PA PANEL
Each issue our 2012 PA Panel will be tackling a different subject and giving us their opinions through the eyes of a PA
Are you working harder?
We’re all feeling the pressure of the recession but PAs are finding its silver lining. A survey from Reed Learning found the majority of PAs have taken on additional responsibilities since the recession – and over 90 per cent were happy to do so
Seema Shah, PA to CEO, Sportech PLC “Taking on additional responsibilities has become extremely common for today’s PAs. I have certainly taken on more responsibility over the past few years, mainly due to our company acquiring a US
business. With the time difference, this means working during the evenings occasionally – the BlackBerry is always going off! You have contact with more clients and employees, and more people wanting the CEO’s time! Our Plc Board increased from 6 to 10 members. This is very challenging when organising Board Meetings with members from various parts of the UK, US and Israel! It is a lot to digest but equally working for the CEO you gain knowledge of the entire business and the experience this brings along is enormous and one I have willingly accepted. A pay rise is always an added benefit!” Twitter: @seema0605
Victoria Darragh, Executive Assistant, Hays “The economic downturn has created new oppor- tunities for me, and I have been able to utilise skills I didn’t know I had to begin with such as managing large scale projects and events. I have also had the
opportunity to work more on the operational side of the business and work with our recruitment consultants across the UK on events, client engagement and strategy. As big as the workload is, it’s some- thing I have really enjoyed and am happy to continue doing. Tak- ing on extra responsibility should always be viewed as a positive, offering you the opportunity to show you are capable and giving you the chance to learn new skills.” Twitter: @victoriadarragh
50 MAY/JUNE 2012 |
WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.COM
Erin Murphy, PA, Boxwood Ltd “Those employed in a PA role are often naturally comfortable taking on fresh challenges and han- dling new situations. In this economic environ- ment I believe most companies are keen to
utilise untapped competences from within their businesses and have therefore begun to look at how to utilise their existing employees further. Despite having been in this role for only a year, my workload has continuously developed to utilise my existing abilities and strengthen my skill set. The chance to take on more varied responsibilities such as business development and project support is very welcomed by me and I am happily embracing the opportunity.” Twitter: @MissErinMurphy
Josephine Green, Freelance celebrity PA “I’m in absolutely no doubt that as a PA it is very gratifying to expand our role. Being a PA already encompasses so many transferable skills, employ- ers would be crazy to not utilise us to the full. How-
ever, there is a danger of extra duties being snuck in without the proper acknowledgement or remuneration. A few months ago, one of my clients had to end their contract with their PR company due to finances. It was assumed that I would take on all press requests and organise all interviews for no extra thanks or pay. That’s not right. Employers can’t expect their PAs will do all the left over jobs which no one else is doing. I think it’s important to regularly reassess your role to make sure you are happy with your remit.” Twitter: @PAAccessAllArea
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