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    … and just like that, we’ve reached Day Eight of the 2021 edition of 12 Days of Real Careers. At this time of year, I look back on the many Real Careers interviews I’ve conducted with impressive assistants from 27 countries since 2015. I do this to share insightful excerpts from just some of these interviews. Enjoy today’s read, and see which ideas resonate with you and may help you as you wind down this year and prepare for 2022. Some people featured in this series have changed careers and, this year, I’m also including excerpts from association leaders on pandemic experiences. To read the full interview from any of these individuals, just click on her or his name.

    “It is important to speak up and regularly share your ideas and accomplishments”

    Lisa Assetta, USA: “It’s important to find out the work style of your new executive in the beginning. This way, you can tailor your communications and work style accordingly. Also discuss/stress how regular communication between the two of you is important and necessary to optimize mutual productivity; agree to a strategy to keep each other informed with daily or weekly in-person briefings, phone calls, or emails.”

    “Always do what is right and not just what is easy”

    Nora Onishi, USA: “My educational background is in the humanities. I graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Hawaii, Manoa with a B.A. with Honors in German and Japanese and a minor in Mathematics.”

    “I am a firm believer and practitioner of life-long learning. What you gain through the process of learning, the experience and the end product of an education are treasures that are yours for life, that no one can ever take from you. Additionally, these are treasures that you can share and utilize to add value to the life of another person … What has served me well are words of wisdom from my parents; here are a few. Always do what is right and not just what is easy … Be true to yourself and be the best that you can be …. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes … Think ahead and anticipate the needs of others … Be kind and perform random acts of kindness (RAK) freely.”

    “Network as much as possible, even (particularly) if it makes you nervous”

    Dalya Perry-Bernstein, England: “In the early stages of my career, I had no idea of the power of networking. I would advise any PA to get out there and network as much as possible. I remember travelling to London and walking into my first big networking event on my own back in 2010, being quite nervous and ending up having the most fantastic day! To this day, I still keep in touch with the PAs I met at that event.”

    “… Speak with your boss and let him/her know you want to better yourself. Attend CPD events or gain a qualification. Make sure you go for a role with potential for career progression. Embrace extra projects that may not be typical PA tasks.”

    “Listen to those with experience, make connections and undertake training”

    Julia Robertson-Avenell, England: “I like the variation that an administrative and PA role has to offer. I’ve been able to attend some incredible PA events, attend great training courses and have met some amazing people along the way – people who have provided support/training and mentoring when I’ve needed it. 

    Listen to people who have done the job; how did they get their roles? What training could you commence right away? Begin to make your connections now.”

    “You want to be constantly learning and adapting”

    Carolina Siqueira Silva, Brazil: “I stronSiqueira Silva, Carolina - Brazilgly believe that professional development is achieved though continued learning. I attended Executive Secretary Live in London this year and self-funded this, because I look at it as an investment in myself and my career. I look forward to enrolling in a post-graduate course or master’s degree next year. I’m also doing a Project Management course online, which has helped me to improve execution of a lot of my current office tasks. Education and professional development do not only imply attending conferences, workshops, webinars and enrolling in degree studies; it also means taking advantage of experienced and knowledgeable professionals around you as mentors.”

    “Being a mentor … gives you the opportunity to reflect on your own approaches and practices, and learn new ways of working”

    Lorraine Stallard, England: “I have been very fortunate in that the people I have supported have been forward thinkers and have high professional integrity. As such, they have encouraged me to be the best I can be. Reta Vyse, the Executive Assistant to four Vice Chancellors, has mentored me for the last 10 years. It has been invaluable to have a senior Executive Assistant share her knowledge and experience. She has instilled a need for high standards and professionalism in the role. I have also benefitted immensely from being a mentor myself. It gives you the opportunity to reflect on your own approaches and practices, and learn new ways of working.” … for those seeking advancement: “To be an Executive Assistant, you have to up your game. You have to have a greater understanding of the bigger picture and be passionate about the role. Read everything you can and develop networks within the organisation, the sector and your profession.  There is always something new to learn.”

    “Have conversations that not only find solutions, but build relationships”

    Katherine Vaillancourt, the Philippines and Canada: “You have to do what you love. I not only enjoy being an EA; I love it. I thrive on not knowing what will happen the next day, but also know that I am making a difference in someone’s life. Also, you can’t stop learning; by continuing to learn, you not only advance yourself but it gives you a bit of an edge on what’s up and coming!”

    “Having lived abroad so much taught me compassion, empathy, discipline and a very strong work ethic”

    van Mastrigt, CathyCathy van Mastrigt, Germany (“born in beautiful Holland but grew up in Liberia, Singapore, the United States, the UK and Belgium”): “I have an International Baccalaureate (IB) and that, combined with having lived abroad so much, taught me compassion, empathy, discipline and a very strong work ethic. More than my university degree or anything else, that is the foundation that I always fall back on. … I am so much better at saying no on behalf of my CEO, or advising him in certain cases to say no to calls or meeting requests that are not a priority, than I am in doing that for myself. But I am learning it more and more.”

    “My goal at the end of the day is to be respected in my role”

    Donna Venditti, Canada: “I think that, at the beginning of my career, my goal was to not make mistakes. I now realize that it has been some of my mistakes that have helped me to learn over the years, and achieve my goal of building knowledge. My goal at the end of the day is to be respected in my role at Mountainview.” “I sometimes have to have the 24-hour rule or the take a break before you speak rule. It helps calm me, and I speak with less emotion when I am calmer. It helps when situations are out of control or uncomfortable.”

    njoy the pressure, the responsibility and the knowledge that you are positively contributing to the success of the company”

    Weber, Shirwyn - South AfricaShirwyn Weber, South Africa: “I thrive on change, and see it as another challenge to overcome and to master … When I realize that I need to move beyond my comfort zone, I always start planning the move. I never go unprepared beyond my comfort zone. I will then execute and do my best to make it a positive experience. AI and all things like that will only enhance the future; it will require a lot of development and training, but ultimately help us with our jobs. I recommend that people always keep learning and developing new skills. I feel well equipped for the future, as I grew up in an age where AI and all things internet-related were developed and expanded.”

     Shelagh-Donnelly-Grouse-Mtn-2018-4944-Copyright-Shelagh-DonnellyClick any name below for my full interview with any of the Real Careers alumni featured in 2021’s 12 Days of Real Careers

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