Five personal assistant skills needed to succeed
When it comes to understanding what makes a good PA, it’s one thing learning about the tasks of a personal assistant, but to gain the full picture you’ll need a…
There is no single starting point on a personal assistant career path, and successful PAs can find their way into the role in very diverse ways. However, for those people with a clear desire to pursue a PA career, there are several organisations that offer learning and development opportunities tailored to the profession.
Employers should take note of these higher education institutes, both as a marker of experience and initiative in a PA candidate, and as potential partners for their internal learning and development programmes.
In this blog we’ll look at five of the best personal assistant courses, covering the spectrum from online personal assistant qualifications to full-time diplomas. If you’re an aspiring personal assistant and wondering how to become a PA, you may well be nervous about being underqualified for the job. We’re here to put your mind at ease, and show you exactly what actions you can take to secure your dream PA job. For employers, this is designed to give you an idea of what to look for on candidate CVs, and what to offer in .
Do you need a degree to be a personal assistant?
Before we delve into some fantastic options for PA education, let’s first address a common question: do you need a degree to be a personal assistant?
The short answer is no – many PA roles will require education up to A-level only. The long answer is: it depends on the particular PA job. In more formal and high-pressure workplaces such as corporate finance, private equity, or family offices, an undergraduate degree may be a prerequisite, while the more interesting and higher-paid PA positions will of course be more suitable to a candidate with a degree.
However, there are alternatives to a degree that can be just as powerful when it comes to PA jobs. This is why we advise you to consider the below personal assistant courses: someone with these under their belt is more likely to be successful and see long-term career progression.
Oxford Media & Business School
OMBS is a highly-regarded business school that regularly produces sought-after PAs, many of whom find work through Tiger. OMBS’s professional business diploma is an excellent alternative to university for those with a clear vision of their career who want to hit the ground running. At just one year long, the course is intensive, practical, and gives students a solid grounding in the PA skills and knowledge desired by PA hiring managers.
Quest Professional
London’s Quest also has a strong reputation among employers of personal assistants, with an incredible 97% of their graduates securing a job after completing their courses. Quest is a great option for both A-level school-leavers and university graduates. They offer a diploma course as an alternative to degrees, as well as a graduate training programme that gives postgraduates the real-world business sense to help them make a successful transition from the campus to the office.
Pitman Training
If you’re looking for accessible personal assistant courses that students can complete in their own time, look no further than Pitman Training. They run diploma courses for personal assistants, in addition to those in executive assistant jobs and virtual assistant jobs, all of which can be taken online or in-person. For PAs looking to keep their skills up to date, Pitman also offers less intensive courses and seminars.
Your Excellency
Another superb academy worth exploring for personal assistant courses online is Your Excellency. Their fully-accredited and regulated qualifications are designed to elevate the performance of PAs and EAs through management training, and are thus of huge benefit to existing PAs who are looking to take the next step in their careers.
Executive Support
Executive Support magazine is in itself a brilliant resource for PAs and EAs, but they also run training programmes. Their personal assistant courses are run online or in-person, in many major cities around the world, and are suitable for entry-level to senior PAs. The magazine’s reputation allows them to secure industry-leading experts to train students.
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Personal assistant courses should be a consideration at any point in your career as a PA, due to the ever-changing nature of the role. However, at the outset of your PA journey, you should draw on any qualifications you have when aiming to impress a hiring manager. Read our guides to personal assistant CVs, PA personal statements and PA cover letters for insider tips on how to make your experience shine!
When you’re ready to apply for your next PA job, head to our job search page.
Looking to become a PA?
Personal assistant courses should be a consideration at any point in the career of a PA, due to the ever-changing nature of the role. However, at the outset of the PA journey, jobseekers should draw on any qualifications you have when aiming to impress a hiring manager. Read our guides to personal assistant CVs, PA personal statements and PA cover letters for insider tips on how to make your experience shine.
When you’re ready to apply for your next PA job, head to our job search page.
Looking to hire a PA?
If you are looking for the best way to hire a personal assistant, read our ultimate guide to hiring a PA. When you are ready to start the hiring process, get in touch with your requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which course is best for personal assistant?
The best personal assistant course depends on the level of experience a prospective student has of the personal assistant role, and their level of education. For example, A-level leavers considering a career as a PA may wish to take a degree such as business studies in order to improve their chances of a higher-level position. Others may prefer a diploma or online course to help them onto the first step of the career ladder in a more junior admin position.
How do you train to be a personal assistant?
There are several higher education options for people wishing to become a personal assistant, including degrees, diplomas, and online certificates. These courses will train students in the skills and knowledge required for a PA role.
How do I become a good personal assistant?
Improving your personal assistant expertise can be achieved through higher education courses, learning and development programmes within a company, mentoring, and through the experience gained while on the job.
How do I become a well-paid personal assistant?
You can increase your chances of a higher salary as a personal assistant by gaining appropriate academic qualifications, as well as through internal promotion while in the job.
