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Bilingual PA

Do you want to become a Bilingual PA? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Bilingual PAs (personal assistants) carry out secretarial and administrative support tasks, using English and one or more foreign languages. The foreign language/s may be used for:

• the informal translation of letters, emails and other documents
• talking in the second language on the telephone, or face to face with visitors
• informal interpreting and making notes for colleagues at meetings
• organising conferences, travel or meetings abroad
• organising social or cultural activities for foreign visitors.

Bilingual PAs usually work normal office hours, from Monday to Friday. Part-time work may be available.

Salaries range from around £16,000 to £35,000 a year.

Bilingual PAs should:

• be fluent at writing and speaking at least one foreign language
• have excellent English communication skills and a good knowledge of grammar
• have a confident telephone manner and good computer skills
• be well organised, methodical and attentive to detail
• be interested in the culture, economy and politics of foreign countries.

There are opportunities for bilingual PAs in multinational companies, import/export companies, banks, insurance companies, freight companies, travel companies, law firms, government departments and international organisations, such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) institutions. In the UK, jobs are mainly based in London and other large cities. There are also good opportunities to work abroad.

Most bilingual PAs have A levels/H grades, degrees or equivalent qualifications in languages, unless they speak the foreign language concerned as their mother tongue or have learnt it through residence abroad. Adult entry is possible.

Most employers provide in-house training. It is possible to gain accreditation of language skills used at work. Language units are available at NVQ/SVQ Levels 1 to 5, either as stand-alone independently accredited units, or as optional or additional units within other vocational qualifications. NVQs/SVQs in Administration at Levels 1 to 4 are also available.

In a large organisation, a bilingual PA could be promoted to a senior secretarial or junior management role. There may also be opportunities to move into other areas, including sales, marketing and human resources. With further study and knowledge of a specialist field such as medicine or finance, it may be possible to become a translator or interpreter.

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