PA Forum is passionate about inspiring the next generation into rewarding careers in administration and business support. The world of administration is dynamic, impactful, and essential to the success of every organisation. Yet, it remains a career path that is often misunderstood or overlooked by young people exploring their future options. That is why engaging in outreach that showcases the incredible opportunities in this profession is more important than ever and through the PA Forum Schools Engagement programme we are determined to do that.
In November 2024, PA Forum partnered with Windsor High School and Sixth Form to run a pilot careers event designed to introduce students to the world of administration and business support. This event wasn’t just about showcasing career opportunities—it was about listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for a strategy that will create real impact in inspiring the next generation.
Listening to Young People
One of the key objectives of the pilot event was to engage directly with students, giving them a platform to share their thoughts on administration as a career path. We explored their perceptions, identified gaps in understanding, and challenged common misconceptions about roles such as Personal Assistants (PAs) and Executive Assistants (EAs). Their feedback was invaluable, helping us understand what inspires young people, what barriers they perceive, and how we can better communicate the range of opportunities in this profession.
By listening to students, we gained critical insights into how we can shape future initiatives. The event highlighted the importance of:
- Shaping Perceptions
- Equipping Students with Essential Skills
- Building Connections
Shaping Perceptions
The pilot event reinforced the need to reshape outdated views of administrative careers. Many students initially saw these roles as limited to diary management and photocopying, unaware of their strategic impact. By sharing real-life success stories and engaging with experienced professionals, we highlighted how administration careers involve project management, decision-making, event coordination, and problem-solving.
One of the most powerful ways to shift perceptions was through storytelling. Hearing first hand from PAs, EAs, and business support professionals brought the profession to life, showing students the diverse career paths available. Case studies of individuals who started in entry-level roles and progressed to leadership, business ownership, and board-level influence demonstrated the true potential of these careers. Through these real-world examples, students saw administration not just as a job, but as a dynamic and aspirational profession.
Equipping Students with Essential Skills
Students were particularly interested in the transferable skills gained through business support roles, such as communication, problem-solving, project management, and emotional intelligence. Future events will place a stronger focus on practical workshops to develop key competencies as well supporting in the development of skills identified for the ‘future workplace’ as referenced in the Skills England: Driving Growth and Widening Opportunities (September 2024) report and the World Economic Forum: Future of Jobs 2025 (January 2025) report. Beyond exploring career paths, these sessions will provide hands-on learning opportunities, including CV building, interview preparation, and workplace skills. By equipping students with the tools they need to succeed, we can empower them to take confident steps toward a career in administration and business support.
Building Connections
Direct engagement with professionals is invaluable for young people exploring career paths. Expanding mentorship, work experience, and networking opportunities will be a key focus moving forward. Strong partnerships are essential to making these events successful. By collaborating with businesses, education providers, and the volunteers that are part of the school engagement programme, we can create meaningful connections between students and potential employers. Industry involvement not only enriches these events but also highlights the growing demand for skilled administrators in today’s workforce, reinforcing the value of business support careers.
Next Steps: Expanding Our Reach
The Windsor High School pilot was just the beginning. With the insights gained, we are now shaping a broader strategy to engage with more schools, colleges, and universities. By refining our approach, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding the resources available, we aim to create a movement that inspires, educates, and empowers the next generation of administrative professionals.
This pilot proved that when we take the time to listen, we can build something truly impactful. By working together, we can make a tangible difference—ensuring that administration is seen not just as a job, but as a respected, valued, and aspirational career path.
If you’re passionate about shaping the future of the administrative profession, consider getting involved—whether by joining in with an event, mentoring a student, or sharing your own career journey. Together, we can unlock new possibilities and ensure that the next generation sees the true value and potential of careers in administration and business support.