Starting a career as a PA can be both exciting and daunting. There’s so much to juggle, from diary management and travel planning to being your manager’s right hand. We spoke to experienced professionals from across PA roles to hear what they wish they’d known when they started. Their insights might just help you avoid the same pitfalls.
It’s not just admin, it’s trust
Sam, now a senior EA in media, told us, “I didn’t realise how much of the job was about trust. Your boss needs to know you’ve got their back. I used to worry about being perfect, but what mattered more was being reliable and discreet.”
That theme came up again and again. Ellie, who works as a PA in finance, said, “It’s not just about doing tasks well, it’s about becoming someone your manager can rely on without question. I wish I’d known that early on so I could focus less on the small stuff and more on building that relationship.”
People skills matter more than you think
“Honestly,” said Raj, who started in customer service before moving into a PA role, “I thought it was all about typing speed and Microsoft Office. But learning how to deal with tricky personalities was what really helped me grow in my role.”
Anna, now a PA in a property firm, agreed, “You’re often the first point of contact, the gatekeeper, the fixer. That takes emotional intelligence. I wish someone had told me to spend more time observing how people operate as it would’ve saved me some early missteps.”
Take the initiative - but don’t overstep
It’s a fine line, as James, who now supports a senior partner in legal services, found. “At the start, I was nervous to suggest better ways of doing things. Then I went the other way and jumped in too much. The trick is to understand when your initiative is helpful and when it’s too soon.”
Knowing your manager’s style is key. “Some bosses love a proactive PA, others want you to check everything. It took me a while to work that out,” said Lola, who’s worked across several industries in PA jobs in London.
There’s always more to learn
PA work is often fast-paced and constantly evolving. “You don’t have to know everything on day one,” said TJ, who’s been a PA for nearly a decade. “But you do need to stay curious and willing to learn. Tech changes, priorities shift, and it helps if you’re adaptable.”
Sophie, who now works in HR, added, “I wish I’d invested earlier in improving my systems knowledge. Things like CRM platforms come up all the time. A bit of training here and there makes a big difference.”
You’re not ‘just a PA’
Perhaps the most powerful message came from Zara, who’s worked her way up in a fashion company. “I used to play down my job. But being a good PA means you’re holding a lot together behind the scenes. You’re not ‘just’ anything - you’re central to the business running smoothly.”
Find PA jobs in London
So, if you’re just getting started or thinking about making the leap, know that a PA role is full of learning, growth, and the chance to really make an impact.
Get in touch to find out more about PA jobs in London on 020 7870 7177.