The Secretary Magazine met Marian from GKN Aerospace at an event at Harbour Hotel. Marian is the type of woman that lights up a room and everyone is drawn to. Over diner she shared so much advice so it only seemed right that we put her under the spotlight to pick her brains on all things secretarial.
Name: MARIAN WRIGHT
Job Position: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Company: GKN AEROSPACE
How long have you been a Secretary/P.A? Tell us about your journey –
I started with A levels in English Language, Literature and Law followed by a two-year Secretarial Diploma which included commerce/communication in business, pitman shorthand, project planning, agenda compilation and minute taking. I had a placement at the University of Salford during my course and we got on so well they offered me a job!
Following my start at the University, I quickly progressed to become PA to a CEO & CFO at a manufacturing site where I learned to work at Board and C Suite level. After a move from the North to Bristol, I joined the International Rugby Board at the inception of the Secretariat…a career highlight (so far!) working in Sports Administration, achieving the role of Administration Manager for the Rugby World Cup in 1999. I had the privilege of working on every World Cup Tournament from 1991 to 1999 including supporting the first Women’s World Cup and the final Hong Kong Sevens Tournament in 1997. I started at the IRFB as Secretary to the Tournament Director followed by EA to the CEO and became the first woman manager delivering the VIP programme and managing the administrative team to deliver the tournament.
You could say I have enjoyed a very varied and diverse career which has taken me all over the world; I also continued to learn and study throughout my career which led to a move into HR, firstly setting up my own business providing HR packages to SMEs and then as a HR Manager, again in the Aerospace Industry with a head office in Germany. I also completed an Interior Design degree and ran my own Art Gallery…
Returning once again to the Aerospace Industry by joining GKN Aerospace in 2022; a role I thoroughly enjoy supporting members of the leadership team.
What do you love most about your job?
No two days are the same – the constant juggling, organising, coordinating and working with very talented, inspirational people throughout the Company.
What’s the biggest changes you have seen over the last few years?
The speed we work at – instant responses required! Being able to work accurately at speed and juggle a lot of projects at any one time is a key skill.
What’s the one piece of office equipment/tech you couldn’t be without?
The Laptop – feel lost without it
What bit of advice would you give someone starting their career as a P.A?
Stay constantly inquisitive, eager to learn and flexible in attitude – the role of PA/EA can be underestimated but it can offer a very varied and interesting career with exposure to the leaders of the business; be flexible and proactive.
You do have to possess drive and energy to be one step ahead and be open to opportunities and challenges and keep a positive mind set. There are opportunities to become a Chief of Staff, Project Lead or investigate becoming a HR executive.
How do you choose which companies to work with?
Networking is essential and I would encourage building relationships with as many local companies/hotels/suppliers as possible – your contact list is a valuable asset when arranging/coordinating any meetings or events. My address book and network is invaluable.
Any training/courses you would recommend?
I would recommend constant learning and development through whatever means you can – free online courses and on linkedin; always take whatever training your company provides and always seek out your HR and talk regularly with your Line Manager to identify courses you are interested in – the more you learn the more of an asset to the Company you are.
Out of work – learn what you love and what really interests you; that way you will stick at it.
What do you do to relax?
Go walking. Spend time on the allotment which is a constant work in progress. Read a book – not a screen! Sketch and Paint. Listen to music… music is essential to life.