A Chelmsford based PA, has been shortlisted for PA of the Year in Pitman Training’s SuperAchievers Awards 2015.

Karen Glenn, who, following redundancy in 2008 decided to seek out a career as a PA, and is now an incredibly successful PA in one of the world most renowned soft drink companies, has been confirmed as a finalist in the National Awards.

She will now face a high profile judging panel before the winners are announced on Friday 27th February 2015.

Identified, alongside three other nominees in the ‘PA of the Year’ category, Karen was chosen for her incredible perseverance and determination to succeed in a new career.

Undeterred by her redundancy almost six years ago, Karen decided to turn the situation in to an opportunity where she could embark on a successful career as a flourishing PA, as it was an area she found she had a natural enthusiasm and interest in, with transferable skills from her previous position.

Karen’s current role sees her working as a PA for an Executive Team and Director at a Britvic where she provides a varied and high level of project management and support within her role.

As soon as she began in her current position, she specifically focussed on building strong working relationships and is now reaping the benefits of all her hard work and finds herself held in a position of respect and trust, which is a key value for any PA.

She is often sought out by her Director for her opinion on matters, and her opinion is truly valued. She organises regular 1-2-1 meetings and is now so in tune with the team she is working with that she can see when to offer additional support at times when the pressure is on.

Throughout periods of change within her organisation Karen maintained professionalism and continued to work as hard and focussed as ever.

Karen, aged 46, is passionate about the role of the PA and involves herself in various PA networks and the Institute of Administration Management, all of which help her share views, best practice and support amongst peers in her industry.

Her achievements have been recognised within the industry with Karen being in the top 40 shortlist for the Executive PA Magazine’s ‘PA of the Year’ in 2014 and a finalist for the Executive PA Magazine’s ‘Best Organised Event’ in 2014.

With their credentials ranging from being a former BBC Dragon providing support and investment for budding entrepreneurs; encouraging and inspiring academic success; and being recognised as one of the Top 20 Young people in the world, the high profile panel of SuperAchievers judges have first-hand experience of how motivation and resolution is required to reap the rewards of successful careers.

SuperAchievers judge and former Dragon, Hilary Devey said: “As a strong believer in goals being achievable by anyone, regardless of their background, I am proud to be on the judging panel for the Pitman Training SuperAchievers Awards 2015.

"Super Achieving is about working hard, remaining focused and never giving up.

"Perseverance and harbouring an entrepreneurial spirit to get you through the testing times is key, and believing whole heartedly in yourself and your abilities to push yourself forward.

“Having overcome many obstacles both in my professional and personal life, I feel extremely passionate about how important acknowledging your achievements is and reflecting back on how far you have come, and by what means!

"These awards not only celebrate the sheer determination of people in society who are working tirelessly to reach their goals, support their families and grow the economy, but encourage and inspire others to strive for more, and actually think about what they can achieve in their lives – it’s a powerful cycle, and one which I am very proud to be part of.”

The UK’s leading independent training provider Pitman Training, launched the SuperAchievers Awards, now in its 4th year, to show anything is possible and to help reward people committed to driving their careers forward in a bid to inspire more of the British workforce to strive for more.

Sue Staley, Centre Manager of the local based Pitman Training Chelmsford centre said: ‘We are very happy to see a local PA make the shortlist.

"Karen’s nomination truly emphasises the trust and respect required to excel as a PA, qualities often underestimated but that come with hard work and dedication to giving a high level, professional service. We wish her the best of luck in the awards and continued success in her career.”

Pitman Training in Chelmsford offers flexible, tailor-made courses and qualifications with one-on-one student support in subjects including Office, IT, Administration, Finance and Business, which are recognised by employers.

The teams also offer free career clinics and CVs advice. For more information see: www.pitman-training.com/chelmsford .