What can assistants expect in 2013 Practically Perfect PA

I read this article "What can assistants expect in 2013 Practically Perfect PA " some days ago and I found it very interesting, even though not all the suggestion are applicable for Italian Manager Assistant.
Anyway, i chose some of the points to share with you, dear reader:

1. Role diversification

For those remaining in their role (which the large majority of assistants will do) the opportunity to expand the scope of the job and your day to day activities will increase. Companies will be seeking to get the most out of the employees they already have so assistants should take advantage of this and try new and different challenges, this could be anything from organising corporate events to running the office facilities department.

My opinion:
 "the opportunity to expand the scope of the job and your day to day activities will increase" – it be an obliged path, because the role is changing so fast that in the last 5 years managers can replace us in our common duties with an I-Phone and an I-Pad.

2. Training

With the assistant role now encompassing so many varied tasks we should expect to see a rise in training for assistants in 2013. If you have been asked to take on additional work then expect to be trained in the new aspects of your job. If in 2012 you did not attend any events or training sessions then you should speak to your manager or HR immediately to get something booked for 2013. Remember assistants need to keep up to date with the latest innovations in our industries as much as any other profession. Don´t just attend any event though, if you would like to know how to get the most out of an event and what signs to look for when booking a great event, this blog should help.

My opinion:
“If you have been asked to take on additional work then expect to be trained in the new aspects of your job” – this doesn’t happen very frequently, companies don’t have the tendency to pay for training. Take advantage of the gift MACSE Italia offer you: 1 training day at 60 Euros.
3. Social Media/Personal Branding

Assistants should see the influence social media can have on all aspects of their professional life. In previous years assistants have not seen the point of personal branding and networking but as our roles diversify we will embrace online networking and social media. This could be as simple a step as setting up a LinkedIn profile to using twitter for networking with other assistants through to blogging and taking part in virtual conferences. Those seeking new jobs will find that having a social media presence will only confirm that they take their profession seriously.

My opinion:
“In previous years assistants have not seen the point of personal branding and networking but as our roles diversify we will embrace online networking and social media” – we are trend setters and in 2010 we understood that networking and social media are fundamental for Manager Assistants. Give a look to our calendar of networking events: http://www.macseitalia.it/training/calendar.asp

10. The relationship between assistant and assistant

Over recent years I´ve noticed a shift in how assistants work with other assistants in that they are a lot more supportive of each other, covering each other when out of the office and generally working as a team and bonding over the same problems and experiences. I think this will become more and more common in 2013. The team of assistants I currently work with are all very supportive of each other and I found this a great help last year. I really do hope other assistants see this in their company over the next year.

My opinion:
“Over recent years I´ve noticed a shift in how assistants work with other assistants in that they are a lot more supportive of each other” – in MACSE Italia, you can find help and support to improve your professional knowledge through the exchange of best practice and protocols

12. Value of the assistant role in the company

Although I do think assistants are and will continue to be appreciated more and more in 2013 I do not think we will see a change in the difficulty assistants face in being promoted and moving out of supporting roles. Unfortunately I do think this will still be a challenge faced by many assistants in the coming year.

My opinion:
“in 2013 I do not think we will see a change in the difficulty assistants face in being promoted and moving out of supporting roles” – we all know that promotions and/or salary increases are a dream, but being more prepared can allow us to change company and sell ourselves for a best position.

13. Work Life balance

A work life balance has always been important for assistants as many of us have families and other commitments outside of work (this is why many of us become assistants in the first place). The balance will remain an important part of our lives and I think many of us will look to achieve more flexibility in 2013. This could be as simple as working from home more frequently to striking out on our own and setting up a VA company. One thing is for sure, assistants will begin to fully realise that their skills can be matched to a variety of roles and positions.


My opinion:
“The balance will remain an important part of our lives and I think many of us will look to achieve more flexibility in 2013” – another dream in Italy, but learning to be more efficient can help us to leave the office before nightime


Raffaella Brambilla writes:
Being part of a group is actually a great experience: you can offer your skills but most of all you get always something back; the use of best practice and other supportive tools is just out there and handy: why not to try?
It is worth the effort, even though I do not consider this an effort at all, on the contrary a very pleasant way to spend time together...
In 2013 I would practise a better personal branding thru social media or networking; this is one of my targets for this year.

http://www.practicallyperfectpa.com/2013/what-can-assistants-expect-in-2013/01/04/