There are a number of ways in which someone can become a private personal assistant. These professionals provide a variety of services to people who have difficulty managing and organizing their lives, from booking medical appointments to keeping up on home maintenance. The work can be well paid, for people who have extensive experience and training, and some people view it as a lifetime career, providing assistance services until they reach retirement.
One option for someone who wants to become a private personal assistant is to attend a course to learn about the duties associated with the job and to acquire professional skills. Such courses are offered by some community colleges, vocational schools, and companies which place personal assistants. The length of the course varies, and usually culminates with a certification which someone can use when applying for positions. A general secretarial course can also be a great help, as it provides information about organizing, professional correspondence, and other skills which personal assistants need.
Another option is to work as a secretary or personal assistant to gain experience in order to become a private personal assistant. Many private personal assistants started out in office positions, learning the ropes of managing an office and assisting key staff members, before striking out on their own. Some opportunities for personal assistants include the film and television industry, and most major companies, which provide personal assistants to their main staff members such as heads of departments and chief officers.
Someone who wants to become a private personal assistant can also start by working directly with a company which places private assistants. Such companies tend to prefer to hire people with experience, but if they have training programs, they may be open to people without very much experience in the industry. This can get someone going on the fast track by providing immediate placement, which may include placement with many people who need part time assistance, or with a single person who needs a dedicated personal assistant.
With personal assistance experience, people can work as a private personal assistant in many areas of the world. Private personal assistants usually work as freelancers, advertising their services independently and relying on word of mouth to get work, although some may find a single client in need of extensive assistance and work full time for just that person. It is also possible to continue working with a company which provides private personal assistant placement services.
Those who want to become a private personal assistant should be aware that the more skills they have, the more employable they will be. People who are flexible, multilingual, and skilled in a wide variety of areas will have better success on the job market.