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Webinars
Welcome to your webinar series. Please note that you are entitled to 12 complimentary webinar series every year. Please select your preferred webinars and we will unlock them for you to attend and watch at your convenience.
Training and Development
Why attend Professional Development Workshops?
In today’s competitive market, executive assistants and administrative professionals need to ensure that they maintain the ability to adapt to the constantly changing office environment. Attending workshops benefits you, your boss, and your organization by giving you up-to-date knowledge and information specific to your role. One of the single most valuable activities of any professional conference or workshop is the time that you get to spend with your colleagues – those you just met and those you’ve known for years. A professional conference can be an excellent chance to network with other people in your field, allowing you to feel more integrated into your professional community. The networking opportunities provide a sense of connection whether you work in a large, small, or home-based office.
Training approach
Our members’ personal responsibility lies with receiving and sharing knowledge, adapting to change, and focusing on continued professional development.
Our approach to training and development needs
IEA-Africa invests in our members’ training and development by offering several complimentary trainings per year, and securing other training options at relatively affordable prices. One complimentary webinar every month which are open to all paid up IEA-Africa members. Discounts on quarterly workshops, annual workshops and conferences are also offered to our members.
IEA-Africa aims in providing members with opportunities for training and development. According to yearly plans, we aim to offer at least one major training session per year in combination with other events that provide indirect training and development. Our role is to provide the means and tools to help our members achieve their personal training agenda in order to support and advance their skills and talents.
Our programs are designed by a team of professionals (who form part of our advisory board) from each respective field, providing you with effective learning (online and in person) programs. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in your learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed.
Whether you are looking to expand your skill set, earn professional credits, or learn something new, our professional development courses and certificates pair perfectly with a busy schedule. Some of our courses are self-paced and online, accessible from anywhere and available on mobile upon request.
By attending the workshops and conferences, you can expect to gain:
- Tools and techniques to be more efficient and effective in your current and future roles.
- New and upgraded skills, best practices, and strategies that you can begin to use the minute you get back to your office and share with your colleagues.
- Increased productivity and effectiveness.
- Up-to-date trends and developments in the workplace.
- Fresh ideas and insights gained from networking with other like-minded professionals across Africa and beyond.
- Solid advice from people with whom you normally wouldn’t be able to connect.
- The value of any conference comes from what you bring back and share. Returning with just one great idea truly makes the investment in time and money spent worthwhile. Employers recognize the importance of investing in the employees who make up their work team. Employees who get the opportunity to participate in training can be viewed as preparing themselves for promotional and advancement opportunities within or outside of the organization. Those who take classes in supervisory skills or in areas of dealing with difficult people, for example, are preparing themselves for future leadership opportunities. Even if you have been working for 20 years, you may have a lot of expertise but there’s always room to expand your knowledge.
Our Professional Training and Development offerings include:
Monthly Webinar Series
Being part of IEA-Africa Community means taking advantage of the learning opportunities available online on a monthly basis for 2 hours. The Institute is pleased to introduce a webinar series free for all members to attend on a monthly basis. Non-Members can also attend for $30.00 USD or MWK25, 000.00 per webinar. Contact us today at iea@palgnet.africa for a lineup of the monthly webinars.
Log In – To access you complimentary Sessions
Annual Training Workshops
The Institute organizes a 3-5 days major Intensive training workshop(s) for Executive PAs once a year. Having an office where everything runs smoothly is essential for any organization wishing to dedicate their focus on their core business. The same can be said for leaders with excellent assistants, focus is at the core of their priorities. Our annual training workshops are designed for both first career entry and for working professionals experienced in secretarial, administration and/or organization support duties. If you have the poise and potential to improve your workplace, people, and presentation skills to well represent senior managers, department, heads, and business owners, these program are for your serious consideration.
Annual IEA – Conference
Formerly known as the Professional Administrators and Executive Assistants Annual conference, the Institute of Executive Assistants (IEA) Africa Annual Conference is a brilliant opportunity for Executive Assistants and Administrative Professionals to connect and unpack the transforming role of the modern PA. Renowned professionals share insights into their day-to-day routines, to give hands-on tips on getting tasks completed more efficiently. To build on their success and pave a meaningful corporate journey, delegates will understand how to handle different personalities, overcome stress, and become more resilient. Delegates will also experience what a personal brand is and improve their professional relationship with their executives and other employees in the organization. The will also feature valuable strategies, techniques, and tips to enhance the effectiveness of executive support functions.
