Once you have understood the basics of being a virtual assistant, you can decide whether this career is a good fit for you. So, what is the next step after deciding you want to become a virtual assistant? Where do you start?
Training
You cannot compare a well-trained virtual assistant to one who is just figuring everything out as they go. The latter will make more mistakes and risk a negative rating and client experience. When such issues happen early on, they can derail your progress and leave you feeling demotivated and frustrated.
Organizations To Train With
Choosing the right training organization/institution will ensure you are well-trained and that the certificate you attain is useful. This will prevent delays as you will not have to keep experimenting with different courses before you find the right one. The following are the top 3 best organizations offering virtual assistant courses:
1. ALX Africa
ALX has a proven track record of producing adequately trained graduates who excel in remote work. Some of its graduates work for top brands like Nissan, Jumia, and Trustpilot.
The virtual assistant online course takes 10 weeks to complete and costs $5 per hour. Learners can access their learning hubs in Nairobi for free. The one at the Nation Center is open 24 hours a day, so if you want to pull an all-nighter without being distracted, you can.
After registering for the course, you will access the Community, where you will get to engage with other learners. You can easily get information, seek clarification, network, and collaborate on assignments with your peers.
Use this link to enroll for this course and browse other courses offered by this organization: https://www.alxafrica.com/programmes/
2. VA Academy
This organization trains Africans looking to start VA careers. Courses take place online and last for 4 weeks. The Complete VA Starter Pack Cost is $75 for the entire course.
The VA Academy differs from the other organizations listed here because it not only offers a single combined course for virtual assistance. Learners can niche down even before training and learn the exact skill that interests them. Niche courses offered include: Customer Support VA, Appointment Setter Course, and Email Management Virtual Assistant. These cost $30 for the entire 4-week period.
You can email the organization to get more information: hello@vaacademy.online
3. Pitman Training Kenya
Pitman Training Kenya is ideal for those looking for a more hands-on training experience. It is located in Parklands and offers a variety of courses, including virtual assistant training.
The course takes 6 weeks and can be done at the center or remotely. Use the following link to get more information about pricing: https://www.pitman-training.com/kenya/
4. Asana
After training and getting your virtual assistant certificate, take the Asana Workflow Certificate course. As you enter the freelance market, you will notice that some clients need VAs who know how to use specific tools like Asana. Taking this course will give you a competitive edge when encountering such clients.
Job Hunting
At this stage, you have completed your training and are now ready to start working. The first step is to decide the exact approach you will be taking when looking for a job. Will you work with clients directly or use job boards to apply for work? Do you want to work under an agency? Or would you rather combine all these approaches?
Since you are a new virtual assistant, I would recommend you use one approach. This will ensure you maximize your focus on one approach and get the best results. Combining all approaches is not ideal for beginners because it could be overwhelming and demotivating when you do not get the desired results.
For beginners, job boards are easier to set up. However, due to the influx of freelancers on these platforms, the competition is very stiff. As you start, maybe try using job boards and agencies to maximize your likelihood of finding work and getting more income.
Job Boards To Get VA Work
- Upwork
- Freelancer
- Guru
- Fivver
- Remote Africa
- Remote4Africa
- Toptal
- Jobgether
VA Agencies
- Athena
- Persona Talent
- Magic
- SnappyCX
- Belay Solutions
- Atlas Assistants
- 20 Four 7 VA
- 24/7 Virtual Assistant
Key Takeaways
VA is a lucrative career that can provide you with consistent income long-term. However, getting your foot in can be a difficult process that requires patience and commitment. Before you begin your VA journey, ensure you do your due diligence to avoid wasting your resources.
