Editorial assistant : Entry requirements

Although this occupation is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following degree or HND subjects may increase your chances:

• arts and humanities;
• social/economic/business studies;
• communications/media studies/journalism/printing.

Personal qualities and relevant experience are often more important than the subject of study. However, specialist knowledge gained through a degree may be an advantage for specialist publications (e.g. science or engineering).

Entry without a degree or HND is sometimes possible. However, most entrants at editorial level are graduates.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential. Postgraduate courses that include placements and contact with people in publishing provide a useful introduction to professional skills and networking. A pre-entry certificate or postgraduate qualification in journalism may be very useful for entry positions in magazines and trade publications. A short publishing course, not necessarily at postgraduate level, may give an edge over other applicants.

Pre-entry experience is desirable. Writing or editing experience is usually expected by employers to show commitment. To arrange work experience, seek advice from people already in publishing. Work experience includes work in a bookshop, a library, at a magazine or newspaper or with a publishing house. Competition is fierce and smaller publishers are less likely to employ staff without previous experience.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, self-motivation and flexibility;
• IT, administrative and secretarial skills (including word processing, internet research and email);
• a high standard of written and spoken English;
• attention to detail, together with the ability to proofread;
• the ability to stay calm under pressure;
• the ability to manage time effectively, often using your own initiative and keeping to tight deadlines.

A second language is useful as some publications, particularly magazines, are printed internationally. You should also have an understanding of the publishing area you wish to enter. Read issues of trade publications such as The Bookseller  to increase your knowledge.

Many publishing jobs are never formally advertised. There are a few graduate training schemes with large companies including Macmillan Publishers , Penguin  and Hachette Livre UK  which attract a large number of applications for five or six places annually. For most publishers, recruitment is seldom planned far ahead. Publishing is popular with graduates so jobs often appear in the specialist press or recruitment agencies, rather than national newspapers, in the hope that the advertisements attract only a small number of suitable applicants.

Speculative applications have a greater chance of success if you have already made personal contact with someone in the organisation. Do extensive research to make your application as strong as possible and ensure your applications are word perfect. Once you have graduated, consider part-time or temporary jobs. A surprising number of publishing careers start in this way and lead to permanent jobs.

Posts such as editorial secretaries, copy-editors and other related jobs are often a good stepping stone into publishing. People are often recruited to trainee positions through contacts (developed through visiting book fairs, work-shadowing and talking to people working in publishing), specialist training courses or because they have made direct contact at the right time.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.