Learning Brunch
(In-house) How We Can Help Your Support Team
We have four 2 hour, bite sized training sessions for your EAs, PAs, secretaries and Admins that can be delivered during lunch periods to groups of up to 10 Assistants, in-house at your company’s premises. You supply the sandwich lunch and we will provide an interactive session of insightful learning for your support team. Run two or three bite-sized training sessions back-to-back or on consecutive days to enable Assistants to dip in and out as work commitments permit.
The Aim of this In-House EA/PA Training
EA/pa training and commitment to continuous professional development is the responsibility of every EA/PA. Executive and Personal Assistants can be an asset to their organization by consistently increasing productivity and adding value in their working partnership. Our bite-sized Bruch in-house EA/PA courses provide a cost-effective and convenient alternative to full-on PA/EAs, secretarial and Administrator training. They provide an opportunity for PAs to receive training at their office at a time that is convenient for them and their bosses. The Brunch EA/PA training also provides a forum for admin professionals to examine problems and learn from each other over a meal. The courses are taught by our expert trainers, mentors and speakers.
Four Available Courses:
Effective Communication Skills
- Writing more concisely
- Active listening and body language skills
- Managing difficult conversations
- Being more assertive without causing offence
Managing Your Executive
- Understanding the objectives of the modern EA/PA
- Building a strategic partnership with your executive
- Organizing workflows
- Managing your executive’s time
Proactive Continuous Professional Development
- Defining your personal brand
- Using LinkedIn to build your brand
- Staying on track with professional development
- The Virtual Assistant role
Diary & Email Management Strategies
- Time-saving email management systems
- Automating your inbox
- Improving email etiquette
- Effective diary management techniques
In-House Training
Excellent training for Executive Assistants, PAs, Office and Administrative Professionals
IEA-Africa provides best-in-class training programs for individual Assistants and for support teams. We provide bespoke in-house training that shows Assistants how to significantly raise their game. Our training courses are delivered by an expert EA Trainers.
In-house courses are delivered at the client’s premises or other specified location, to groups of up to 8 trainees
Why Personal Assistants Need Regular Training
Executive Assistants pack their boss’s parachute on a daily basis. A survey by Hays Secretarial found that 90% of executives believe they could not do their jobs properly without their PA. Therefore, regular PA and Executive Assistant training is a justifiable cost to the business, and an investment, as opposed to an expense. A well-trained EA will effectively manage her boss’s workflow, free up their time, and increase the productivity of their working partnership. We can teach your Assistants how to move beyond the standards of a PA “tactician” to the mindset of an EA “strategist”.
Our Executive Assistant and PA training courses are highly recommended, and rated as “excellent” by attendees. All the training programs and workshops listed on this page can be customized and offered in-house for your organization or contact us to arrange a tailor-made in-house training for your team.
The Executive Assistant Practitioner Course
Executive Assistant training – high-level 3-day career advancement program that really delivers on its promises
Executive Assistant training is essential maintenance for EAs. It helps Assistants to build excellence while waiting for opportunity. When EAs work at an optimal level they help their executives to focus their energies on tasks that generate revenue. Effective EAs deliver high level strategic management support and business assistance. They free up the executive’s time by taking care of clerical tasks, while helping executives to prioritize and achieve their strategic objectives.
This EA training course gives Assistants the necessary skills and knowledge to make a step-change in the way they manage their strategic partnerships. If you think more can be done to maximize the effectiveness of your strategic partnership, this course will show you how to amplify the benefits of your assistance to the executive. It shows Assistants how to be more proactive in facilitating the best outcomes for their executives and their team. This course also builds on EA best practice regarding key aspects of the EA and Executive PA role, and develops essential soft skills.
Course Summary
The Executive Assistant Practitioner Course is the gold standard of Executive Assistant training. It teaches Assistants winning strategies for progressing their EA career. This course is a comprehensive 3-day advanced-level training program that incorporates two of our highly rated courses – the
- PA Duties: Mastering The Essentials course, and
- The Advanced Executive PA Masterclass.
