Breaking Into the Celebrity Personal Assistant Job Market
As a former celebrity personal assistant to some of the world's most powerful people, I'm often asked by aspiring personal assistants how one can break into the market. Let the truth be told that it is not as hard as you may think.
There has been an enormous explosion of wealthy people in America. While it's true that about 1% own most of the wealth, the rich are -- simply put -- richer than ever.
There are about 600 billionaires in the United States today. In addition, there are over 45,000 families in America that have net worth between fifty and five-hundred-million dollars. What that means is there are phenomenal opportunities for personal assistants to make a career out of catering to the whims of the super-rich.
Because celebrities and high-net-worth families live throughout the United States (in cities big and small), one does not need to live in Los Angeles or New York to do this job. Moreover, you don't need a 4-year degree either. I have worked with Hollywood celebrities and royalty and did not have a "prestigious" 4-year diploma at the time (Note: I've gone on to earn a master's degree since).
There has been an enormous explosion of wealthy people in America. While it's true that about 1% own most of the wealth, the rich are -- simply put -- richer than ever.
There are about 600 billionaires in the United States today. In addition, there are over 45,000 families in America that have net worth between fifty and five-hundred-million dollars. What that means is there are phenomenal opportunities for personal assistants to make a career out of catering to the whims of the super-rich.
Because celebrities and high-net-worth families live throughout the United States (in cities big and small), one does not need to live in Los Angeles or New York to do this job. Moreover, you don't need a 4-year degree either. I have worked with Hollywood celebrities and royalty and did not have a "prestigious" 4-year diploma at the time (Note: I've gone on to earn a master's degree since).
Getting a job with the 1%
To get a job with the one percent, you first need to start my identifying the celebrities and high-net-worth families in the city in which you live. Do your research and find several home and business addresses for them. Write to their lawyers, publicity agents, and whoever else you can contact.
Send a short letter along with your resume. Explain why you are qualified for the job. They may not being hiring at the time, but if you impress them with your strong business acumen, then you are likely to get a call later.
The rich and famous are always looking for trustworthy candidates to help them with their day-to-day lives. As a celebrity personal assistant, you may be privy to safely guarded secrets, so you will probably have to go through a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement (also known as an NDA: non-disclosure agreement).
Send a short letter along with your resume. Explain why you are qualified for the job. They may not being hiring at the time, but if you impress them with your strong business acumen, then you are likely to get a call later.
The rich and famous are always looking for trustworthy candidates to help them with their day-to-day lives. As a celebrity personal assistant, you may be privy to safely guarded secrets, so you will probably have to go through a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement (also known as an NDA: non-disclosure agreement).
How much money do jobs with the 1% pay?
The pay scale can vary widely in the personal assistant profession. If you are a beginner and your employer isn’t necessary “famous,” you can expect to make as low as $15 an hour to start. On the opposite end of the scale, it is possible to make up to $150,000 a year. I am even privy to one candidate who made $250,000 during their tenure. Essentially, it all depends on your experience, duties, and level of responsibility. If you are going to be on call 24/7/365, for example, and be in-charge of sensitive business dealings, then you can expect to be paid on the higher end of the scale.
One deal-breaker for many candidates is the fact that the hours are long and hard. It is not uncommon to work 14- hour days for weeks at a time. In other words, you have to have thick skin and be an out-of-the-box problem solver. If you can take the heat, then you will get to live the life of a rock star without having to pay for it: private jets, expensive dinners, and fabulous gifts.
One deal-breaker for many candidates is the fact that the hours are long and hard. It is not uncommon to work 14- hour days for weeks at a time. In other words, you have to have thick skin and be an out-of-the-box problem solver. If you can take the heat, then you will get to live the life of a rock star without having to pay for it: private jets, expensive dinners, and fabulous gifts.
Final thoughts on working for the 1%
As hard as it is to get the job, it is even harder to keep the job because getting suddenly fired (without warning or notice) is common. One skill that a celebrity personal assistant must possess is to follow instructions exactly. What may make sense to you does not necessarily mean it is what your boss wants.
The bottom line: you can never get in trouble for following instructions. If things go wrong, assess the situation and handle damage control to the best of your ability.
This article first appeared in Self Growth and was edited and updated in 2024
The bottom line: you can never get in trouble for following instructions. If things go wrong, assess the situation and handle damage control to the best of your ability.
This article first appeared in Self Growth and was edited and updated in 2024
