Thinking about a promotion, a new role or simply feeling more confident at work? Planning your career for 2027 starts with identifying the skills that will help you take that next step.

For PAs, EAs and office professionals, that means combining digital confidence with sound judgement and strong people skills. You do not need to learn everything at once. A focused approach to up-skilling can make your development manageable and meaningful.

What Skills Do Employers Look For?

AI literacy, digital confidence, analytical thinking, adaptability, communication and a willingness to learn are useful priorities for your development. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report highlights the growing importance of technology skills alongside resilience, analytical thinking and lifelong learning.

Here is what those priorities look like in a business support role.

1. AI Literacy

Being confident with AI means knowing how to use it, question its output and recognise when it is inappropriate.

Practise drafting routine correspondence or summarising non-confidential information using employer-approved tools. Always check accuracy and follow your organisation’s data policies. Our guide to future-proof skills for support professionals explores this balance.

2. Digital and Data Confidence

Can you turn a spreadsheet into a clear budget update? Or spot a repetitive process that could work better?

Build confidence with Excel, reporting tools and presentation software. Choose something relevant to your role, such as creating an expenses tracker or improving a monthly report.

3. Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Strong support goes beyond spotting a problem. It means considering the options and recommending a sensible next step.

Look for opportunities to resolve recurring diary clashes, compare supplier costs or improve meeting preparation. Keep a record of the difference your solution makes.

4. Adaptability and Resilience

Changing priorities can test even experienced assistants. Resilience is not about accepting an unmanageable workload; it means responding constructively, communicating capacity and knowing when to ask for support.

Volunteer to help introduce a new system or document how you successfully managed an unexpected change.

5. Communication and Emotional Intelligence

Clear writing, active listening and tact matter when working with busy executives and different personalities.

Practise adapting your communication to the situation: a concise briefing for your executive, a reassuring message to a colleague or a sensitive conversation with a supplier.

6. Curiosity and Willingness to Learn

You do not need to have every answer. Asking thoughtful questions, seeking feedback and applying what you learn all demonstrate initiative.

Start with our free online courses for PAs, EAs and administrators, then find an opportunity to practise.

Turn Your Career Goals into a Practical Plan

Up-skilling means developing skills that help you perform better now or prepare for your next role. Choose one technical skill and one people skill rather than attempting everything together. Use this simple career development plan:

Goal - Prepare for an EA role

Skill to develop - Senior stakeholder communication

Action - Coordinate a leadership meeting and request feedback

Deadline – March

Measure - Clear agenda, accurate actions and manager feedback

For a broader starting point, read how to plan your career.

Make Your Progress Visible

Update your CV and LinkedIn with examples of what you have achieved, not simply courses completed. Show the time saved, process improved or responsibility gained.

Ready for your next move? Browse our current opportunities or contact Bain and Gray to discuss your career goals.