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How to become a Celebrity PA

Written by: Rosie Evans in association with Bain and Gray
Published on: 22 Dec 2022

How to become a Celebrity PA

"How can I become a celebrity PA?” is a question recruitment agencies are asked all the time. It’s a career goal for many Personal Assistants. The perception of the Celebrity PA role is that of a glamorous, exciting, fast-paced ‘lifestyle’ job, with automatic access into a world of opportunity and luxury. The reality is often very different, however, and we’re here to help explain why.

  • What is a Celebrity PA?

    When considering Private PA jobs, it’s important to think about what you mean by ‘celebrity’. Do you mean that you’d like to work for a very well-known person – a famous face? Or would you actually like to work for someone successful in their field – a businessperson or entrepreneur, perhaps?

    Often, when we drill down to what it is a candidate really, truly wants, it’s to be given the chance to support someone in every aspect of their lives – running their private and business worlds – rather than just being there for them nine to five, in the office.

    This desire is a really healthy sign that a Personal Assistant is very good at - and very committed to - his or her job. It’s natural to look at ways to keep improving, and one of those ways is being able to move into offering a true 1:1, ‘right hand’ service rather than simply supporting at a peripheral level. Call it what you will: Private PA, Lifestyle Assistant, Family PA – these roles mean moving into a different level of assistance.

  • What does a Celebrity PA do?

    The perks of Private PA roles can be enormous; increased trust, much more variety within your work, the opportunity to really take ownership of your role. Supporting someone like a shadow – constantly anticipating their needs and knowing that they couldn’t live their life anywhere near as effectively without you.

    It’s a fantastic feeling, but it’s important too to recognise the downsides of life as a Private PA without the support of a large corporate structure. It’s often lonely at the top, and you will need to be resilient, secure in your own company, and very confident in your own judgement; you’ll have sole responsibility for everything, and that’s a very visible place – there’s nowhere to hide, often nobody to delegate to.

    In addition, some of the initial attractions of the job (global travel, for example) will quickly become difficult unless you prepare for the realities of the day-to-day. Do those white sandy beaches still seem so glorious when you are run ragged looking after your Principal, you haven’t slept or showered in two days and haven’t seen your family for six weeks straight?

  • How to become a Celebrity PA

    Many celebrities like to employ PAs that have worked for a similar name or person as it gives them comfort to know these PAs know how to behave around famous individuals.

    There is not one given answer for how to get a Celebrity PA role but, much of it is networking, ensuring you are registered with the right recruitment agencies and speaking to the right people.

    It is unusual for a junior PA to be considered for some very heavy weight travelling Private PA roles. You usually need a background of at least three years in a PA job, whether it be corporate or media but have reached director level and have become accustomed to doing private duties for your Boss.

    One PA who works for a global Celebrity Chef said “It's not about being a 'celebrity PA', it's about being fantastic at what you do. The core skills always remain the same. Strong logistics and diary management, forward planning, having an exceptional eye for detail and being unflappable. These skills are so transferable, the only thing that makes you a 'celebrity PA' is getting a job working for one.”

  • How much do Celebrity PAs earn?

    Private PA Salaries range from £35,000 to £80,000 varying on how involved you are with your Boss and their life. To reach the top end, you almost give away your life, travelling and giving up weekends, being on call 24/7. Another Personal Assistant who works for a Renowned Film Director said she frequently gets calls on her iPhone at 1am to sort a problem. It’s all part of her role. She says “discretion and flexibility” are paramount for anyone who wants to be the best private PA.

    Our latest Salary Survey Report showed respondents in Private PA jobs topped the pay table, with average salaries rising to £50,536 an 11% annual increase. In addition, 68% of those in Private PA jobs took home a bonus.

  • Celebrity PA Jobs

    Many clients that fall into the “celebrity bracket” approach agencies as they wish to remain anonymous and have a discreet and confidential recruitment search conducted for them. Therefore, often Celebrity PA jobs may not be advertised openly on SecsintheCity.

    To find Celebrity PA roles, you can explore our Private PA jobs or search by recruiter, now could be the perfect time to apply. Browse the latest Private PA opportunities on SecsintheCity today or create a job alert to be notified of suitable roles when they are posted.

    This article was written as a collaboration with Bain and Gray, a London based boutique secretarial and PA recruitment agency. Recruiting across all industry sectors, the primary aim of Bain and Gray is to deliver exceptional talent in the executive support market.