Becoming a Secretary or PA?

[millie83]

Hi, I am looking to change career and have been thinking about becoming a Secretary/PA. I have applied for many jobs but as I have no training or experience I havent even had an interview yet. Are there any Secretarys/PAs out there that can give me some advice as to how they got into this line of work. What training did you do? Best jobs to apply for? etc. Thankyou in advance

[Roughquest]

How old are you Millie ? The first step is to get your RSA I & II under your belt by going to secretarial college to learn to touch type, also do an exam in audio typing and taking minutes at meeting, you could do a shorthand course with Pitman - but to be honest there does not seem to be much call for short hand these days - I am currently looking into becoming a stenographer (who types in court rooms and also can be used in the media industry for TV etc) but the training for this is intense and very expensive. The world is your oyster, I love being a PA - you get treated with a certain 'respect' by other staff members who require a meeting with him, if you are a directors PA which can be good fun - be prepared for a lot of people to hate you as you will be responsible for your boss's day to day working and timescale - even buying presents for his wife! But I had to start somewhere - i.e. being a receptionist then I gained experience in secretarial skills from there on. Good luck !

[millie83]

I am 23, nearly 24. Ive looked into Pitman courses but they are so expensive but I am saving, so hopefully soon ill be able to do one. I will look into the other options you have stated too. Thankyou so much for your reply.