Project assistants are responsible for providing administrative support to project directors and project managers to help ensure the project is completed within timeline and budgetary restrictions. They typically perform tasks such as creating reports, proofreading documents, conducting research, managing files and collecting data. Project assistants may work on small or large projects on behalf of private companies, government agencies and other organizations.

Tasks:

1. To disseminate project information to stakeholders
2. To develop and maintain project deliverables under the direction of the project manager or project director
3. To collect and input data into databases
4. To take notes during meetings
5. To prepare meeting materials, including reports, presentations and agendas
6. To make travel and accommodation arrangement for training seminars, conferences and other project related events
7. To respond to stakeholder inquiries

Key skills for assistant project manager:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with basic office computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Excel
• Must be punctual
• Must be able to take direction
• Must be highly organized

Average salary (2014):

The United Kingdom: £25,000 per year
The United States of America: $52,000 per year
Australia: AU$45, 000 per year

Qualifications and training required:

The specific skills you will need to be an effective project assistant can usually be gained through college, university or trade school coursework, as well as previous work experience.
In certain professional and specialty industries becoming a project assistant often requires additional credentials. For example, some jobs will require an applicant to have experience with certain project management software, while other positions will need formal education credentials, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree.
The position of Project Assistant is an entry-level job staffed in almost every industry, and because of this, the education necessary to become a project assistant typically varies by industry.