Assistants who travel with bosses?

Question

hi there boys and girls, I am doing some research into Australian companies where Executive or Personal Assistants travel with their bosses. I look after 3 Executives and have been travelling overseas with them, but we are curious as to how many companies do so. We are an Australian company so have little support/admin overseas...

Do you know anyone who travels with their bosses and in what circumstances?

Thanks,

M

Answer 1

Hi M C,

I've been an auditor for several years and noted that what you said (PAs travelling with bosses) was very common among my clients, especially if the trip needed minutes or notes taking, or if the trip was packed with back to back meetings. The PA has to tell the boss which hotel to go to next, remind him who he's meeting next and brief him on all that he needs to know. Bear in mind that PAs are not secretaries. They do more and know more than secretaries. But if what you're asking is......the answer is no, they do not share rooms with the bosses:-)) LOL

Answer 2

I know this answer is a bit late, but I'm just now seeing the question. But, having said that, here is some timely advice: Times have actually changed a lot and many companies have cut budgets because of the recession. Not as many assistants travel with their bosses because of budget restraints. In short, more and more executives are having to fend for themselves when traveling. Having a personal assistant with you while on the road is a luxury that many companies don't want to pay for. Unless the person is a high-profile executive, celebrity or billionaire, they often won't take an assistant with them.

Answer 3

Personally, I used to book my PA business class and I'd go economy because he did most of the work so needed to arrive fresher. Also, gave the guy a break from me for a few hours.