A. One of our ACPA advisors, Rita Tateel teaches a course on "Becomimg A Celebrity Personal Assistant" at The Learning Annex in Los Angeles. If the course is not currently scheduled, express your interest, and they can contact you the next time it will take place.
A. Candidates for membership need to currently be working full time for a celebrity, as defined by the ACPA, for at least one year. Applications for membership can be submitted throughout the year. Applicants are notified within 3-4 weeks.
Q. Can I attend an ACPA monthly meeting?
A. Meetings are open to members and eligible prospective members only (those that meet the membership criteria but have not yet submitted applications). If you are an eligible prospective member and would like to attend an ACPA meeting, please inquire by emailing us using the CONTACTS page on this site.
Q.Can I apply for positions listed with the ACPA Job Bank?
A. The ACPA Job Bank is a members only service.
Q.I don't have experience as a celebrity assistant. What should I do? Answers:
Start gaining experience by working in a secretarial/administrative position and work your way up to assisting top-level management. (Assistants to top-level corporate executives will know the challenges and pressures associated with handling such a demanding role.)
Working for a public relations firm, talent agency, or a celebrity's manager/lawyer/accountant/production company/studio, etc. might provide you with more opportunities.
Most assistant positions require at least basic computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets and some knowledge of other software. The more you know, the better off you are!
Network, network, network! The power of networking is invaluable. Tell everyone you know what your goal is. Many PA's have obtained their job by word of mouth.
Look in the Los Angeles Times (or a major newspaper in your city) under Administrative Assistant/Executive Assistant; also seek out high-end employment agencies that specialize in placing personal assistants.
Watch the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”. (Yes, we are serious) While entertaining, this film will help you to quickly realize whether or not the position of a personal assistant is something you might find both enjoyable and doable.