Both courses are consistently rated as “excellent” by Assistants. Trainees must complete all modules to achieve the certificate.
The basic structure of this course is as follows.
PA DUTIES: MASTERING THE ESSENTIALS (1 DAY or Day 1)
Module 1 develops the Assistant’s core technical skills. This includes learning how to create more time in a pressured diary, and how to use an email management system to automate repetitive actions. Assistants will also learn how to prioritize the demands of multiple managers, how to write more concisely, how to comprehensively plan important meetings, and how to think outside the box when planning complex travel itineraries. Module 1 focuses on teaching Assistants how to think beyond the obvious.
- Increasing the productivity of your strategic partnership
- Diary management, email etiquette, & effective meeting planning
- Better use of time, information management, & complex executive travel
- Growing in your role
THE ADVANCED EXECUTIVE PA MASTERCLASS
WORKING WITH EXECUTIVES (1 Day or Day 2)
This course teaches Assistants how to develop a highly effective strategic partnership with their executive, and how to stay ahead of the executive’s shifting priorities. Assistants will learn about management styles and the desired working standards of the EA. They will learn how to blend in with the executive team by thinking like an owner, and how to apply emotional intelligence when dealing with the team. Assistants will also learn highly useful event management techniques. Module 2 teaches Assistants how to be significantly more proactive in every aspect of the EA role.
- Building a strategic partnership with your executive
- Blending in with the executive team
- Managing your executive’s time & the team
- Understanding project management processes
- EA problem solving session: an opportunity to discuss your PA issues and challenges
THE ADVANCED EXECUTIVE PA MASTERCLASS
COMMUNICATING YOUR BRAND – (1 Day or Day 3)
This course develops verbal communication skills, body language and persuasiveness. Assistants will learn how to use an influencing formula for impactful communication with the executive team. They will practice delivering an informative presentation, and learn how to get what they need from others using win-win negotiation. Assistants will learn how to recognize and develop the substance element of their personal brand and communicate their brand in a way that enhances their strategic partnership. Module 4 teaches Assistants the type of skills that will allow them to step-up in challenging situations.
- Communication skills
- Win-win negotiation & problem solving strategies
- Increasing your managerial potential
- Moving forward in your career
Why You Should Attend
Attending this course will provide an opportunity for Executive PAs to stretch themselves and build their skill-set.
Who Should Attend
The Executive Assistant Practitioner Course is taught at a level that is ideal for experienced Assistants, including Executive Assistants, Executive PAs, Personal Assistants, Personal Secretaries, Administrators, and Office Managers.
The Course Venue
All courses are taught in-house and delivered at the client’s premises or other specified location, to groups of up to 8 trainees.
Training Methods & Materials
This training is delivered in an interactive environment of accelerated learning, using stories, case studies, group work, role-play and coaching. Attendees receive workbooks packed with EA resources and checklists, which they can reference during the course and beyond.
The Aims of This Course
The road to success is always under construction so this course was developed to holistically upskill PAs and EAs by showing them how to significantly raise their game. It provides a 360-degree perspective of the EA role and aims to broaden the Assistant’s capabilities with managerial-level skills. It also develops vital transferable skills that take the Assistant’s personal brand from “good” to “great”. Useful tools, apps and resources are introduced to help Assistants plan and organize their work, automate repetitive tasks, and make marginal gains that add up to greater efficiencies.
Course Certification
The certificate provided for successful completion of The Executive Assistant Practitioner Course is a Certificate of Achievement. It is awarded upon completion of all the required modules. There is no examination or individual assessment. Trainees participate in a number of case study reviews, practical exercises, problem solving discussions, and role-play as part of the course.
Certified Executive Administrative Professional (CEAP)
The Institute of Executive Assistants Africa, through the Pan African Learning and Growth Network is in the process of obtaining an accreditation to offer a Certified Executive Administrative Professional (CEAP) certification which will be attained through courses available at universities and colleges across Africa. This designation, recognized in the professional environment, will lead to greater challenges, opportunities, and financial remuneration to those who have achieved the Certified Executive Administrative Professional (CEAP) designation.
Course and Certification Details to follow…….
Workshops
Checkout this site for layout; https://www.practicallyperfectpa.com/online-courses
Members can attend other professional development one-day workshops at a discount on a monthly or quarterly basis offered directly through in person or online, that are offered in various locations. They are also provided with webinars and e-learning opportunities sent directly to them as part of their member benefits.
