Oftentimes, I'll ask a group of Executive PAs and EAs, "Why do you have the word 'Executive' in your job title?" And, the most common answer is, "Well, I support an Executive." I then say, "No, that's not the real reason. The real reason you have the word 'Executive' in your title as an EA is that you need to operate with Executive qualities and be 'Executive'!" Being 'Executive' doesn't just apply to the bosses! Here at Adam Fidler Academy, we believe every EA has the ability to stretch their Executive capabilities and behaviours, and that's why our courses give EAs and PAs the aspiration to develop as a manager, and not just an 'Assistant'. Says Adam Fidler: “As a corporate EA of 20 years, I was proud to be 'Executive' in the way I worked, behaved and dressed.” What does being ‘Executive’ mean to you? You may want to ponder on that and ask yourself, “How, as an EA, can I be more Executive in the way I work and come across to others?”
We’re delighted with our new and extended learning studio here… and so are our students! Our stunning learning environment has more space for group-work, break-out and a library area with our most recommended textbooks and resources. “It’s very trendy, yet professional,” said one student this week. We agree! We’re in a trendy office, in a trendy area. Why not come and see for yourself just why our students love their experience with us?
We receive many enquiries asking: “Why would I do a qualification, as opposed to a stand-alone training course?”. It’s a good question but one which we’re clear about. If you want to gain professional status, gain even greater respect from your employer and your boss, and increase your promotion prospects and earning potential, then being ‘qualified’ is the best way forward. Quite simply, why spend two or more days on a training course, when by attending just six days with Adam Fidler Academy, you can come away with a formal and accredited qualification? Historically, qualifications for EAs and Business Support staff have stopped at Level 3 (eg NVQ Level 3 in Administration) but now you can achieve a formal Level 4 qualification with us - equivalent to a HNC or the first year of a degree - in just six days, plus self-study. It’s a no brainer, and that’s why we attract students from all over the world on our qualification programmes. Take the group pictured above - a mix of Level 3 and Level 4 qualification students. They said, “We have the experience, and can do the job, but want to prove it to others, and have the certification to prove we are professionally qualified in our field.” Now, there’s ambition for you - and many in the group above have already benefited from the fruits of their hard work. A new job title, a pay increase and greater responsibility… that doesn’t come with luck. It comes with hard work, getting qualified and showing your boss you take your role seriously. Professional qualifications, in our view, are the best way to do this. Why attend just a training course, when you can get qualified?
Our contemporary training suite attracts many compliments, and provides a warm and relaxed learning environment for our students and delegates. And, from May this year, to give our learners an even better experience, we’re expanding our training facilities to include an enhanced library area full of resources and artefacts to inspire learning. “It’s all about the experience,” says Adam Fidler. “When students come, whether it’s for a two-day programme or as part of their qualification programme with us, they always love our training facilities - which are in the heart of trendy Ancoats Urban Village in Manchester.” Our Academy is a far cry from the stuffy corporate world, but balances the character and soul of a former Victorian building with the professionalism and polish of a modern office block.
Our first Executive Assistant Newsletter is available to download now! It’s contains our best-selling and most popular perspectives on the ‘new’ EA role, along with tips to be a better and more effective EA. To download it, flick back to our homepage, scroll down and enter your details. Happy reading!
What a delight to be part of this year’s Scottish PA Showcase, held in Edinburgh on Wednesday 27 March. Adam Fidler (pictured here with delegates), spoke about the future skills and competencies needed in the EA role to a 50 strong audience. He also announced he will be returning to Edinburgh later this year, on Friday 20 September 2019, to run a special 1-day Strategic Executive Assistant programme, in collaboration with the Scottish PA Network. Details on that are to be announced - so watch this space!
