INTERVIEW While all PA roles will have plenty in common the differences in
the industry you work for are vast. This issue we speak to a PA working for a charitable organisation and one who works as a PA to the rich and famous
What PA or industry-related qualifications do you have and how important do you think these are? Qualifications/courses in leadership, operations and man- agement can be a great spring-board but demonstrated prac- tical experience is also essential.
What are the biggest pros of your role? Representatives from around the world often visit our office and give staff briefings. It is fascinating to learn first hand about UNICEF’s support for children in countries as diverse as Haiti, Mongolia and Somalia, the stuff that you never hear about in the news. We have a talented team of staff who are all united by our mission for children. It feels good to know that I’m mak- ing an impact in such an important field.
And the downside of your role? A computer that’s too slow!
VANESSA GRAY-HERNANDEZ Executive Assistant to CEO, UNICEF UK (United Nations Children’s Fund)
What was your big break? The day after my last exam at university, I started work as PA to the very creative and charismatic Artistic Director of the Edin- burgh International Film Festival. I then went on to work in festivals, events and conference management for three years before returning to a career as a PA again. This position at UNICEF is my most recent big break because I wanted to work for a global organisation (UNICEF operates in 193 countries).
How do you think working in your industry as a PA compares to PAs employed in other industries? Although UNICEF UK is registered with the Charity Com- mission in the UK, we are a global inter-governmental organ- isation (IGO). Working for the CEO is hugely diverse as it means constant collaboration with a wide range of supporters and part- ners. This includes, but is in no way limited to, our own high- profile Goodwill Ambassadors, government ministers and MPs (both regional, national and international), multinational corporations, the United Nations, financial institutions, NGOs, media and broadcasters.
It is fascinating to learn first hand
What advice would you offer PAs looking to break into your industry? You need to prove that you understand the profession and that you really want to be a PA. Internships in the Office of the Executive Director are on the increase, especially in the non-profit sector, and are an excellent way to explore your skills and understand how the organisation is run. Be sure about your career motivation as being a PA is not a gap-filler. Assess your working style. Are you a good all-rounder? Do you enjoy multi-tasking? Are you happy being in a broad-spectrum role or would you prefer to specialise in a specific area such as press, marketing or pro- duction for example?
about UNICEF’s support for children in countries as diverse as Haiti, Mongolia and Somalia, the stuff that you never hear about in the news
Biggest misconception about your industry? People sometimes think that working in the third sector means you enjoy a quiet life but at UNICEF it’s super busy all of the time.
If you could pick any other industry to work in what would it be and why? I’m naturally very curious, so I’d like to work in a wide range of industries to learn more about the world we live in. Transna- tional corporations are very powerful
and I’d be interested to find out about the challenges they face, particularly in the agriculture and consumer goods industry to understand more about how food and products come to mar- ket and the effects it has on farmers and rural populations in developing countries.
How many hours are there in your average working week? I average 40 hours per week. E
MAY/JUNE 2012 |
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