Donna asks, "I will graduate with a BA (Psychology & Writing)/BEd this year. I also have extensive experience with working within major organisations. I am hoping to study a Postgradate Diploma in Psychology next year. I would also like to work in the editing/publishing industry - where do I go from here?

Hi Donna,

The first thing to do is decide where you want to work in the publishing industry and in what capacity. You need to give yourself a target both in the company you want to work for and the job you are seeking.

There are three primary ways to get inside the publishing industry.

1. internships
2. start as an assistant or associate editor
3. start in the marketing or production side and wait for openings to occur on the editorial side.

If you are in school check any local publishing concern for internships and apply to them. It's usually the fastest track to a career in publishing.

An assistant or associate editor is usually a go-fer but learns the valuable ropes that get a person into the next level of editing.

A surprising number of people get into the editorial side by working in the advertising or promotion area of the publishing concern and then make a leap over into the editorial.

The important thing is to get involved in the career you want as soon as you can.

There's a lot of shake-out in the last few years and a lot of applicants. That's why it's important to target the company(s) and job(s) that you really want and focus on the skill set and unique problems each company and job presents. Always research the company and discover what it needs and try to fill that need.

Good luck in your career!

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