Virtual Assistant vs Office PA
bosses, but there is another breed of assistant who keeps her boss at a distance. INTERVIEW
Most PAs go into the office each working day to tend to the needs of their
What is your favourite piece of technology, and
which software helps you most in your role? The internet would have to be a favourite because without it I wouldn’t be able to do my job. As a PC user I couldn’t live without Microsoft Office suite.
How many hours do you work in an average week? As a VA there are no typical hours. I can work from 10 to 50 hours a week, and at times must work evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines. In my last office position I had to stay in the office late to communicate with the US. My commute was tedious, so I really love working at home.
HAYLEY ATTARD PA to vice-principal (international) and business manager at Haileybury, Victoria.
Tell us about your career path so far. Having left school at a young age to become a ballerina, I didn’t anticipate injury stopping me in my tracks. Without a degree, I started as a receptionist and worked hard to climb the corporate ladder as a career PA. I have been an EA at CEO level for more than 11 years and continue to learn every day. I am now working as PA to the international vice-principal/business manager at Haileybury school – the perfect role within a dream company.
What does a typical day involve? There is no “typical” day, which is a major appeal. With a high focus on technology, it is not unusual for me to have to switch from administrative duties to coding content into our intranet system. I am on call for both of my direct managers plus the corporate services team. A key duty is to minute council meetings and give council and board members’ needs priority. Services for both the teaching staff and students is of utmost importance, such as travel, data entry, help with booking events, mobile phone requirements and occupational health and safety.
What is the biggest challenge you face? In education there is no room for error. The odd spelling or grammatical error that may be accepted within the corporate sector cannot be tolerated in the education sector.
What do you love about your role? Working for a school is rewarding. You have an ongoing opportunity to learn within a progressive and advanced environment. I love the diversity in my role and the freedom to mould my position to suit my personality, working style and skill level.
What is the downside of your job? I have spent years searching for my purpose in life, but now I have my dream job and can honestly say there is no downside to it.
Would you ever consider working as a virtual assistant? One of the important aspects of my role is the relationship with my managers, and the ability to pre-empt their every need. For this reason I would never consider working as a virtual assistant.
What is your favourite piece of technology, and which software helps you most in your role? My laptop, closely followed by the iPad, is my favourite piece of technology. I would be lost without Adobe Professional Suite.
How many hours do you work in an average week? I work 55 hours in an average week (excluding evening council meetings).
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