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How to Become a Personal Assistant: Australian Careers in Administration

3 Courses

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How to Become a Personal Assistant: Australian Careers in Administration
How to Become a Personal Assistant: Australian Careers in Administration

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BSB30120

Certificate III in Business

The BSB30120 Certificate III in Business offered by Foundation Education is designed to equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in the business sector. This course covers a range of key learning areas, including effective communication, teamwork, and customer service, providing a solid foundation...
Foundation Education
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Online

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Online

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Administrative Assistant, Customer Support Officer, Executive Assistant, Office Administrator, Personal Assistant, Receptionist

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Price may vary

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Up to 12 months part-time

BSB40120

Certificate IV in Business

Take the next step in your business career with the BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business (Standard), offered online by Foundation Education. This nationally recognised qualification is designed for those with or without prior academic experience, providing essential skills to enhance career opportunities, pursue new roles, or formalise existing...
Foundation Education
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Online

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Online

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Administration Supervisor, Office Administrator, Office Manager, Personal Assistant, Receptionist, Team Leader

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Price may vary

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Up to 12 months part-time

BSB40120

Certificate IV in Business (Perth only)

The BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business offered by Industry Skills Training, is designed to equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in the business sector. This course covers a range of key learning areas, including effective communication, project management, and team leadership. Participants will...
Provider logo: IST – Institute of Science and Technology
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On Campus

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WA

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Assistant Manager, Executive Personal Assistant, Manager, Office Administrator, Office Manager, Personal Assistant, Program Administrator, Program Coordinator, Project Administrator, Project Coordinator, Project Officer, Team Leader

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Price may vary

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3-6 Months

On this page

What is a Personal Assistant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Personal Assistant?

A career as a Personal Assistant offers a dynamic and fulfilling opportunity for individuals who thrive in supportive roles. Personal Assistants play a crucial part in the daily operations of businesses by providing essential administrative support to managers and professionals. This role is perfect for those who enjoy multitasking and have a knack for organisation, as they are often the backbone of an efficient workplace, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

The responsibilities of a Personal Assistant are diverse and engaging. They typically involve managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence, which requires excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Personal Assistants are also responsible for preparing reports, conducting research, and sometimes even managing projects. This variety keeps the role interesting and allows for the development of a wide range of skills that are highly valued in the workforce.

Common tasks for Personal Assistants include organising travel arrangements, maintaining filing systems, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. They often serve as the first point of contact for their managers, which means they must possess a professional demeanour and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. The role not only enhances one’s organisational abilities but also fosters strong interpersonal skills, making it an excellent stepping stone for future career advancement.

Overall, a career as a Personal Assistant is both rewarding and impactful. It provides individuals with the chance to contribute significantly to their organisation while honing valuable skills that can lead to further opportunities in management or specialised administrative roles. With a supportive work environment and the potential for professional growth, Personal Assistants play an integral role in the success of their teams and organisations.

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Career snapshots For Personal Assistants

Personal Assistants play a crucial role in supporting managers and professionals by performing various liaison, coordination, and organisational tasks. This career is ideal for individuals who excel in multitasking and possess strong communication skills.

  • Average Age: Typically around 35 years old.
  • Gender Distribution: Predominantly female, with approximately 70% of Personal Assistants identifying as women.
  • Hours per Week: Generally, Personal Assistants work around 38 to 40 hours per week.
  • Average Salary: The average salary for a Personal Assistant in Australia is approximately AU$62,493 as of 2024.
  • Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate for Personal Assistants is relatively low, reflecting a stable demand for this role.
  • Employment Numbers: There are around 50,000 individuals employed as Personal Assistants across Australia.
  • Projected Growth: The demand for Personal Assistants is expected to grow steadily, with an increase of about 10% over the next five years.

This career path offers a rewarding opportunity for those looking to support professionals in various industries while developing their organisational and communication skills. With a stable job market and competitive salaries, becoming a Personal Assistant can be a fulfilling choice for many individuals.

What will I do?

A Personal Assistant plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of managers and professionals by managing a variety of administrative tasks. This position requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively. Personal Assistants are often the backbone of an office, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly and that their supervisors can focus on strategic decision-making. Their responsibilities can vary widely, but they all contribute to a more productive work environment.

  • Calendar Management – Organising and maintaining schedules, including setting appointments and reminders.
  • Communication Liaison – Acting as the point of contact between the manager and clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
  • Travel Coordination – Arranging travel itineraries, bookings, and accommodations for business trips.
  • Document Preparation – Creating, editing, and formatting documents, reports, and presentations as needed.
  • Meeting Support – Preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items from meetings.
  • Office Management – Overseeing office supplies, equipment maintenance, and ensuring a well-organised workspace.
  • Research Tasks – Conducting research and compiling information to assist in decision-making processes.
  • Expense Management – Tracking and reporting expenses, including processing invoices and reimbursements.
  • Project Assistance – Supporting various projects by coordinating tasks and ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Confidentiality Maintenance – Handling sensitive information with discretion and maintaining confidentiality at all times.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Personal Assistant requires a diverse set of skills that are essential for effectively supporting managers and professionals. Strong organisational abilities are paramount, as Personal Assistants must manage schedules, coordinate meetings, and handle various administrative tasks efficiently. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are also crucial, enabling them to liaise effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in technology and software applications is important, as Personal Assistants often utilise various tools to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

Moreover, adaptability and problem-solving skills are vital in this role, as Personal Assistants frequently encounter unexpected challenges that require quick thinking and resourcefulness. Attention to detail is another key trait, ensuring that tasks are completed accurately and to a high standard. By cultivating these skills, individuals can thrive in a Personal Assistant role, contributing significantly to the success of their organisation while also advancing their own career prospects.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Excellent communication abilities
  • Proficiency in time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask effectively
  • Familiarity with office software and technology
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Discretion and confidentiality
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Basic financial management knowledge
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong research skills
  • Positive attitude and professionalism

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

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