Emily Robe, PA to the MD of Specialist Equipment, Ashtead Plant Hire Company Ltd (A-Plant)

I am PA to the Managing Director of Specialist Equipment at A-Plant, a leading equipment rental company. Within our Specialist Equipment Division, we operate five businesses focused on different product groups – from powered access machines to rail equipment. I also provide support services to a team of five Operational Directors.

I only came into this role about eight months ago. I had returned to work for a local college after a five year career break to be a mum. On preparing my return to traditional work, I quickly realised that the training I had 15 years ago was out of date. I had set up my own business whilst off with my children and it had kept most of my skills up to date. I invested in a lot of IT training, resat all my secretarial skills, for example typing and word processing up to Level 3. I also undertook the Microsoft Office Specialist course. At the moment, I just have Excel Expert left to do.

I am extremely happy in my current position. Steve, my boss, is by far the best I've ever had. We work well together. He listens to my ideas and will always include me in his plans. I am allowed a certain amount of autonomy and I feel trusted to do my job well.

I moved from an administrative position at the college, into the PA role when Steve was promoted to Managing Director. Our offices are right next to my children’s school, so it is an ideal base. I start my working day at 8am. The first hour is spent organising the rest of my day, checking our sales figures and organising any conference calls necessary.

During the course of the day I tend to deal with general correspondence and calls for my boss. I compile a great deal of information on his behalf from the five businesses within the Specialist Equipment division, ranging from travel costs through to compiling sales figures and audit information. I organise a lot of travel for Steve and other Directors. I also liaise a great deal with various departments and other PA’s within the company.

I currently deal with 56 different depots. It is my responsibility to ensure that all the information Steve needs is delivered promptly and correctly. This can be quite challenging, as not all the Managers share the same priorities and attitude. You need strong organisation and communication skills to do this job, plus IT literacy.

My advice to any prospective PA would be: don't undervalue your ability. Have confidence in what you do and people will have confidence in you.

I am currently considering membership of a few professional organisations. I also want to complete my Excel Expert to gain MOS Master certification and I am also contemplating the NVQ level 4 in Administration. I intend to carry on training a bit more, so who knows what I'll be doing in five years time.

Day In The Life Series: We are always interested to hear from senior PAs, people working in a particularly interesting environment or those with a special story to tell. If that sounds like you, send a short message to editoruk@deskdemon.com and we will be in touch!