Q&A with Melanie Glover: PA of the Year Finalist

How did you become a PA?

I was unsure what direction I would take after leaving school but following a discussion with my School Careers Adviser; where we reviewed my qualifications, skills and strengths, the idea of attending a Further Education College to complete the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (LCCI) Senior Secretarial course really appealed to me. I knew I loved interacting with people and was an organised and methodical person and that through the course I would also gain further great transferable skills. The course has stood me in good stead and after a successful career in numerous PA public sector roles, 20 years later, I came full circle returning to the very College where it all began as the PA to the Principal/CEO.

What can you tell us about your role at Bridgend College?

Our overall Mission at Bridgend College is ‘To Be All That You Can Be’. I am predominantly PA to the CEO/Principal and Deputy Principal and provide support to other members of the Senior Leadership Team including to the Clerk to the Governing Body; however, I feel that my role at Bridgend College is all encompassing and can be likened to glue! I keep everything and everyone together and leave no stone unturned playing my part to ensure the College functions seamlessly.

What do you love about being a PA?

I love the challenge of each and every day and feel that my passion today is as strong as it ever was. I continue to take great pride in my work and draw on my skills, knowledge and abilities to manage and adapt to any situation that comes my way. Working in an educational setting I cannot help but be inspired by the students and educators that I am surrounded by.

Having been in my current role for the last 13 years, I have a wealth of experience and knowledge and thrive on dealing with the day to day, as well as the unforeseen. I have built up a great rapport with all levels of staff. Helping people is second nature to me and there is not a day that goes by where I am not asked for help/advice from all areas of the College. Nothing is ever too much trouble.

I am highly organised and love the foresight that I have which ensures that I am proactive and always ahead of the game - I often know what my Principal wants even before he asks!

Your nomination says ‘She lives the values of the organization, especially our most important: people centred.’ Why do you think this is such a valued trait for a business support professional?

As mentioned earlier, our overall Mission at Bridgend College is ‘To Be All That You Can Be’. I recognise that everything I do is not just a reflection of what I undertake for the Principal/CEO but for the whole organisation. First impressions matter and delivering first class customer service is vital in every interaction; be it in person, virtually, via email or on the telephone. Showing endless enthusiasm, positivity and warmth in all that you do and being a true ambassador and role model for your organisation is paramount. For me here at the College, this means I am able to drive culture and live and breathe the value of being People Centred.

How did you find the PA of the Year Awards interview process?

First of all, I was delighted to receive a telephone call advising me that I had been shortlisted for such a prestigious award and then some panic set in! I am used to completing and submitting forms and making arrangements for others, but now this was about me and I’d have to talk about myself! I needn’t have worried as Suzanne and Sarah both helped to calm my nerves and were very patient as we dealt with some sound issues at the start. I must admit that this did throw me a little but in no time at all the questions were underway and the interview felt like it was over before it had even begun. I came away feeling it had been a positive experience and an opportunity to reflect on my career to date.

Do you have any interesting or funny stories from your time as a PA?

Working for a CEO/Principal with a Performing Arts background there are many funny stories. One in particular relates to the Principal’s Staff Christmas Briefing which is always hugely anticipated. The theme a few years ago was Frozen, with the usual Bridgend College twist to the song's words. I purchased the Principal’s costume and then it was time for him to try it on. I left him to do this but after a short period my telephone rang - Help!! I heard him say!! He had managed to get into the costume but it was well and truly stuck and a pair of scissors was brought to the rescue!

It would be amazing if you could tell us in your own words why PAs are so essential to the organisations and individuals they work for.

PAs are the people that you can rely on - if anything is amiss, you know that they will do all that they can to resolve a matter or find an alternative solution. They really are the backbone to any organisation and make sure that their managers are prepared for any eventuality; they usually have a backup plan too! This has become highly important during the pandemic with remote working and ensuring that the ‘mobile’ office continues to run seamlessly. As such, keeping on top of evolving technologies and being agile is vital to meet the ever changing demands of the workplace.

PAs are dedicated professionals and are passionate, trustworthy and loyal people and will always do their best for the team. They deal with the expected, as well as the unexpected and you can always count on them to close the loop.

What advice would you give to other Personal Assistants hoping to enter the 2022 PA of the Year Awards?

Go for it! In preparation for my interview I took the time to reflect on my accomplishments as a PA over the past 30 years, the organisations I have worked in and the people I have met along the way; all of whom have played their part in shaping me to become the positive person that I am today and, a person I feel I can be proud of and one who loves her job!

Nominate someone for a PA of the Year Award

If you are a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant or Office Manager who deserves recognition, or if you know someone who is exceptional, please submit a nomination for this year's awards here.