This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Eva Finseth, Chair IMA Norway.
I heard him speaking quickly in English with an Italian accent, trying to decipher what he was saying. I was totally lost.
As a PA and Business Management Coordinator, I was in my first management meeting, taking minutes in my new job. It didn’t help that he was using jargon and abbreviations I had never heard before. In fact, I didn’t know much about the industry I had just started working in. Adding language barriers and cultural differences into the mix didn’t exactly help. Have you ever experienced the same?
Many believe working as a PA/EA is something you can do anywhere because the tasks are the same. But is that really true?
Can you jump into a new role like that and work as if nothing has changed? Maybe if you’re an accountant, that might be the case - you don't necessarily need to know about the industry to do your job. But in today's world, I wouldn’t say an EA can perform effectively without first understanding the industry. How can we help our leader(s) without that knowledge? I can’t write good minutes without knowing what I’m writing about. I can’t help decide what is important for my boss until I understand why it is important.
To be able to do that, I need to learn about the industry I’m working in, the market, the stakeholders, the customers, trends, and finances. It’s no longer just about coordinating travel or handling typical secretarial tasks. It’s so much more!
Right now, I am working hard to immerse myself in learning about the industry. As I begin to understand the discussions in meetings, my confidence grows. I can anticipate my boss’s needs, provide valuable insights, and even suggest strategies that are appreciated by the team. I become more than just an assistant; I become a trusted partner in the business.
This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It requires a lot of effort, curiosity, and dedication. I’m trying to read industry reports, attend webinars, and network with industry professionals. The more I learn, the more I realize how critical knowledge is in our profession.
As EA/PAs, we have a unique position that allows us to be the linchpin between various departments and leaders. We can bring immense value to our organizations by being proactive, knowledgeable, and strategic. Our roles have evolved from being mere administrative support to being integral parts of the leadership team.
It’s time we take pride in our roles and push for the recognition we deserve. We are not just assistants; we are essential to the smooth operation and success of our companies. So, let’s embrace this evolution and continue to strive for excellence.
Have you faced similar challenges in your role as a PA/EA?
How did you overcome them, and what steps did you take to elevate your position within your organization?
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Today's article is penned by Eva Finseth, Personal Assistant at Stack Infrastructure and chair of IMA Norway.
The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
