Personal Assistant (P.A) Skills (Level 3) Diploma
Course
Distance
Description
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Type
Course
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Methodology
Distance Learning
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Class hours
200h
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Duration
12 Months
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Start date
Different dates available
Behind every manager or company director, you’ll find an organised, efficient personal assistant. Discover what this varied and dynamic career has to offer
As a personal assistant (PA) you’ll work closely with senior managerial or directorial staff to provide administrative support, usually on a one-to-one basis. You’ll help a manager to make the best use of their time by dealing with secretarial and administrative tasks.
PAs need extensive knowledge of the organisation in which they work. You’ll need to know who key personnel are, both external and internal, and understand the organisation’s aims and objectives.
Managers often rely heavily on their PA, trusting that work will be handled efficiently in their absence. Discretion and confidentiality are therefore essential attributes of a successful PA.
A personal assistant is sometimes called an executive secretary, as well as a personal or private secretary.
Important information
Price for Emagister users: You are saving € 100 buying this course as a package.
You must have one of the following qualification levels to take this course: A Level, BTEC, HND or HNC, NVQ (Level 1-5), Bachelor's Degree, Professional Diploma, Masters, Ph.D
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
The Personal Assistant (P.A) Skills course delves into a comprehensive array of skills essential for effective administrative support. Participants will acquire proficiency in office management, communication strategies, and time management techniques crucial for efficient workflow. This includes mastering diary management, event coordination, and effective communication, both written and verbal, within professional contexts. The course covers essential software applications for administrative tasks, enhancing proficiency in spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. Participants will also gain insights into handling sensitive information, managing priorities, and problem-solving, vital in supporting high-level executives or teams within various organizational settings. Additionally, the course delves into interpersonal skills, etiquette, and professional conduct, ensuring a well-rounded skill set for successful personal assistants.
The Personal Assistant (P.A) Skills course is tailored for individuals interested in developing or refining their administrative competencies, particularly those aiming to pursue a career as a personal assistant or executive assistant. It's suitable for professionals across industries seeking to sharpen their organizational abilities, communication prowess, and proficiency in office management. This course is also beneficial for those transitioning into a personal assistant role, providing foundational skills and knowledge required to excel in this critical support position. Whether you're starting anew in the administrative field or looking to enhance your existing skill set, this course equips you with the expertise necessary to thrive in demanding and fast-paced work environments.
The good news is that no prior learning knowledge or experience is essential to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone wishing to learn more about Personal Assistant (P.A) Skills (Level 3) and would like to take part in a highly rewarding distance learning study course. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and study further, so we try to keep our entry requirements to a minimum. You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 12 months from initial registration with full tutor support.
All online textbooks, study guides, and learning aids designed for online learning. A full range of student services, including 12 months tutor access. Free Open Learning College branded promotional item when you enrol. A personalised award upon course completion with unlimited educational support. PDF or hardcopy certificate to show employers (employer has access to certificate validation) Life-time access to Xperience™ our innovative, interactive Student Hub. Life-time access to Career Hub our dedicated portal to support our students career aspirations. Learning for Life Pack. Invitation to job fairs and career days for your business faculty.
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The average rating is higher than 3.7
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This centre has featured on Emagister for 16 years
Subjects
- Secretarial
- Communication Training
- Minute Taking
- Personal Assistant
- Secretary
Course programme
- In this first module of the diploma you will explore the role of a PA in both small companies and large corporations. The module focuses on the various roles and duties that a PA will be expected to carry out and also how to develop PA skills through goal setting and building self-confidence. This module also explores the importance of professional networking and includes an overview of health and safety considerations and protocols in the professional environment.
Module 2: Communication
- This second module will help you to understand the importance of effective communication within the professional environment. The module also explores how to manage a breakdown of communication within a working team and how to manage sensitive information.
- This module discusses verbal and non-verbal techniques, including;
- Body Language,
- Mirroring,
- Eye contact,
- Posture,
- Listening skills,
- Telephone skills.
Module 3: Information, Communication and Technology
- This module will help you to explore how to use technology to create business documents such as letters, emails and spreadsheets. The unit includes discussion of;
- Word processing software,
- Formatting,
- Graphics,
- Spreadsheet construction,
- Presentation software,
- Creating databases.
- Throughout this module there are study activities which will help you to practice the skills and processes outlined in the module and these exercises will form part of the end of unit assessment. The knowledge and skills learners learn in this unit will be drawn on in future study units.
Module 4: Presentations and Social Media
- In the fourth module we will explore the role of a PA. In the role of PA you will be expected to compile and research presentations, and you will also be expected to present them on. Therefore, in this module you will explore how to prepare for a presentation; methods of research that you might want to use and how to conduct yourself during a presentation. This module also looks at the influence of social networking and social media in the role of a PA and discusses sites such as;
- Twitter,
- Facebook,
- LinkedIn.
Module 5: Organisation and Management
- In the fifth Module we explore an important area of the PA role. Stress is a serious condition that can affect employees at all levels, this module explores techniques that a PA can use to reduce and control stress risks through the management and organisation of workloads. This module also explores the following areas;
- Time management,
- How to prioritise work,
- Managing stress,
- Developing organisational skills.
Module 6: Meeting and Event Planning
- Organising meetings, or event planning, can be a daunting task. In this module of the diploma we explore how to prepare for meetings and also how to plan and arrange events. The module also includes discussion of how to run a successful meeting, event, and also how to evaluate functions. This unit discusses the following areas;
- Location,
- Agenda setting,
- Attendees,
- Supporting documentation required,
- Budget.
Module 7: Meetings and Minute Taking
- This seventh module of the diploma explores another key area of the PA role. The benefits of minute taking at meetings and explores effective techniques for this process. The module discusses different methods of recording meetings, technological aids, and what to do with the meeting minutes once the meeting has ended.
Module 8: Recruitment Process
- As part of the role of a PA you may be required to participate in the recruitment of new support staff. The eighth module of the diploma therefore explores the recruitment process and interview techniques such as the STAR (Situation, Task, Action and Result) technique. In this module you will also learn how design a job advertisement, how to evaluate applicants and CV’s and also techniques you can use to arrange assessment days for potential employees. In addition, you will also learn how to keep records of interviews and how to interpret the results to ensure that the right person is hired for the job.
Module 9: Human Resources and Relationships
- This penultimate module explores the role of the Human Resources Department and how it is linked to the role of a PA. The module also includes discussion of the following areas;
- Handling sensitive information
- Confidentiality
- Employees rights
- The module also explores how to manage relationships in the professional environment whilst respecting established office politics and practices. You will also have the opportunity to evaluate and interpret case studies and decide upon any action and their results in this part of the course.
Module 10: Managing Professional Conflict
- This final module of the course explores the potential for professional conflicts when dealing with both clients and fellow employees. The module explores different management and problem solving techniques that can be used when dealing with conflict in its verbal and non-verbal forms. You will also have the opportunity to read and evaluate case studies of conflict and difficult behaviours and to develop your own solutions in this part of the course.
Personal Assistant (P.A) Skills (Level 3) Diploma