The EA Showcase was created for the purpose of highlighting EA careers and to provide further exposure in and outside our EA community. There are many amazing EAs who don’t seek exposure, but are equally proud of what they have achieved and how they got there!
Through support of our peers we have been able to showcase some outstanding EA careers to date and today I am thrilled to share with you a little more about the EA life of Nina Gallop, her experiences include working in both the public and private sector and sharing some of what she considers to be important values to have in this career, along with providing some very sound advice. Nina is one of our great mentors, an EA who is recognised for her experience and loyalty to her organisation and one for whom I am grateful for breaking the ceiling and carving a pathway for us all. Thank you for your contribution Nina.
Ursula x
NINA GALLOP
Name your current role?
Executive Assistant to John Fraser, Secretary, The Treasury
Do you remember the first day you became an EA?
It is a bit of a blur and so long ago. I do remember how I got my first job. At the end of my Secretarial Studies TAFE course, presentations were made from major government departments. Students were asked to list their preferences – similar to current graduate intake processes I guess. I was selected for Treasury. I commenced in the typing pool and progressed to a “Steno Secretary Grade 1”. We had electric typewriters with corrector tape, ashtrays and tea ladies.
How long have you been an EA?
I have been an EA or in a similar role throughout my career.
What would you consider to be the most difficult part of your day?
Keeping on top of incoming information and correspondence is always a challenge. The role of an EA has changed. The majority of our time is no longer spent on phone calls and talking with people who drop by the desk. We spend most of our time checking emails and messages through a variety of platforms such as Outlook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Messenger, Communicator, Skype etc. We receive information through the internet and intranet – then we do all of this in our boss’ accounts! There is no reprieve out of hours due to access through electronic devices and the constant stream of information that is shared globally.
What would you consider to be the most rewarding part of your position as an EA? The people I work with make so much difference to how much I enjoy my work. I’m very fortunate to be working with a wonderful group of people. We spend a lot of time together and support each other. A team that works well together provides a work environment that attracts others and becomes recognised as an environment of choice. I enjoy networking with other EAs and sharing information. I always enjoy learning tips and tricks from others that I can use.
What was a role that you have owned or an experience you have had, that helped shape your success in your current position?
I draw on my experience from a range of previous roles to help in my current role.
My first job at Treasury led to a role in the Treasurer’s office. I worked in the Treasurer’s and then the Prime Minister’s office for a period of 8 years. This presented great opportunities and insights. I was privileged to work with a small group of amazing people. I learnt the value of loyalty from those who are important to me and the value of trusting my work colleagues.
In 1996 I expanded my experience and ventured out into the corporate world where I became EA to the Managing Partner at EY. I learnt the importance of a healthy work/life balance and to look beyond the office for what makes people happy and inspired.
After a career break to spend several years raising my children and travelling, I returned to EY to support one of their Global Leaders. I was able to work flexibly while my children were still at primary school. I learnt resilience and how to cope with not achieving my list of chores on a daily basis, but how to prioritise.
I spent some time as a scribe for a small HR organisation. This provided me with insights on selection panel processes and interviewing techniques.
What skill do you possess that you believe is crucial to your role?
Remaining calm – if that is a skill! I have been told that I don’t get flustered or panic – which is sometimes the opposite of how I feel on the inside!
I also use shorthand which comes in handy quite often. It’s a skill that is outdated and no longer taught, however, it has become a bit of a differentiator and one that I am glad to have kept.
What are three items you can’t work without?
- Calendar
- Phone; and
- Work colleagues.
I don’t drink coffee, but chocolate gets me through sometimes!
What do you do in your spare time?
Enjoy time with my husband and our teenage kids, my extended family and friends. I don’t have any specific routines so I take things as they come. I do a little bit of exercise every now and then and watch a bit of telly to relax.
Any tips you’d like to share with your fellow EAs?
Don’t be hard on yourself if you get to the end of a busy day without crossing anything off your to do list. It is an uneasy feeling of not completing everything but in our roles we are always adjusting to external priorities.
Maintain your networks and build on them. Concentrate on those who are important to you and don’t waste your time trying to impress those who aren’t.
