Weeks 5 & 6: My ALX Virtual Assistant Learning Journey and Key Takeaways📍

Being a Virtual Assistant goes far beyond simply managing tasks, booking flights, conducting research, and scheduling meetings. It’s a role that tests not only your hard skills but also your soft skills — especially how well you can manage your emotions. Yes, I’m talking about Emotional Intelligence.

“Truly effective leaders are also distinguished by a high degree of emotional intelligence.” — Daniel Goleman

Hello, Readers! I am Okonu Deborah, and I am passionate about documenting and sharing my learning experiences. Over the past few weeks, I have written about my journey as a Virtual Assistant (VA) in training at ALX Africa, covering my progress in Weeks 1 through 4.

Today, I am excited to take you along for another leg of this journey, exploring the key lessons and takeaways from Weeks 5 and 6 of my VA learning experience. Whether you’re a regular reader of my journey or a newcomer, you’re in for a deep dive into what it takes to thrive as a VA. So, grab a cup of water (because it’s healthier!) and join me as we continue this adventure🥤.

How was my week 5?

This week started quite interestingly. I learned about video conferencing etiquette and tools, as well as how to write meeting agendas and minutes. I also got introduced to some fascinating AI tools that can help take minutes during meetings, like Otter AI, Fireflies, and Read AI.

We then dove into internet research — how to search the internet to get the best results. At first, I thought, “This is the internet I use every day and have been using for years,🤔” but I quickly realized there were tricks I never knew about. I learned about keywords and symbols that can make your searches more effective and deliver the best results. It was super interesting, and I was both amazed and excited by the new techniques!

I also got to learn about data entry and expense tracking. After this section, I felt confident enough to say, “Yeah! I’m ready for any data entry jobs!😁”

We wrapped up the week on a softer note, learning about a critical soft skill: emotional intelligence. As a VA, having emotional intelligence is crucial and can affect every part of your work. I learned about the difference between showing empathy and sympathy, and honestly, showing empathy is what a VA needs. While there are situations where sympathy is necessary, being empathetic is essential in most scenarios.

This week opened me up to a wealth of knowledge and experience.

How was my Week 6?

This week was tough — I was this close to giving up. I fell ill midweek and genuinely thought I wouldn’t be able to complete the courses before the deadline. At some point, I felt down, but I had to prioritize my health. Thankfully, here I am, all better and finishing Week 6 with a 100% grade!

This week, I learned about finding employment — exciting, right? I got an inside look at the job market: what recruiters are looking for, where to find job postings and more.

But it didn’t stop there. I also dove into the world of networking. Sure, we’ve all heard that networking is important, but do you know the right way to network? I learned the strategies for networking both online and in person. While I prefer online networking, I picked up some quick tips for in-person networking that I am going to use at the next tech event I attend.

Check this out: Here

I also learned how to revamp cover letters, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles.

A resume is a concise document that outlines your work experience, skills, and education, showcasing your qualifications for potential employers.

A cover letter is a personalized letter that accompanies your resume, providing a brief introduction, explaining why you’re a great fit for the job, and highlighting specific achievements that align with the role.

Together, these documents help you present your strengths and make a compelling case for why you should be hired.

For a cover letter and resume to be effective, you need to know what to include. It’s essential to identify your strengths so you can strategically highlight them.

A cover letter should answer questions like; why are you applying for the role? what excites you about it? why are you an outstanding fit for the role? why do you want to work for the organization?

We were asked to list some of our unique attributes, and here are a few of mine:

• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent at planning events
• Very good at time, project, and task management
• Love teamwork
• Enjoy exploring the internet and discovering new ways of doing things
• I can type very fast on both my phone keyboard and a laptop, etc.

I also revamped my LinkedIn profile — feel free to take a look! I learned how to ask for recommendations more effectively.

This week was filled with trials. I had to push myself, stay resilient, and not give up. But God came through for me, and I am so happy I was able to finish the week’s content and learn so much.

What drives me, even when the path is challenging, is my ambition to become a successful project manager. I am inspired by the impact that skilled project managers have in guiding teams to achieve their goals and deliver successful outcomes.

The virtual assistant skills I am gaining are a crucial part of this journey, as they are directly applicable to the organizational and leadership skills I will need in project management. Knowing that I am working towards a career where I can lead, organize, and bring projects to fruition keeps me motivated.

Every challenge I encounter is an opportunity to grow and get closer to my dream of leading successful projects and making a significant contribution to any team I work with.

And that’s a wrap for now! Can you believe it? Six weeks have flown by, and we’re just two weeks away from the finish line of our virtual assistant learning journey🎉. It’s been an incredible experience so far, filled with learning, growth, and a few surprises along the way. I am both excited and a little bit nervous about what the final stretch will bring, but I know it’s going to be worth it.

Thank you for following along with me on this adventure. Your support means the world! Stay tuned for my next update, where I’ll share my thoughts on the final two weeks and the journey as a whole. I am ready to soak up every last lesson and cross that finish line with pride.

The countdown is officially on — just two more weeks to go!❤️💪

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!😊