My ALX Virtual Assistant Learning Journey Finale — Weeks 7 & 8🎉🥂
🚨 Eureka! Just like Archimedes, I am bursting with excitement! But instead of running through the streets, I am here to share my incredible ALX VA journey. 😄
“Success is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about embracing every step of the journey.” — Unknown
Eight weeks ago — on July 1st, 2024, I embarked on the ALX VA program with a mix of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation. Eager to start this new journey and curious about what lay ahead, I began documenting my progress, hoping to inspire others along the way.
Read them here - Week 1 & 2, week 3 & 4, week 5 & 6
Now, looking back, I am amazed at how far I have come. It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience, and I am proud of the growth and accomplishments I have achieved. These past weeks have truly demonstrated my ability to tackle difficult tasks and emerge stronger.
Hello Readers, I am Okonu Deborah, a young lady passionate about technology and sharing my learning journey. Over the past six weeks, I have been taking you through my ALX VA learning experience, and I hope you have found inspiration in my growth.
As I enter the final two weeks of this journey, I will be sharing what I have learned, the challenges I have faced, and much more. So, as usual, grab a cup of water and join me as we explore this final stretch together!
How was my week 7?
This week was incredibly interesting. I learned about working as a freelancer and was introduced to various platforms where freelancers can find work, such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and others. This exposure has broadened my understanding of the freelance landscape and the opportunities available.
check this out = Here
I learned how to secure my first clients, craft the perfect bid for any role, and identify scams and fake job postings. Additionally, we covered how to create and deliver a compelling elevator pitch, which will be invaluable as I continue my freelancing journey.
Check this out = Here
Finally, I learned about job interviews and negotiation. I gained insights into how to prepare effectively for interviews, negotiate salaries, and set my rates as a freelancer. These skills are crucial for navigating the freelance world successfully.
How was my week 8?
This week, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. I was excited because it was the final week, but also anxious as everything was coming to an end. During this week, we received valuable advice from industry “gurus.”
Olukemi shared crucial insights on how confidentiality and online safety are key responsibilities for virtual assistants. She emphasized the importance of keeping client and organizational information secure. She also provided some important tips:
- Only use your laptop.
- Avoid signing in to accounts from public places (e.g., internet cafes) or through untrusted Wi-Fi networks.
- Keep passwords secure.
- Regularly update your client on any issues that arise.
We were also reminded that, as virtual assistants, we play a crucial role behind the scenes. To address long-term issues for our clients effectively, we need to apply key skills such as:
- Resourcefulness
- Problem-solving (solutions-based thinking)
- Internet research
- Communication
Furthermore, Mr. Fred advised us on the importance of trusting our manager or client, understanding when our input is necessary, and recognizing when it is best to act and follow instructions. We also learned strategies for handling difficult clients and the importance of having backup plans for electricity and internet connectivity
Finally, we were reminded of the essential technical skills a virtual assistant should possess, including:
- Managing a client’s inbox
- Managing a client’s calendar
- Scheduling
- Internet research
- Creating slides and presentations
- Project management
- Travel research and booking
- Creating travel itineraries
- Data entry
- Expense tracking
- Authoring effective surveys
- Creating meeting agendas
- Taking meeting minutes and notes
- Transcribing
- Writing correspondence
- Electronic Record Management (version control, ownership, storage)
- Customer service
- Stakeholder management
- Social media management
We explored the various niches within virtual assistance, and I have decided to focus on becoming an Administrative Virtual Assistant.
An Administrative Virtual Assistant (VA) provides remote support to businesses or individuals by handling tasks such as:
- Scheduling: Managing calendars, setting appointments, and coordinating meetings.
- Communication: Handling emails, phone calls, and other correspondence.
- Organization: Maintaining files, managing documents, and organizing data.
- Administrative Tasks: Preparing reports, performing data entry, and handling other routine office tasks.
- Customer Service: Assisting with customer inquiries and support.
- Project Coordination: Assisting with project management tasks, tracking progress, and coordinating between teams.
Administrative VAs are adept at using various digital tools and software to efficiently perform these tasks from a remote location.
And that’s a wrap! I am officially a VA graduate with an overall score of 97.25%. We did it! Thank you, Jesus, for guiding me through this journey.
Allow me to re-introduce myself —
Hello! I am Okonu Deborah, a dedicated ALX Virtual Assistance graduate with a strong background in administrative support and project management. I excel in organizing, scheduling, and managing communication to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for driving success, I am eager to bring my skills to a dynamic role where I can contribute to meaningful projects and support innovative teams.
I am particularly interested in opportunities to leverage my administrative expertise and project management capabilities to make a significant impact. For more information or to discuss opportunities, please contact me at okonudeborah6@gmail.com. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.
My journey as a Virtual Assistant student at ALX Africa has been truly transformative. Over the past eight weeks, I have gained invaluable skills, knowledge, and insights that have set the foundation for a successful career as a Virtual Assistant. I have come to understand that being a VA goes beyond simply completing tasks; it’s about being a strategic partner, a problem-solver, and an effective communicator.
As I move forward in my career, I am excited to apply my skills in real-world scenarios, continue my personal and professional growth, and make meaningful contributions to clients and teams.
Thank you, ALX Africa, for the incredible opportunity to learn and acquire a wealth of knowledge in such a remarkably short time. Your guidance and support have been invaluable throughout this journey, and I deeply appreciate everything you’ve done to help me grow.
Thank you for joining me on this journey! If you’re considering a career as a Virtual Assistant, I hope my story has inspired and motivated you to take the leap. Until next time, stay curious, keep learning, and remember: the journey as a virtual assistant is just the beginning!❤️🥂
Love or enjoy this short piece? kindly drop a clap of encouragement and follow me for more educative pieces. cheers!🥂❤️
PS: I am open to any Virtual Assistant role. View my LinkedIn Profile
If you have any opportunity for me, kindly feel free to email me at: okonudeborah6@gmail.com, Danke!😊
