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 Canberra

Graduate Certificate in Business

PostgraduateUOC-BUS-GCE

Build a strong foundation in business

Develop practical business knowledge across key areas and learn how organisations operate. Interpret business information. Make informed decisions. Choose subjects to match your goals. Gain skills you can apply across a range of workplaces and industries.

Study method
100% online
Torrens University Australia

Study business from the start with support

Build study habits, academic skills and business confidence from day one. Explore the basics of modern business and how organisations work. Earn a university qualification and create a clear path into further business study.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
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.
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 15 Feb 2027, 31 May 2027
Adelaide University
Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 11 Jan 2027, 28 Jun 2027
Griffith University

The Purpose of Business

UndergraduateGRF-GBS104

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Nov 2026, 1 Mar 2027, 1 Nov 2027

Next enrolment closes 25 Oct

Adelaide University

Organisational Entrepreneurship

UndergraduateADU-BUSI3035

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 21 Sep 2026, 5 Apr 2027, 20 Sep 2027
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