Profile on Helen Boles from The Marine Institute - The Training, Education & HR PA of the Year

Profile on Helen Boles from The Marine Institute who recently won the Training, Education & HR PA of the Year

Name: Helen Boles

Describe your current role in brief

Ø Title: PA to Chief Executive and Board Secretary. I also act as Contracts Manager and Events Manager

Ø Industry: Semi-State Body

Ø Size of Company: 200+ employees

Ø Reports to: Chief Executive

Day to Day Duties:

Ø Manage all aspects of the office of the CEO – including correspondence, diary management, travel arrangements, report writing, research etc

Ø Provide Board secretary duties for the Board of the Marine Institute

Ø Management of all corporate events for the organisation

Ø Draw up and issue all Contracts for Services for the Marine Institute and maintain appropriate records

Ø Member of a number of key working groups within the organisation – Partnership Committee, Artwork Group, Scientific Equipment Usage Group, Communications Working Group

Ø Deal with all aspects of insurance for the organisation – dealing with broker and underwriters to ensure the appropriate insurance cover is in place at all times.

Ø Procurement – Involvement in drawing up and issue of tenders for various services within the organisation

Ø Overall responsibility for corporate travel management

How many years have you worked in this position? 12 Years

Do you have a formal qualification? If so what type?

Ø Higher Diploma in Business Studies

Ø BA (Hons) 2:1 in Public Management

Ø Currently studying for a Higher Diploma in Arts in Public Relations ( Irish Academy of Public Relations of Public Relations) – due to be completed in June 2008.

What tips/advice would you give to someone interested in advancing their career as an office professional?

I would recommend that in order advance your career you:

Ø Decide that you want to be a career PA. It is a very rewarding role and one which can give you a considerable amount of influence

Ø Obtain as many skills as possible eg., events management, corporate governance, good financial understanding etc. These are all extremely useful skills and the more all round knowledge you can get the more you have to offer to your employer

Ø Learn as much as you can about the organisation and all its various functions.

Ø Make yourself indispensable to your boss.

Out of 10, are you happy in your choice of career and if so why?

10. I am very happy with my career choice. It is varied, I deal at a high level within the organisation and have input at a very senior level. It provides me with opportunities to take on new and challenging projects which helps me gain additional experience and expertise.

What are your top 3 favourite web sites?

Ø PA Assist

Ø Irish Times

Ø Ireland ’s Bluebook.

What shops would you buy most of your work outfits?

Ø Debenhams

Ø Wallis