When you sit down to write a job advert, it’s easy to forget what it feels like to be on the other side of the process. You know the role inside out, you understand what the business needs, and you’ve got a clear idea of the “perfect candidate.” But candidates don’t see that context. They [...]
It’s easy to feel lost in your career when you’re not sure what comes next. You might be in a role that feels comfortable but no longer stretches you, or you might know you’re ready for more responsibility without quite knowing what that looks like. Standing still for too long can leave you frustrated, especially [...]
Budgets are announced with a lot of noise, but most people want the same thing: a clear explanation of what it means for their day-to-day lives. For Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Office Managers, Operations professionals and the employers who rely on them, the picture today is more practical than political. A lot of you are [...]
A quick note before you start: this is a longer read, about 2,500 words but I wanted to share my story in full. If you’re reading this with a coffee, you’re in for a proper sit-down piece that charts my journey from apprenticeship to EA. The Beginning - My journey into the EA and PA [...]
Manchester has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most dynamic tech hubs. With a thriving ecosystem of startups, scale-ups, and established global players, the city continues to attract ambitious entrepreneurs and investment alike. As these businesses grow, the demand for operational excellence and strategic business support has never been greater, and that’s where [...]
What In-House EAs Can Learn from the Virtual Assistant Model […]
I was sat soaking up the expectant chatter, just observing. A room full of Executive and Personal Assistants, and I felt it. As I always do. That unspoken buzz, part admiration, part quiet self-check. A mix of competition, sharp minds, big energy, calm confidence, and that little voice in the back of your head wondering: [...]
Can You Really Have It All? […]
Our original blog, How To Become a Private PA, published in 2020, remains one of the most-read articles on the Lily Shippen website. It continues to attract readers looking for practical advice on how to build a successful Private Personal Assistant (PA) career. As the demand for Private PAs increases, we have updated our advice [...]
Over the past year, we’ve seen a rise in professionals exploring a career change into PA (Personal Assistant) and EA (Executive Assistant) roles. At Lily Shippen, it’s something we’re asked about almost weekly. Many people want to know how to break into this competitive field without prior experience. […]
