Personal assistants are well known for working with movie stars and music artists, but the field is actually much larger. They are there to help their employer in any way necessary. They work wherever they are needed, such as in an office or their employer's home. Personal assistants are in charge of responding to fan mail, emails, phone calls, and updating websites. They may organize calendars and appointments, check with other parties to ensure availability, and run personal and business errands. They may book meetings and events, and provide estimates for activities or events. They help their employers with managing their budgets, handling their accounts, paying their bills, research work, writing reports, drafting correspondence, and arranging travel. They perform the role of an office manager, supervising their staff, screening visitors, resolving issues, and in some cases, representing their employer in their absence.
Personal assistants can now work solely over the internet and become virtual assistants. Personal assistants must be outgoing, and need to have great computer skills. They must also be skilled in time management, multi-tasking, and event planning. Prior experience is always a plus. One can pursue a career in administration, and some colleges even offer courses for becoming a personal assistant. This job is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy yourself while you travel the world.
Personal Assistant Tasks
- Manage correspondence and screen visitors and calls, prevent interruptions, and resolve issues.
- Run business or personal errands and perform general administrative or housekeeping tasks.
- Organize calendar and appointments, checking with other parties to ensure availability.
- Draft correspondence, arrange travel, and provide estimates for activities and events.