Member Q & A – Meet Emily Moses
Executive Assistant, Skipton Building Society
April 2021
How long have you been an EA?
I’ve been in my EA role nearly 3 years now – time flies!
What made you want to become an EA?
In 2016, I was fortunate enough to be part of Skipton Building Society’s ‘Connecting Our Future’ Apprenticeship scheme which allowed me to complete placements across all areas of the organisation. After shadowing the Executive Assistant team, I knew straight away this was the path I wanted to go down. I haven’t looked back since.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career as an EA?
Go for it! If you enjoy organising and helping others, this role is perfect for you. Building great relationships and communicating effectively is a big part of the role so ask plenty of questions. Even those silly ones!
What part of your job as an EA do you like best?
If I had to choose just one thing, it would be the opportunity the role gives me to build new connections. I love meeting new people from all walks of life and getting to know them.
Huge congratulations for recently passing your (Level 3) Events Assistant Apprenticeship with distinction – what was involved and how has it helped in your role?
Thank you! During the Apprenticeship (which ran over a 18 month period), I pulled together a portfolio of coursework and a project to showcase my skills, knowledge and understanding of organising and delivering successful events. At my end-point-assessment I presented my portfolio along with my project findings. I was grateful to have this development opportunity as I was able to ‘learn on the job’ which really helped me in my day-to-day role. By the end of the programme, my confidence in my own ability had grown significantly.
During the coursework did everything change due to the pandemic and was there an increase in your learning programme for digital event management?
Yes, I had to quickly adapt to ‘working from home’ and the challenges that brought. Fortunately, I still had support from my peers, mentor and Apprenticeship Coach (albeit virtually!). I used the change in circumstances to enhance my portfolio, comparing differences between digital and live events and how events of the future will look.
Do you think live events will return in general?
I hope so! I think as we gradually return to ‘normal’ (whatever that is!) there will be a blend of digital and live events depending on the event’s size/purpose. Despite the fact digital events have kept us going over ‘lockdown’, I don’t think the atmosphere of a live event can be replicated online!
How do you make sure that you can properly anticipate the needs of your Executives?
As I support 2 Executives, I have to manage my time effectively to meet conflicting deadlines. Forward planning and good communication is key! Everybody has a different personality/way of working so you have to get to know your Executive and flex to their individual needs.
How do you make sure you get time to have meetings with each Executive?
I aim to meet with my Executives at least once a week. I book out half an hour (or whatever time they can spare) to bring them up to date and check the diary. Some weeks are so busy that we have to speak over email. Whichever method we use, I always prep to ensure we both take value from our communication.
What strategies do you use for time management?
Whilst managing my Executives’ diaries, I also have to make sure I’m managing my own time. At the beginning of each week, I set new goals of what I would like to achieve that week and use time boxing to help me with this. I’m really not sure what I would do without my (ever-growing!) ‘to do list’ which I’m constantly reviewing to prioritise tasks and delegating where appropriate (tip- If you are wanting to use less paper, use tools such as Microsoft OneNote!).
What are your strengths as an Executive Assistant?
Other than the usual communication and organisational skills, I would say my strengths are my flexible/adaptable approach, discretion and approachable manner.
How has the role of executive assistant changed over the past year taking into account the pandemic of 2020/21?
The role of an Executive Assistant has been changing for some time now and the pressures of a global Pandemic has added to this. To ensure I keep up with the role, I have adapted a more strategic approach and embraced new technology (who had heard of Microsoft Teams before March 2020?). My willingness to learn will help me upskill where needed so I’m not left behind.
You are an active member of The PA Hub – what do you enjoy about being a member?
There are so many advantages of being a member! As someone quite new to the game, I have found the support, guidance and experience of the other members invaluable. It is really encouraging to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share the same passion.
Finally Emily – what is next for you?
I’m really looking forward to seeing what opportunities the rest of 2021 will bring as I figure out a new way of working, but after 18 months of Apprenticeship coursework I am going to have a short well-earnt rest!
