From Hotel Service to PA Graduate
We recently sat down with Isabelle Christian, Student of the Year at Pitman Training London Central & West, to learn more about her journey.
It all began the day she arrived in London and secured a position in hospitality at the ultra-luxury, five-star Rosewood Hotel. Whilst employed there, she noticed something that would change her life and future career.
She found herself primarily engaging not with guests, as she had initially expected, but rather with their Personal Assistants (PAs) and Executive Assistants (EAs).
‘I noticed I wasn’t speaking to the hotel guests themselves, but their PAs or EAs’. After researching the role and seeing what it could offer her, she became convinced that this was the career path she wished to pursue.
Understanding the PA Role
As Isabelle investigated this type of role, she realised that PAs are part of the senior leadership team. They are responsible for managing complicated issues; they coordinate everything from daily management and international travel planning to facilitating executive decisions and supporting communication at the highest level.
It was then that Isabelle knew what she wanted to do: ‘I decided I wanted to be a PA’.
Choosing Her Training
When Isabelle began researching training courses, she did her homework.
‘I was shocked to hear that some training providers had courses as short as two days,’ she said. She tried to comprehend how someone could be prepared for a professional PA role by working with C-suite and senior leadership with little training.
After weighing different options, she settled on our Professional Executive PA diploma. She chose the more complex programme because she enjoys challenges. ‘Since I have always liked challenges and learning, and I believe knowledge is power and Pitman’s curriculum is more advanced, I chose it’.
A Structured Approach to Learning
When discussing her experience with the training and curriculum, Isabelle spoke enthusiastically about the software used at the centre to plan timetables, take minutes, and gain insights into how an organisation runs at a senior level. Each module in the curriculum naturally built upon previous lessons, creating a solid foundation for specialised support work.
‘Everything was clearly explained from day one’, she shared. ‘How each module was planned made perfect sense to me—it was an ideal match’. The flexibility to study online or at the centre meant she could balance her training with existing commitments.
What impressed Isabelle most was the personal touch. ‘The learning coaches were fantastic’, she told us. ‘They were always there when I needed help, keeping me on track and motivated’.
‘Everyone at the centre knew me by name and understood what I wanted to accomplish’, she explained. ‘As a team, we planned my whole journey together, from learning new skills to working towards my career and goals. They didn’t just provide training – they truly cared about me and my success’.
Creating Opportunities
Students of Isabelle’s character usually go the extra mile for their studies, so it was no surprise when we learned about Isabelle’s ingenious approach to the London Global PA Conference.
Instead of letting the substantial entry fee deter her, she volunteered to work at the event, demonstrating her dedication and resourcefulness. This clever solution placed her right next to our exhibition stand, where we had the privilege of observing her in action as she skillfully and diligently handled the event’s tasks.
‘Working at the PA Show changed everything for me’, she reflected during our discussion. ‘Being recognised by Chris Hodson, Centre Director, as their Graduate of the Year gave me such a sense of pride, affirmed that I was on the right path, and made me even more committed to continuing on it’.
Isabelle’s Tips for Success
When we asked about advice for future students, Isabelle shared three pieces of life and career wisdom.
- Make a Note of Everything
‘Heeding your learning is important, and seeing your results live and in real-time is motivating – so write it all down or add it to your device. If you do well initially, it motivates you to carry on with it for a long time while maintaining a high standard’. She also added, ‘Performing well early on inspires you to keep that high standard’. - Always Stay Consistent
‘Do remember, a daily 30-minute practice is better than no practice at all. Whether it’s small or gigantic, every step takes you one step closer to your goal and helps you stay on the right track’. - Stay Organised
‘A clean workspace and organised schedule helps you stay focused and reduces stress’.
Looking Forward
As our conversation came to an end, Isabelle remarked that the programme had provided her with all the skills and interpersonal abilities required.
It prepared her to meet the demands of supporting senior management by refining her skills to be the backbone of any organisation, the voice of reason, the go-getter behind the scenes, and achieving excellence. ‘The training combines job-ready skills with communication skills. I improved my time management, became more effective in my communications, and became more confident’.
Her success story shows just what can be achieved through determination, passion, and grit as she moved from Host at Rosewood to Student of the Year. We take pride in being a part of her transformation journey and are eager to see where she goes next.