Tailored training courses for executive assistants and administrative office professionals
Take ownership of your career and your role as an executive administrative office professional by enrolling on IEA-Africa course.
We teach proven career concepts and strategies to help executive assistants and administrative office professionals make it to the top-level and stay there.
Acquire essential training for EAs and admin professionals at a time, place, and pace that’s perfect for you.
You will learn everything you need to build a strong foundation, master key skills, develop strategic thinking and a successful Assistant mindset and, of course, be super productive!
If you need to improve your interpersonal skills, communicate more effectively and learn key time management strategies to keep on top of your work, the IEA-Africa courses will help you develop all of the vital skill sets needed to be a high-performing Assistant
Grow in your role by getting the EA and professional administrative fundamentals right every time.
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EA as a Strategic Business Partner Designed to explicitly teach Assistants how to create a strong partnership with their Executive. Looking at techniques and strategies Assistants can employ to build the collaboration so that they are used effectively and are seen as real strategic business partners. Learn more |
Executive Assistant Essentials To be seen as a business asset and not “just” an Assistant is crucial for any Assistant looking to advance their career. In The Assistant Essentials Course we cover everything you need to elevate your career Learn more |
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Executive Assistant Mindset The Assistant Mindset Level One Course, will teach you how to develop the right mindset so that you are one step ahead of the challenges in the role. Learn more |
High Caliber Executive Assistant Mindset On The Assistant Mindset Level Two course, we teach Assistant how to shift their thinking and take their Assistant career to the next level. Learn more |
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Productivity and Time Management Overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list. Supercharge your productivity with this course specifically designed for Assistants. Learn More |
The Unrivaled Assistant This is the complete package. Develop your mindset, become super productive. PLUS master all those essential skills. Learn more |
The information below should only be available when the person clicks read more, I have highlighted a color for each.
The Strategic Business Partner Program
How to work in partnership with your Executive.
The relationship that Assistants have with their Executive is fundamental to their success in the role. It is a critical relationship for Assistants.
The Strategic Business Partner Program is a 12 module course designed to explicitly teach Assistants, step by step, how to create a strong partnership with their Executive.
We will look at the techniques and strategies Assistants can employ to build the collaboration so that they are used effectively and are seen as real strategic business partners.
Modules
- What does it mean to be a Strategic Business Partner? Part one
- Being Intentional – Crafting your own Strategic Business Partner role
- What supervisory support do you need to become a Strategic Business Partner?
- The Strategic Business Partner as a master communicator
- Cementing relationships: Entering and creating a position in the inner circle
- Creating impact in your role
- Personal branding
- Owning your space: Networking and Personal Branding
- Understanding strategy and improving your strategic thinking
- What does it mean to be a Strategic Business Partner? Part two
- Working in a fast-paced environment, setting boundaries and avoiding burnout
- The mindset of a successful strategic business partner
- Future proofing the role of the Strategic Business Partner
Assistant Essentials
A learning program that will ensure you have covered ALL of the most important tasks for an Executive, Personal or Administrative Assistant.
Sharpen those Essential Assistant Skills
- Assistant Essentials is IEA-Africa’s PA’s most popular course, and it is for one main reason. We cover the essential skills for new andexperienced Assistants.
- To succeed as a Personal or Executive Assistant, Administrative or Office Support Professional, you’ll need to know the best practices, latest skills and tools. The Assistant Essentials Course will teach you everything you need to know.
- There are so many tasks that Assistants are asked to work on, and there are so many skills required to be a c-suite level Assistants to a Senior Executive. It can be daunting, especially for new Assistants or those making their way up the career ladder. Once a new Assistant has completed this course, they will be able to settle, exceptionally quickly, into their role in any organization!
- For aspiring Assistants who want to move up in their career, our curriculum provides a great refresher and the modules are extremely in-depth
How you’ll grow
High-level understanding – Build the fundamental skills and expertise required in the role.
Develop effective relationships – With your Executive, colleagues, key stakeholders and clients.
Hit the ground running; everyday – Learn key strategies and techniques to elevate your performance.
Stand out from the crowd – Add skills, knowledge and expertise to your resume.
