INTERVIEW While all PA roles have much in common, there can be marked


differences when positions across the globe are compared. Here we look at a PA in Asia and a counterpart in Australia.


“Those in the financial sector seem to have the hardest roles. I have heard horror stories of the sacrifices they have to make...”


reactions and appreciation of business travellerswho have been there on regular trips. I therefore think offices in Canada have a good, healthy work environment and atmosphere.


How many hours do you work in an average week? Onaverage I spend about 50 hours a week in the office. Rarely do I take work home. Once out of the office I switch my attention tomyhusband, daughter and son. Iam also involved in voluntary work at the Singapore Association ofAdministrative Professionals, of which I have been a member since 1995. This is my third year as president. With the help of other council members, I devote at least one weekend amonth to meetings, and on average up to five hours aweek planning and overseeing association affairs.


CHRISTINEFORGIONE


Administration co-ordinator at SA Pathology in Adelaide, South Australia.


How did you get into the office support industry? After completinga degree in secretarial college I registered with somerecruitmentagencies as well as theCommonwealthEmploy- mentService, which promptlyofferedmeatemporary position as anoffice assistant at theRoyalAdelaideHospital. Inextobtained a permanent position at SA Pathology, formerly the Institute of Medical Science, where I have advanced to my current position.


Do you have any industry-relevant qualifications? I obtained a degree at secretarial college, commonly referred to these days as Certificate IV in Business Administration.


What does a typical day involve? Most days Iambusy dealing with somany different tasks. First I check emails, then review what needs to be done that day. Scheduling tasks eachMondaymorning for the rest of the week is my way of keeping on top of things and ensuring that work is completed on schedule.Most weeks I have at least one or two meetings for which I need to prepare. This includes preparing agendas, distributing documentation to committee members and taking (and later typing up) the minutes.


What is your biggest challenge? The variety of work and requests can be sometimes challeng- ing. Some days you just don’t knowwhatmay land on your desk. Alarge number of staffmembers are employed at all levels. It


canbeachallenge to finish everything on schedule while dealing with telephone inquiries. I need to have a friendly, welcoming, composed, positive attitude at all times.


What do you love about your role? I do somany different things administratively – making cups of coffeeformanagersandvisitors,ensuringtheadministrationoffice of the directorate runs smoothly and efficiently, and preparing documentation for various sections. Variety is the spice of life.


Does your job have a downside? I can’t really say that it has a downside. The staff andmanage- ment are all great people to work with, while the work itself is interesting and varied. Something must be good, otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed here –for 28 years so far.


How do you think working as a PA in Australia compares to the role in other parts of the world? I have not worked as a PA in another part of the world, but I guess the biggest differences would be in culture, religion, practices, laws and regulations. Australia is a wonderful country with wonderful people and fair and just laws.


If you could pick any other country in which to work, what would be your choice and why? Somewhere that is warm all year round.I hate winter. I am the happiest and thrive in warmer weather, beingmore productive, happy, enthusiastic and willing to do so much more.


How many hours do you work in an average week? I work full time – 37.5 hours a week. E


AUGUST/OCTOBER 2013 | WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.ASIA 17


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