Unleashing potential with the PA/EA Career Pathways

Everyone's career journey is unique, and as we carve out our own professional paths, the right resources can make all the difference. The PA/EA Career Pathways is here to support that journey—helping to discover and develop the skills necessary to achieve both current and future career goals. 

The PA/EA Career Pathways aligns with our commitment to developing Oxford-wide Careers as part of the collective ambition of Professional Services Together. The EA/PA Community of Practice (CoP) was part of the pilot for Career Pathways project, which is set to launch in Trinity term. The PA/EA Career Pathways is open access and available for anyone to explore or utilise. 

Mapping an individualised career path 

Personal Assistants (PAs) and Executive Assistants (EAs) provide invaluable support, bringing a distinctive skill set to their roles. The PA/EA Career Pathways is a comprehensive resource pack aimed at helping anyone in a Personal or Executive Assistant position take significant steps toward advancing their career—whether transitioning to a different role or progressing into more advanced responsibilities. This resource can open doors to new opportunities and roles that may not have initially seemed attainable, while also providing the tools to assess and develop the skills needed to reach these goals. 

To achieve the professional development we dream of, we have to start by recognising our current skills and the value of our contributions. Our aim is for the PA/EA Career Pathways to help Community of Practice members assess their skills and plan for future steps in their careers.

Jenny Shilton Osborne, EA to the Chief Diversity Officer and co-lead of the PA/EA Community of Practice working group 

The pack highlights the skills that can be developed while working at the University and offers a roadmap to areas of focus for continued career progression. 

Tailored to unique strengths 

The PA/EA Career Pathways was created with the understanding that each individual brings their own unique skill set to their role. These skills can be enhanced and leveraged to step into more advanced positions or explore new areas of interest. The path is flexible and adaptive to the varying needs and ambitions of those in a PA/EA profession. 

Don’t be afraid to take a risk and try different things. You can apply your skills in many different ways and contexts! Understanding a variety of perspectives will make you work smarter. Also, don’t worry if some opportunities don’t go how you expect, as nothing has to last forever, and I believe you can take something valuable about your personal or professional self away from all experiences. 

Cathy King, Head of the Registrar's Office and Professional Services Together Programme Lead 

Maximising the impact of Career Pathways 

The PA/EA Career Pathways offer a wide range of uses. Whether determining the skills needed to advance to a new role, identifying developmental steps during a Personal Development Review (PDR), or supporting managers in guiding their team members toward new heights. 

Navigating PA/EA Career Pathways 

Career pathway levels 

There are three career pathway levels: skilled, independent and advanced/progressive. These levels reflect the progression of skills and responsibilities that evolve throughout the course of a PA/EA career. They provide a useful framework for assessing one’s current position, identifying the next steps toward advancement, and understanding the specific skills needed to reach the next level.  
 
Career progression is a unique journey for everyone, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. A variety of resources are available to support career progression, ensuring that individuals have access to diverse opportunities for skill development and professional growth tailored to their unique needs. Some resources include: 

• Mentoring and shadowing: gain knowledge and guidance from experienced professionals 
• Training programmes: access to courses, workshops and online learning platforms 
• Community of Practice: network with peers who have similar interests and goals 
• On-the-job learning: gain practical experience, improve upon processes and adapt to changing priorities 

Career profiles 

A selection of inspiring career profiles from fellow colleagues is available, showcasing how PA/EA roles can evolve into unexpected and exciting opportunities. These profiles demonstrate how various career paths can unfold, even in ways that might not have been initially imagined when first entering the role. 

Job descriptions 

The pack includes a series of job descriptions that reflect the wide array of opportunities available to PAs and EAs across departments and divisions. These postings highlight the diversity within the PA/EA profession, demonstrating how adaptable and varied these roles can be. 

Resources library 

A comprehensive list of internal and external resources is also included, helping individuals find relevant courses or programs to develop the necessary skills for advancing into new roles. This collection of resources ensures that PAs and EAs have access to a variety of learning opportunities tailored to their unique career paths. Some sample resources from the library include: 

• People and Organisational Development (POD): management and leadership programmes, mentoring and coaching schemes 
• Leadership framework toolkit: skills and behaviours relevant to all staff, not just those in leadership roles 
• Personal Development Reviews (PDRs): an opportunity to discuss career progression with managers 
• External institutes and networks: access professional development and networking opportunities through various external organisations 

The PA/EA Career Pathways will be continuously updated throughout the year, so users are encouraged to check back regularly for new resources and insights.  

Join the PA/EA Community of Practice 

If you are an PA or an EA, we invite you to join the PA/EA Community of Practice by emailing lucy.curtin@phc.ox.ac.uk.  

“Joining the PA/EA Community of Practice has been the best thing I have done for my development. Our profession can sometimes feel lonely, particularly if you are the only PA in your team/department/building. After joining this group, I instantly felt more motivated and supported, which in turn helped me feel more confident in my role. It also encouraged me to take the lead in my own development.”  

Susan Mousley, former PA, transitioned from being the PA to a Professor to a Centre Manager role 

More information 

Career Pathways forms part of the Professional Services Together collective ambition for how we work in support of the University's mission, focused on our shared principles of collaboration, quality and our people.    

Beyond the positive impact the PA and EA Career Pathways will have on colleagues in PA/EA roles, it also plays a crucial role in highlighting and appreciating the value of these positions. This initiative will serve as a model for recognising the contributions of every role across the University.