Skip to main content

How to become a personal assistant

Provide one-to-one support to an executive, making sure their workday runs smoothly, picking up personal tasks along the way.

What does a personal assistant do?

PAs provide admin and secretarial services to senior staff. They can work in high-pressure environments across all industries. As trusted employees, personal assistants might also be called on to help with personal tasks because they work closely with their managers and excel at organisation.

Duties and tasks

  • Handle day-to-day activities of senior staff, including meetings, phone calls, e-mails, and appointments.

  • Deal with stationary orders, taking notes, and managing accounts.

  • Brief senior staff on information in correspondence.

  • Assist with personal matters including travel booking and childcare.

  • Accompany senior staff on business trips and assist with bookings, transfers, and refreshments.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

  • Administrative assistant

  • Inventory and supply officer

  • Office manager

  • Office professional

  • Project support officer

  • Receptionist

  • Secretary

Discover online business administration degrees

Griffith University

Bachelor of Business

UndergraduateGRF-BUS-DEG

Get the professional skills employers are looking for

Learn how organisations work and visualise where you fit in. Get familiar with financial documents, risk, and business comms. This business course gives you a 360-degree view of business strategy. Specialisations include marketing and management. 

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Marketing
  • Human Resource Management
  • Management
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Sport Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • International Business
  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Contemporary Marketing
  • Strategic Communication (second major only)
University of Tasmania

Business Open Degree Pathway

UndergraduateTAS-BUS-PTH

Climb the business ladder in more ways than one.

Do you see business opportunities at every corner? Make a deal with yourself to succeed. This set of subjects are available without entry requirements. If completed successfully, it can set you on the path for a variety of qualifications in business.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Swinburne University of Technology

Undergraduate Certificate of Business

UndergraduateSWI-BUS-CTF

Start here for a career in business

Explore core concepts in business. In just 6 months, you’ll build communication skills and start thinking strategically. Choose from marketing, management, and other electives. Gain credit for your studies and think about a future in business.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Adelaide University

Diploma in Digital Business

UndergraduateADU-DGB-DIP

Take one year to get ready for the digital economy

Cover essential IT and business knowledge in this 100% online digital business course. You’ll explore digital innovation, cloud platforms, and design thinking. Get ready to launch a career in global digital business. Co-designed by Accenture.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Explore business courses

Discover online business administration subjects

Torrens University Australia

The Business Environment

UndergraduateTUA-BIZ202

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026
Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
University of Tasmania

Applied Business Foundations

UndergraduateTAS-ZAA131

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 6 Jul 2026
University of Tasmania

Lean Thinking

UndergraduateTAS-ZAA140

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

How to write a business plan

Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025

Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

5 small business courses for self-starters

Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.