Debbie Knox, business development assistant, WDM and WDM Consulting, Motherwell

I'm required to wear a number of different hats in my job because I'm basically split between two companies - accountancy firm WDM and business development consultants WDM Consulting. I perform a general admin role for WDM and at WDM Consulting I am PA to Karen Reyburn, one of the directors, but my day can include anything from preparing for a seminar to sorting out IT glitches.

I've been with WDM for six years. I left school at 16 to study at ITEC Integrations, my local government funded training provider. I studied for Administration Level 2, gaining a number of SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications). ITEC set up an interview for me with Watson, Dunne & Co (which later became WDM) and I've been with them ever since. For the first year and a half I worked four days at WDM and spent one day a week at college to complete my studies.

Initially I worked on reception, answering the phones and meeting and greeting clients - all very basic. But after two years I moved up to the main office and became more involved in admin. When WDM expanded its services and created a separate company, WDM Consulting, to address business development, I very naturally fell into the role of its administrative assistant. Over time I've really developed my skills and abilities, and as the business development side of the company has grown, I have become increasingly involved in that part of the business.

I'm based in WDM's Motherwell office. There's a great atmosphere at work and everyone is really friendly, which is great because it means that even when we're really busy we never feel too pressured - there is a real network of support.

In terms of my day-to-day tasks, I guess there is no such thing as a typical day - it really depends what is required of me. Karen works in our Glasgow office from Tuesday to Friday, so first thing Monday we meet and discuss my priorities for the week. This is our chance for a proper catch up as the rest of the week we communicate by phone and e-mail. As well as providing general admin support for her, I help prepare client proposals and presentations. I'm responsible for co-ordinating WDM Consulting's monthly seminars, so that involves a lot of organising material, equipment, refreshments and liaising with attendees and speakers. I also maintain our company databases, minute meetings and assist in preparing all business development communication.

As the most PC literate member of the company, I'm always the one called upon to help solve any technical gliches. While I was working on reception I used my time to self learn about computers and have developed my skills over the years. Our computer consultant visits once a month and, as it's my job to liaise with him, I've picked up a lot of hints that way too.

Within the company, I hold the interesting title of Director of Celebrations. Basically that means I'm responsible for keeping track of staff birthdays and buying the company's gift for them - that's certainly one of the fun parts of my job!

With my WDM admin hat on, I assist with stationery orders, with particular responsibility for company paper, business cards, etc. I also record staff holidays, flexi-days and sick days. I carry out inductions with any new member of staff, introducing them to our office systems like timesheets, accounts, and phone handling.

I love the mix my job brings - jumping between WDM and WDM Consulting is a challenge, but ensures an interesting working day. Sometimes it can lead to the danger of overloading, but it's all a question of learning to prioritise.

I really feel like I have achieved so much with WDM. I left school with just my Standard Grade qualifications, and I've had the opportunity to work my way up the ranks fairly quickly. Karen is investing a lot in training me so I can become even more involved in business development. This is a fantastic role where my skills are constantly being challenged and developed.

To balance a hectic working day I it's important to have outside interests. I have danced for the past 12 years and I am about to start up my own dance class in my hometown, teaching disco, jazz and tap. I've also just got engaged so life is pretty exciting right now!

Day In The Life Series: We're 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!