There are some jobs that are underrated. And there are others that are simply misunderstood. Personal Assistants (PAs) definitely fall into the second category. Because, unlike in the movies, a personal assistant is not there to help a busy executive to pick out his ties, or to simply make tea for important meetings . . .or, indeed, to carry out the functions traditionally associated with a secretary.

Because of the strong project management aspects inherent in the job of the PA, there is an increasing recognition of the role of the PA as a decision-influencing part of the corporate machine.

"The role has definitely changed, " said Sandra Cummins of PA-Assist. ie, a resource and information website for PAs and secretaries. "A lot more PAs are taking on project management work, and are covering some very senior positions.

There is a need for a strong foundation of business knowledge among PAs, in such areas as finance, HR and events management. Even the everyday role has changed . . . it is no longer about shorthand or wordsper-minute."

Take, for example, areas such as travel and events. In the past, companies would have outsourced these . . .

which is to say that they would have gone down the traditional route of employing a travel agent or an events management company. But, in many modern PAs, those same companies have qualified professionals in-house . . .

some of whom will have come from a travel or an events background, and may be more attuned to the realities of the corporate world and the nuances of the company than a dedicated travel agent or event manager.

But the work of a PA does not begin and end with events and travel, and given the nature of the work, which is dealing with the most sensitive information and the most senior of professionals, confidentiality and professionalism are of paramount importance. The range of skills required by a modern PA can be best seen in the selection criteria for the Pedestals of Recognition PA of the Year Award Ceremony (which takes place as part of Confex. ie the annual conference and exhibitions event for PAs, Secretaries and Management Assistants).

According to the selection committee, PAs must excel in their role of support services; show exceptional skills in office management; perform their tasks with confidentiality and confidence; show professionalism in their personal interaction and people skills with members of staff and management;
understand time management and time deadlines; show a dedicated commitment to continued learning and education to enhance their roles and performance; show a commitment to efficiency and capability to working on own initiative; and be pleasant and caring within the work environment.

The 2005 winner of PA of the Year was Theckla Heffernan of Anglo Irish Bank, who outlined some of the specific pressures on a modern PA . . . and how the role differs from that of a traditional secretary.

"I don't believe there is such a thing as the traditional secretary anymore, " she said. "Advances in technology have played a major part in this change and are a constant challenge for PAs going forward. It is very rare to hear of anyone using shorthand these days, or indeed a typewriter. Today's PA needs to be proficient in Microsoft Office skills, Word, Powerpoint and Excel. The role of the PA is much more varied and interesting and seen as a pivotal position between ones manager, internal staff and clients. A positive attitude, common sense approach, enthusiasm for the job, effective communication skills and a innate ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines, as well as working on own initiative are all important traits to being a top PA in today's world."

So, given the requirement for initiative, is a modern PA part of the decision making process in a company?

"Yes, although at what level would really depend on the company and its size, " said Heffernan. "As a PA, I have been involved in interviewing and hiring of secretarial staff, and my opinion sought on various office projects over the years, including client entertainment and corporate events."

And can a PA still operate a 9 to 5 job, or is the work ongoing?

"It's ongoing, " said Heffernan. "This is where time management and flexibility come in to play. No matter how efficient a PA is, there are always occasions when extra time will be required to complete a task. It could be to complete a presentation for an all important meeting the next morning or perhaps to be in work early to set up for a meeting."

And can the role of PA lead to more senior positions within a company?

"Being a PA can be a very rewarding career in itself. As a PA you have a good overall view of a company with exposure to senior management which can open up many opportunities. It can certainly lead to promotions within an organisation and for some can be a stepping stone to management, " said Heffernan.

All of which is a far cry from the image of he uncaring and unchallenged secretary.