Personal assistants and secretaries perform the functions that keep businesses of all shapes and sizes running smoothly.  From the smallest offices to the largest international organizations, effective admin plays a key role at the heart of every successful business.  For the professional PA, the challenge lies in taking ownership of dozens of interconnected responsibilities – each contributing to the performance of the entire organization.  Contrary to popular belief, secretarial personnel don’t simply file documents and answer incoming calls. Whether it’s making travel arrangements, organising meetings or penning important business letters, the PA plays a direct role in their employer’s most important affairs. Some PAs support just a single high-level executive, others work with more extensive teams across multiple departments. For those with the skills, knowledge and discipline needed to succeed, PA careers can be fulfilling and financially rewarding in equally high measures.