anthony Carthew is EA to the CEO of Sydney Opera House
As robots continue to join workplaces, upskilling
for career longevity has never been more important.
But recognising the need to keep your skills
relevant in the age of automation and undertaking
this process are two very different things.
For EAs, it’s important to embrace, not fight,
automation and AI. This involves identifying the
higher-value tasks you could perform to remain
relevant. Already this is a trend that employers are
recruiting for, with the number of pure traditional
EA roles decreasing in favour of hybrid EA jobs.
Preparing for these more advanced duties
requires upskilling.
1. Ask for stretch opportunities at work
Taking on a project outside your usual remit is
a great way to develop new skills. Often your
executive is the key to having your name put
forward to be part of an internal project.
2. Stay plugged in
Follow industry leaders and thinkers via
LinkedIn, TED Talks, Twitter and other social
media. Keep your eye out for informative
webinars or podcasts.
3. Join an industry or professional association
Membership of a professional association can also
aid skills and career building.
4. Relevant courses
Formal short courses can also be used to acquire
knowledge and skills, but before you embark on
any study make sure you research the long-term
relevancy of the skills you would gain.
66 Chief of Staff | Issue 3 2019