Course Curriculum
The Assistant Essentials Course is designed for Assistants who want to grow in the role. The content has been handpicked to cover everything an Assistant needs in their day to day role.
Modules:
- Essential Tasks
- Meetings and Minutes
- Travel Planning
- Event Management
- Email Management
- Managing your Executive
- Common Projects
- Personal branding
- Project Management for Assistants
It is essential, no matter if you are a new Assistant or an experienced one, that you get the essentials right. World-class trainers and Assistants deliver the sessions at the top of their game. Whether you are at the start of your career or want to refresh your training, this course is a fantastic way to cover all those essential skills and tasks you need to thrive in this role.
The Assistant Mindset
A course that teaches Assistants how to navigate office politics, create a successful mindset, and develop the soft skills needed to thrive in the role.
Developing the Mindset of a Dynamic Assistant
- You know how important it is to arrive at work with the right mindset. We have to be ready to hit the ground running every….single….day!
- We have to handle difficult conversations (and people) on their schedule rather than ours. We have to know how and when to manage up, and we absolutely need to know who to contact at any moment to get things done.
- We have to be sure and assured. We have to be confident and creative. We must be someone who others feel happy to confide in. We have to show initiative, and we have to be innovative.
- To be able to cope with the demands of the role, we must have the right mindset.
- The Assistant mindset course will teach you how to develop the right mindset to be one step ahead of the challenges in the role.
How you’ll grow
Big picture thinking – Understand your purpose, how to add value and contribute to the strategic growth of your business.
Anticipate needs – Grow your mindset skills so that you anticipate and understand what is expected of you.
Lead in your role – Communicate your worth and influence so that others see you as a leader in your organization.
Build core strengths – Get clear on your key strengths and unique traits to help you stand out as a dynamic Assistant
Course Curriculum
As an Assistant, there is a growing need to develop your mindset to future proof your career. These are the core competencies that will help you develop as a business asset in your organization. The Assistant Mindset course will help you create the right mindset to grow to be an incredible and dynamic Assistant.
- Creating the right mindset-finding purpose in your work
- Setting yourself up for success
- Setting and achieving goals
- Personal branding
- Developing awareness of your role, position and organization
- Mastering the mindset of a dynamic Assistant
- Building confidence
- Managing conflict
- Building resilience
- Working with different behaviors and mindsets
- Managing your mindset and wellbeing
What you’ll learn
After completing the Assistant Mindset course, you will have the tools in place to take your Assistant career to the next level. We have case studies from high-profile Assistants, leading trainers and thought-leaders. Each module is designed to give you concrete advice that you can implement in your role.
Developing the Mindset of a High-Caliber Assistant
As the workplace continues to evolve, it is becoming more evident that Assistants with a dynamic mindset and exceptional interpersonal skills stand-out in the crowd.
Outstanding Assistants are indispensable in their roles. Their mindset is such that they quickly rise to the top of their organization and support the business’s growth. They understand how to communicate their worth, voice their opinions and add value every…single…day.
In The Assistant Mindset Level Two Course, we are here to share advanced strategies that keep Assistants at the top of their game and achieve more significant results. If you are at this stage in your career. It’s time to think big.
How you’ll grow
Deliver results quickly and effectively – Create an impact in your role and perform at a higher level.
Develop critical thinking – Take initiative and understand the context of any decision.
Build resilience and manage challenges – Identify and overcome common challenges in the Assistant role.
Be seen as a leader in your organization – Build relationships, communicate value and lead in your role
Course Curriculum
As an Assistant, there is a growing need to develop your mindset to future proof your career. These are the core competencies that will help you develop as a business asset in your organization. The Assistant Mindset Level Two Course will help you build a leadership mindset so that you can operate at a high-level in partnership with your Executive.
- Unleashing your potential
- Personal branding
- Mastering communication
- Building credibility
- Taking Ownership and Driving Results
- Developing Leadership Skills
- Overcoming imposter syndrome
- Managing Challenges and Building Resilience
- Creating personal impact
What you’ll learn
After completing the Assistant Mindset Level Two course, you will have the tools in place to work seamlessly and in step with C-Suite level Executives and the leaders in your organization. We have case studies from high-profile Assistants, leading trainers and thought-leaders. Each module is designed to give you tools that you can implement in your role.
