How to become a personal assistant with no experience

Devise a plan. Your first step is to map out a plan to achieve your goal of becoming a personal assistant. It takes time to become a personal assistant, you can't just walk into the role unless you are well-connected, and even then, it isn't guaranteed; you need to develop a long-term strategy.

Education. While the minimum requirement regarding education for a personal or executive assistant is just a high school diploma, many in the field obtain associate's or bachelor's degrees.

Some also take general business, administration, and computer-related courses to improve their chances of progress in this career path.

Employers vary, as some favor years of professional experience rather than education for this role.

Develop specific skills through training. Training can be received on the job in the first couple of weeks or months as a personal assistant. Training might involve certain clerical tasks or understanding specific computer software relevant to the executive or industry.

Many are allowed to shadow another assistant or are supervised in some way early in their employment. Here are some common responsibilities that personal assistants can expect training in:

• Scheduling practices for their employer

• Fielding phone calls, emails, and faxes

• Responding to inquiries to the employer's office or home

• Interfacing directly with clients or other relevant professionals

• Preparing documentation

• Managing their employer's travel

While these duties may vary depending on the company, the industry it is in, and the specific employer, most personal assistants will excel if they work hard in these areas.

Certifications. Certifications can be extremely useful to progress on the personal assistant career path. Two certifications to consider include:

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) offered by The International Association of Administrative Professionals

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) offered by Microsoft

Other certifications involving specific administrative software can also be helpful to a personal assistant's career. This helps you to stand out and proves you are a qualified candidate that can perform many different essential functions of the job.

Start small. When starting as a personal assistant, you should take any PA position you can get to gain experience and hone your skills.

This might include being a personal assistant to a small business owner in your town or city. This type of experience can help prepare you for more established jobs. They are a great and valuable opportunity to get your feet wet in the field.

Network. Networking is critical for all personal assistants, especially those that don't have any experience. You should try to hone in on some specific industries or types of professionals you want to be a personal assistant to and reach out through social media, industry events, and other networking opportunities.