Originally I thought I should split my training in two, one for bookkeeping training/qualifications and the other for the administration training/qualifications. Now that I come to write the one about administration I realise that most of my “training” has been on the job and gained over the past 20 years of working.
I have done some courses, most of them whilst I was at the Prudential in my first couple of years. I did a “telephone answering” course, a problem solving course and a time management course (I still have and use the filofax that I was given on this course). I also did courses for Lotus 123 and WordPerfect. These are a bit obsolete now though as I don’t think anyone uses these software packages any more. Although, Lotus 123 and WordPerfect were the precursors to Excel and Word and I still use some of the formulas and keyboard shortcuts that I learnt using those.
The training I have had which can’t be taught on a course but rather on the job applies to filing, organisation and time management. Yes, I went on a course for time management but whilst you can be told what you should be doing there is no substitute for putting it in to practice, especially when you have two or more people telling you that their work is most important. You need to be able to ask them for deadlines and then organise your time and work accordingly. I have found that as long as you ask for a deadline and beat it your boss, or client, is happy. However, if you don’t think you are going to make a deadline, you need to be able to see it and let the client know as soon as possible and let them have an estimated time of completion.
I am currently doing the PA Diploma with Pitman to help keep myself up to date with changes in Microsoft Office packages and a few other bits and pieces. That is more for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) though and I will save that for another blog. It is going well and so far I have completed five or six modules and have passed all of them with distinction.
