The role of a virtual assistant has been around since technology’s inception, but when remote work spiked in 2020, interest in virtual assistantship exploded. Business Wire believes the industry will be valued at $25.6 billion by 2025. And understandably so—it’s a job that allows people to work remotely while helping business leaders regain time and redirect their energy to other priorities.
So what exactly is a virtual assistant? And how do you become one?
What is a Virtual Assistant?
A VA is similar to an in-house executive assistant. They’re responsible for providing support to a business without ever stepping foot in a physical office. These tasks can range from calendar management and scheduling meetings to social media marketing and administrative services. Typically, virtual assistants are contract employees, but some work full-time for a specific agency or business owner.
What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?
The short answer: it depends. The daily tasks of a VA are based on their specific skills and the employer’s needs. For example, my services range from social media management and email marketing to data entry and newsletter creation. Some virtual assistant services may include administrative tasks, creative projects, or a wide range of both. But the best part about being a virtual assistant is that you have the freedom to create your job description.
How Do You Become a VA?
This is the question I get asked the most, especially from current teachers who know my story. Before I left the classroom, I fell into so many Google rabbit holes about how to get started. I knew how beneficial a course would have been when I started working with clients, so I built Educator’s Exit. In this self-paced course, I’ll teach you everything you need to get started as a virtual assistant. I’ll show you how to find your ideal client, build out your service list, and set your hourly rates.
How Do You Hire a VA?
I’m probably a little biased, but our community of former teachers turned virtual assistants is full of incredibly talented professionals. They all have a range of experience levels and organizational skills, so if you’re looking to hire and offload tasks, fill out this interest form and I’ll happily add you to our job board.
Becoming a virtual assistant changed my life. It gave me the financial security to leave the classroom and the freedom to build a life on my terms. Since opening my books in 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most inspiring clients. And now, I get to help other burnt-out teachers rewrite their next chapter by becoming virtual assistants.
Have more questions about becoming a virtual assistant? Sign up for my FREE masterclass.
