Happy New Year everybody! Our first EA showcase for the year is the delightful Lee-Anne Pollock, Executive Assistant to the Chief Information Officer, Department of Social Services.

Our goal is to raise the profile of EAs with a view to build awareness of the Executive Assistant role by sharing the diversity that the role entails, continue to share tips and tricks, encourage each other and talk about the journey in which we all take.

Please share, share and share in support of your peers! 

If you know an EA or would like to contribute and share a little about yourself, please get in touch as we’d love to hear from you.

Ursula x

Lee-Anne Pollock

Name your current role?

Executive Assistant to the Chief Information Officer, Department of Social Services.

Do you remember the first day you became an EA?

Yes. It was April 2013, I had only been in the Public Service for seven months on a contract and won the position as an EA to a Branch Manager, at the Department of Health. I have always worked in executive areas and had administrative roles, including travel (with Thomas Cook and Qantas) and seven years at the front office of a College. My first day as an EA in the Australian Public Service was overwhelming, particularly with all of the jargon and acronyms. I wondered how I would ever get my head around everything!

What would you consider to be the most rewarding part of your position as an EA?

Things change rapidly in my area, so I pride myself on keeping the Chief Information Officer informed of any critical issues that arise as well as informing other EA’s and Branch managers, when required. The satisfaction of assisting people and the team around me in a forever-changing environment to ensure we meet objectives.

What was a role that you have owned or an experience you have had, that helped shaped your success in your current position?

Seven years as an Administrative Services Officer at the front office of a college.

The work was very diverse from reception duties, assisting teachers, students and parents, receipting of monies and balancing expenses, producing brochures for for all subject material for the college open night, involved in organising the open night (design and place advertisements in the local paper), producing a weekly newsletter, organising events – Year 12 formal and assisting with the Graduation (venue, catering, design, printing of tickets and certificates).

The skills I learnt at the college were invaluable and assisted me in transferring into my current role as an Executive Assistant.

What are three items you can’t work without?

• Pen, notepad
• Calendar, with daily reminders
• Network of supportive and positive people around me