Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual Assistance U

How does the "virtual" classroom work?
Teams will meet online in our virtual learning center, every other week for two hours of knowledge sharing, and synergistic discussion. Participants will work independently and with a coach during alternating weeks, while completing designated projects.
How do I choose a VA Training program?
Look for the benchmark (standard) in the industry. Compare the others against that standard. Although VAU is not the first to enter the VA Training industry, we are setting the standard in technology, experience, quality and affordability.
Technology - It's not enough to offer telebridging courses to train VAs. The VA industry relies heavily on technology. Our training utilizes the latest technology in web based collaborative meeting rooms, small interactive learning teams, intranets and other options that encourage the kind of supporting technology that clients look for in conducting their businesses. VAU's exclusive Virtual Assistant Simulab© is a realtime, self-paced activity center that provides team members with the opportunity to implement knowledge acquired from learning team topics and reading assignments.
Experience- VAU collaborates with the highest calibre of subject matter experts (SMEs) to provide expert coaching and mentoring to our learning teams. All coaches with private practices are Master Virtual Assistants (MVAs) certified by VACertification.com. All non VA expert coaches are highly recognized professionals in the corporate marketplace.
Quality - Look at the curriculum, courseware content and credentials of instructors.
Compare their experience and subject knowledge. Are the instructors experienced(no microwave wonders here at VAU) and qualified to teach? Check their bios and resumes carefully. If they are qualified and "walk the talk", you will learn from them, if not you will only watch them make presentations. Look for a comprehensive program that will challenge you and provide learning opportunities. Our industry requires comfortable operation of technology used to accomplish strategic goals such as intranets, online voice interactive realtime meeting rooms, application sharing and more. Our classes utilize these tools and participants incorporate these techniques into their individual practices.
Affordability - After quality, consider the cost. Don't fall for cheap scams. You can't expect to train for a position paying $20-50 an hour, for the cost of a steak dinner, but you shouldn't have to refinance your car either. Education is an investment and the dividends received are proportionate to what you invest. Clients rely on experience and training. If you don't have any, they will quickly discover it, and find someone who does possess the right skillset. The cost of our program is $750. Our program is affordable, comprehensive and credible. Partial 50% scholarships are available. Books and stationery for projects are extra. All of our leaders and coaches are committed to helping you become a VA.
View our overview presentation & resumes and compare us with the others. You won't be disappointed with VAU
What are the minimum requirements for admission to the learning team?
Skillset requirements include: At least two years recent full time experience as an administrative or executive assistant. You need that experience under your belt to handle the responsiblities of supporting an executive or small business owner in a "virtual" environment. The local VA watercooler cannot replace thinking on your feet.
Hardware requirements include: Computer setup with modem, duplex soundcard, phone line separate from internet access and either a headset or microphone and speakers to participate in the class. Software requirements include: MS Word 97 or 2000 professional, email program supporting attachments.
Software requirements include: Proficient competency levels in the software that will be used in the practice. Software topics will not be covered in the sessions. Resources for software certication will be briefly discussed. The pursuit of Brainbench certification for software skills is encouraged.
How is enrollment handled?
Enrollment, administration and registration for VAU - Virtual Assistant Training Program, is handled by clicking here . The sixteen week program includes four (4) weeks in our Library of Excellence self - paced classes, twelve (12) hours "virtual" online activity time, six (6) hours of individual coaching and two (2) one hour chat sessions. Participants are expected to allow for time necessary to complete the independent projects crucial to launching their practices which will vary individually. Additionally, participants will be able to attend special seminars and workshops as availability permits. The cost also includes unlimited use of our exclusive self-directed lab of simulated exercises. There will be additional fees for office supplies and suggested reading, necessary to complete your individual projects.
How large are the learning teams?
Learning teams are limited to a maximum of six participants and the learning leader(s). The smaller team size will facilitate greater opportunities for discussion and knowledge sharing in our web based voice interactive meeting room.
Will I receive any college credit for this program?
This program is not intended for the purposes of fulfilling any college curriculum. The focus is solely to coach you through the preparation and launch of virtual assistance practices for our participants through a series of consulting workshops, seminars, discussions, projects and activities. A certificate of completion will be issued along with permission to display a VAU logo or banner should you so desire. VAs completing our program are given the designation of GVA, Graduate Virtual Assistant. Many practicing VAs go on to become certified by either IAAP, VACertification.com or others. Completion of our course is recognized in the certification process by VACertification.com which is an independent certification organization that does not require membership to become certified. Certification in the virtual assistance industry does not require any formalized training in virtual assistance, but rather is based on a combination of education, experience and/or successful completion of a certifying examination. Although formal training is not required to become a virtual assistant, we feel strongly that the more training you have, the more successful and credible you will be.
Will you refer me to jobs after completion?
VAU is not a school, but rather an online training/coaching eAcademy site offering a series of activities that will assist those desiring to establish virtual assistance practices. The activities consist of workshops, seminars, coaching, discussions and other forms of knowledge sharing that will benefit you greatly as you establish your practice. In many states the issues of placement assistance after completion require approval by the HIgher Education Commission. Potential clients may contact us regarding our graduates because they will be top notch, however, we will not be advertising or promoting the program as a referral service. It is important that VAU maintain a certain focus and not become distracted by other issues. Should we by chance receive inquiries, all participants will be notified via email & postings in our private VAU intranet, with the particulars of the request. It is our mission to be proactive as we prepare you to secure partnerships with clients of your choosing, based on the strategic goals that you will establish for your practice, not relying solely on clients finding you.