How to Become a Personal Assistant: Australian Careers in Administration

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BSB30120

Certificate III in Business

Take your first step toward a new career in business with no prior experience required with this online BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Standard) qualification from Foundation Education.

A generalised course suitable for students from a wide variety of backgrounds, this qualification provides students with the foundation skills and knowledge required to start a career in business. In this qualification, you’ll learn how to work in a team, support and advise colleagues, and make sound decisions in any situation that emerges in the workplace. You’ll graduate with the skills and experience required to seek work in real-life business workplaces.

With online learning and on-hand help from Foundation Education’s student support officers, your learning experience is flexible and supported. You’ll build your knowledge through project-based and case study assessments, and build real-world skills for your start in the workplace.

If you’re naturally organised, like solving problems, and enjoy working with other people, a career in business may be for you. It starts with this qualification.

Please note: This is a fee-for-service program, it is not government funded.

Online

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

Price may vary

Up to 12 months part-time

BSB40120

Certificate IV in Business

Enhance your business career with the skills and knowledge gained in this nationally recognised online BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business (Standard) qualification from Foundation Education.

Designed for students with no prior academic experience, this course is suited for people looking to progress at work, apply for new jobs at higher levels, or formalise existing experience into a recognised qualification. In this course, you’ll build skills and knowledge to help you lead at work, and carve out a path leading towards supervisor and management roles.

You’ll learn how to collaborate effectively and communicate well; how to think critically and innovate at work; how to build business relationships; and how to support yourself and others in the workplace. Delivered entirely online, this course offers flexibility for your lifestyle. Project-based assessments mean your skills are work-tested and ready to support your career growth upon graduation.

If you’re an organised person who likes solving problems, this qualification offers your next step towards an exciting professional career in business.

Please note: This is a fee-for-service program, it is not government funded.

Online

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

Price may vary

Up to 12 months part-time

BSB40120

Certificate IV in Business (WA only)

Please note – this course is available to Western Australian residents only.

If you are looking for ways to further your business administration career and give yourself a way to optimise your knowledge and job opportunities, then this Certificate IV in Business (BSB 40120) from Industry Skills Training could be the perfect qualification to help you make this happen.

This nationally recognised qualification will provide you with all the contemporary business administration skills needed to excel in the field, allow you to realise your potential and give you a boost you need to progress into the management ranks in almost any organisation.

By learning crucial skills such as how to use digital technologies to collaborate in a work environment, create complex business documents and proposals, build and maintain business relationships, undertake project work and lead personal development for yourself and your co-workers, you will maximise your value for any business and give yourself an opportunity to rise through the ranks and become a recognised high performer. You will become fully equipped to deal with a myriad of unpredictable business problems and will be perfectly placed to positively impact your organisation’s business performance.

Note: This course is subsidised through the Jobs & Skills WA Work Readiness and Priority Industry Training programs and is available to eligible students. Enquire now to find out if you qualify. This course is NOT available to people on 500 or 600 visas.

Classroom, On Campus

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

Price may vary

Enquire now for course duration

BSB40120

Certificate IV in Business (WA only)

If you have a business brain and would like to pursue a career in business management or administration, then this BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business qualification from Insight Training could be the ideal first step.

This modern course will provide you with all the necessary skills and knowledge, as well as confidence to enter the world of business in almost any sector. You will learn essential skills such as how to build and maintain business relationships, how to use digital technologies to collaborate in a work environment, how to apply business risk management processes, how to promote innovation in team environments and how to manage personal and professional development.

By the end of the course you will have developed your interpersonal and communication skills to a level that will ensure that you can perform competently in entry-level business roles and that you have a fully developed understanding of how teams function as well as the ability to manage others around you. This qualification will give you all you need to tackle complex challenges you will face in your business career and ensure that you are a star performer in any business sector.

You have a choice of studying this course online (blended with virtual classes), or by correspondence.

This course is approved for government funding in the Jobs and Skills WA program, for eligible students. Enquire to check if you qualify.

This course uses the following delivery methods, please take this into account when assessing course suitability:

Blended with virtual classes – you can do the whole course online but you do need to attend some online classes at specific times (a couple of nights per week) with trainers. This study mode is government funded and is the most popular type of study mode used by students at Insight Training.

Please Note: This course is NOT available to people on a 500 or 600 visa.

Blended

Business Administrator, Business Coordinator, Business Development Manager, Business Manager, Business Owner, General Manager, Office Manager, Payroll Officer, Personal Assistant, Small Business Manager, Small Business Owner

Price may vary

Flexible to suit your needs

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.

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

Resources

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How to Become a Personal Assistant: Australian Careers in Administration

What is a Personal Assistant?

Career snapshots For Personal Assistants

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes