Welcome to our very first Executive Assistant Showcase!
As you may be aware, Capital EA is making a movement in Canberra, and it’s “all things related to Executive Assistants”. We ourselves are EAs, we live and breathe this role and know what it takes to be outstanding at our job. Our goal is to continue to raise the profile of EAs Australia wide, starting with marketing what we do as EAs as much as fathomably possible. We are your advocates, and so we have decided to undertake the EA Showcase Project.
We’re a small team, but we have big dreams! Your support to date has been unmeasurable, we are so grateful to all EAs who have emailed, phoned and popped in to see us….keep the ideas flowing. This article is all about YOU.
We will be interviewing EAs from all corners commencing with our own home town, with a view to build awareness of the EA role and show the diversity of the people undertaking it.
Enjoy, and please share, share and share in support of your peers!
Emma Coleman
Client Service Manager
Cathryn in her domain – the entrance to the AWM’s Administration Building.
CATHRYN RODRIGUEZ
Name your current role?
“PA to the Director of the Australian War Memorial, The Hon Dr. Brendan Nelson AO BMBS FRACP (Hon) FAMA.”
What did you want to be when you grew up?
“As a little girl, I always wanted to be an Air Hostess, but with the ever changing height and education requirements in those days, I decided to do the next best thing and joined the Royal Australian Air Force.”
Do you remember the first day you became an EA?
“I do actually! I had returned to office work at Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) after having children. I was working as a receptionist and an opportunity for a MatLeave cover EA role was offered to me. I was way outside my comfort zone and terrified at the prospect of changing roles. I kept asking myself ‘What have I done!?’ I ended up working as the EA for two of the General Managers and absolutely loved it! I haven’t looked back!”
How long have you been an EA?
“Officially- about 3 years. Unofficially- much of my career. I worked as a Clerk in the RAAF for 12 years and have done a variety of office jobs including reception and secretariat roles.”
What would you consider to be the most difficult part of your day?
“Dealing with the celebrity and high profile nature of Dr. Nelson’s role. It can be difficult managing the volume of requests he receives on a daily basis, and challenging to manage people’s expectations when he is unable to commit a time to see them.”
Is there a role you have owned, that you would consider to be significant to your career? What was the role?
“The change of roles from receptionist to EA at IBA was key for me. The role allowed me to grow, develop and become far more confident in my own abilities. As a mature employee, I was also able to bring many life lessons to the role and utilise my practical experiences.”
What skills do you possess that you believe are crucial to your role?
“I am a communicator, I am able to communicate with people from all paths of life. I can talk to anybody, no matter the subject or the situation. I am also very organised and try to have contingency plans in place to manage risk.”
What are three items you can’t work without?
- Pen & Paper
- Computer
- Reference books – currently re-reading the Personal Assistant & Secretarial Handbook. (See image below)
What do you do in your spare time?
“I tend to catch up with my friends and family a lot. Friendships are very important to me and need to be nurtured. No matter how busy I get I always make time for the people I care about. I also love to keep my mind active by reading and watching documentaries.”
Any tips you’d like to share with your fellow EAs?
“Make sure you future proof yourself! Stay current with what is happening in your organisation and profession. Network and make connections with the people you work with. Never stop learning.”
Images from left to right: Cathryn’s current reference book – The Definitive Personal Assistant & Secretarial Handbook by Sue France, Cathryn showing off her great organisational skills by way of her filing system, Cathryn displaying excellent posture in her work space :-), Cathryn’s Executive – Dr Brendan Nelson.