Our Insight into Publishing programme is designed to demystify publishing (fiction books only account for a small part of the industry) and increase understanding of professional life to help students become ready to get a job in publishing.
Insight into Publishing will build upon your academic learning and by the end of the three-session programme you will be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of how the publishing industry works and the skills you need to show to prospective employers. You will also be able to apply the learning to your applications and interviews.
Insight into Publishing is designed as an intensive, comprehensive, online programme and you should make every effort to attend all three workshops in order to fully benefit from it. By starting the Insight into Publishing programme you are registering for the whole programme.
Applications for the Hilary term Insight into Publishing programme are now closed.
The Hilary term 2025 sessions will take place on:
- Week 6 An introduction to the publishing industry and publishing CVs workshop. Thursday 27 February 2025, 14:00-15:30; Online via Teams
- Week 7 A panel discussion and Q&A featuring Oxford alum now working in publishing. Thursday 6 March 2025, 14:00-15:30; Online via Teams
- Week 8 Publishing cover letters and interview technique workshop. Thursday 13 March 2025, 14:00-15:30; Online via Teams
Learning outcomes
At the end of the programme, you will have:
- A commercial awareness and understanding of the various publishing roles and divisions
- An understanding of academic, educational and trade publishing, and how they differ
- The knowledge to craft a publishing CV
- An insight into what publishing recruiters look for in candidates at the application stages, including interviews
- Some ideas about how to make yourself competitive for publishing applications.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any current, matriculated University of Oxford student (undergraduate or postgraduate) may apply.
How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be considered in the order in which they were received (i.e. first-come, first-served) on a rolling-basis until the closing date. We will review the statement included in your application form, so we encourage you to explain your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme, as well as any intentions you have for pursuing a career in publishing. We encourage you to apply even if you are unsure whether or not publishing is for you – the programme is a good place to find out more about it!
When can I apply?
Applications will open early January 2025. In the meantime, you can read our sector overview to find out more about publishing here and attend the termly Introduction to Publishing talk found in the Termplanner.
My question is not answered here
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please get in touch on hello@careers.ox.ac.uk.
