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Meet Phoebe, Personal Assistant
- maryhartley19
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Name: Phoebe
Degree: Modern Languages, French & Spanish at University of Exeter
How did you spend your Year Abroad?
Working in Bogota, Colombia. I worked for multiple start up companies: in tech as a translator, in a Fashion house in marketing and in an independent PR company.
Briefly outline your journey from graduation to now.
Covid has interrupted my plans along the way. After graduating in 2019, I worked in travel, then moved to Argentina with the British Council to teach English, however I returned to the UK mid-pandemic and worked in hospitality, then Sales, Events and now as a personal assistant for an international family.
What is your current job?
I am a Personal Assistant (PA) to a family in London, as part of a team of 4 PAs.
What does your current job involve day to day?
I work at the office in a house, part of a team of PAs, we plan travel, daily diary management, running errands for the team and looking after the children. It can be office based, but I spend a lot of time out and about in London. The family is French and they have Spanish staff so I use both my languages, as well as looking after the children and supporting the philanthropic work that my boss carries out. It is a very hands-on, proactive role with no two days the same.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety that every day offers, I like being proactive and helping all members of the team. I enjoy being part of a big team without working in a corporate environment and speaking to different members of the team in Spanish and French.
What advice would you give to someone interested in this job?
You need to be organised and proactive, say yes to everything and communicate as much as possible with the family to ensure you understand what is expected of you. Things can change at a moments notice, so be flexible and understanding. Problem-solving is the job.
How has your languages degree been useful during your career so far?
It has given me a broader appreciation for different cultures and empathy towards family dynamics. In all of my roles, I have always enjoyed speaking to people I don't know and understanding how to communicate with different backgrounds. I have a greater worldly knowledge from the texts I have read, the films I studied and the modules about French architecture.
Do you use or practise your languages outside of work?
I read books in Spanish and listen to French and Spanish Podcasts. A Spanish Podcast I enjoy is 'hoy hablamos'.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your career journey?
Because the degree doesn't create a set pathway, it can be daunting to feel like you are on the right path, however the skill of good communication is invaluable.
Connect with Phoebe on LinkedIn here
Thanks very much to Phoebe for sharing her journey!
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