Productivity and Time Management for Assistants
Tired of never managing to get everything done? Then supercharge your productivity with this course specifically designed for Executive and Personal Assistants.
MANAGE YOUR EVER-EXPANDING WORKLOAD
The number one issue for so many Assistants is overwork. The Productivity and Time Management for Assistants Course sets out to tackle that one burning issue. Getting everything done without working incredibly long hours or finding you never take a break during your day?
How can you get more done without adding to your already exceptionally challenging roles? Regularly, we ask the IEA-Africa community of worldwide Assistants, ‘what is your number one challenge?’ The answer is always the same ‘staying on top of the day to day, managing my time, and my Executive’s schedule and calendar’.
The Productivity and Time Management Course will tackle those challenges. In the course, we share the strategies and methods Assistants need to maximize their productivity, take back control of their workload and deal with interruptions.
Assistants also have to manage their Executive’s time effectively. Understanding time management and productivity tactics will make you a powerful presence in the c-suite.
How you’ll grow
Manage interruptions – Understand everyone else’s urgent matters and conflicting priorities.
Utilize technology in your day-to-day – Get to grips with the tech that will free up your time for other essential tasks.
Take control of your day – Build routines, maximize your time, and get on top of your to-do list.
Increase your Exec’s productivity – Work effectively with your Executive so that both of you are efficient.
Course Curriculum
The Productivity and Time Management for Assistants Course is designed for Assistants who want to take control of their workload, set boundaries, and manage interruptions and plan out their day. If you struggle to get everything done or you only seem to “firefight”, then this course is a fantastic way for you, at your own pace, to take back control.
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Work-life balance
- Productivity tools, tips and techniques
- Productivity roadmap
- Managing interruptions
- Using technology to become super productive
- You and your Executive
- Assertiveness
- Task Management
- Time Management
- Plan your productivity
- Meetings and minutes
- Project Management
What you’ll learn
After completing the Time Management and Productivity for Assistants Course, you will plan your productivity and know what you need to do. Every day. You will have the skills and tactics to get to grips with your workload, manage interruptions and utilize the right technology to automate your work. You will also be able to advise your Executive about their workload and enhance their productivity.
The Unrivalled Assistant
The most comprehensive course for Executive and Personal Assistants. Master the essential skills needed in the role, create the right mindset to thrive and build your time management and productivity toolkit.
Take Ownership of your Assistant Career
We have created the complete package for every Assistant who wants to master the role and build a strong foundation to excel in your profession and learn the critical skills needed to succeed. Assistants have one of the most challenging and dynamic roles in business. We have to support extremely busy Executives while managing our to-do lists, working on projects, and of course, proactively and strategically planning.
Assistants appear in many different guises in every conceivable organization, and they are the lynchpin of any business. We all know this is true.
We decided to place three of our most popular courses together, PLUS exclusive content that will help guide and mitigate Assistants through some of the common mistakes that can occur in the role.
By covering an assistant’s mindset, a guide to mastering the essential tasks, and adding some tips and techniques to supercharge your approach all in one course, we hope you will learn everything you need to be an unrivalled Assistant.
What’s inside the Unrivalled Assistant?
In the Unrivalled Assistant Course, we bring together three of our most popular courses for Executive and Personal Assistants. In each course, we have video sessions, templates, guides, worksheets and checklists. You will find over 50 sessions, all designed to help you excel in the role.
How you’ll grow
Gain trust, influence and respect from co-workers – Build your communication and influencing skills.
Have clear goals and objectives for your career – Take control of your career progression and understand your value.
Develop strategic thinking and business acumen – Speak the same language as your Executive.
Build your confidence and step into your spotlight – Communicate your value with confidence and clarity.
Course Highlights
Through interactive workshop presentations, step-by-step instructions, tips and techniques for growing in the Assistant role, there is a lot of dedicated training inside The Unrivalled Assistant.
Here are some of the highlights:
Assistant Essentials
Assistant Mindset
Time Management and Productivity
The Unrivalled Assistant
What you’ll learn
After completing The Unrivalled Assistant course, you will have the tools in place to take your Assistant career to the next level. We have case studies from high-profile Assistants, leading trainers and thought-leaders. Each module is designed to give you concrete advice that you can implement in your role.