Tuesday 31 December 2013

Intern Opportunities: 31 December 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

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Tuesday 17 December 2013

Intern Opportunities: 17 December 2013


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

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Tuesday 10 December 2013

Intern Opportunities: 10 December 13


Paid internships

Opportunity of the week...
Endeavour Press, the UK's leading independent digital publishers, are currently running an internship scheme for people interested in publicity and editorial. Applicants will have to be available for at least three days a week from 2nd January onward and the placements last for one month. Our offices are based near St Paul's in central London. 
Applicants will need to show proficiency in using social media, a love of reading and an ambition to work in publishing. The position will involve helping to run promotional campaigns for books (both in terms of online publicity and contacting traditional media outlets), as well as giving feedback on submissions. The position will also involve working with authors directly.
Experience is preferred, but not essential. Reasonable expenses covered.

To apply for a placement starting from 2nd January 2014 please contact Richard and enclose a CV plus a short cover letter.

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

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Tuesday 3 December 2013

Intern Opportunities: 03 December 2013


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever
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Tuesday 26 November 2013

Intern Opportunities: 26 November 13

Graduate opportunities
For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever
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Saturday 23 November 2013

Top blog posts: Interview roundup

Over the years, I’ve written many blog posts about graduate applications, interview preparation and interview tips. So below I’ve rounded up of all of my favourite blog posts, from application tips to how to stand out amongst other graduates.

Applications:

Interview Preparation:

Interview advice:

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Tuesday 19 November 2013

Intern Opportunities: 19 November 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

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Tuesday 12 November 2013

Intern Opportunities: 12 November 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

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Tuesday 5 November 2013

Intern Opportunities: 05 November 13


Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

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Tuesday 29 October 2013

Intern Opportunities: 29 October 13


Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

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Saturday 26 October 2013

SMART Goal Setting

Ever heard of SMART goal setting? If not, I recommend that you read on. 
Without a doubt, goal setting, particularly early on in a career will give you much needed direction and something to work towards/achieve. Unfortunately, not all managers can be relied upon to set goals or objectives, so instead check out this quick guide and set them for yourself! 

SMART goals are:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time bound

As a guideline use SMART to set your goals, meaning specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. I’ve found goal setting to be integral to the early stages of my career. Every six months I set myself goals, aim to achieve them and review them. In my role particularly, I have found it important to set goals. Unlike other media roles, a PA doesn’t have an assumed progression like say a marketing assistant to a marketing executive. Instead, I set myself goals, to give me some direction and encourage my thoughts about how I would like to progress in the future. Even if your role is not like mine and does have a specific career path to follow, goals are still important to progress and develop in an organisation. 

However, if you're going to start setting yourself goals, you need to ensure that you set them correctly (using SMART). If there’s one thing you need to understand about SMART goals it's that they need to be specific and should be based on the ‘how’ not the ‘what’. That is the difference between goal setting and SMART goal setting. Here’s an example of what I mean. A goal that wouldn’t be considered SMART is ‘I would like a career change’. It is not specific enough as it only starts with the ‘what’. Instead think about the ‘how’ you are going to get there, e.g. ‘to work with people in departments x, y and z, to establish myself and get my name recognised’, could be one aspect of how you are going to achieve that greater long-term goal of a career change. Thus, aim to make your goals as specific as possible.

Once you have a specific goal, the rest of the criteria should be relatively easy to check off. Next, measurable just means how are you going to measure your goal or how are you going to know that you’ve achieved it. Then, as long as the goals are achievable and realistic there’s only one criteria left to cover - time bound. It’s vitally important that each goal set is timed. As I’ve already said, I like to set my goals every six months, so after six months I review them, check them off if I’ve achieved them, or cross them off if they’re no longer relevant.

Once you're happy with your goals (don't set yourself too many), commit to them and don't forget about them!  After your chosen time period, review them, celebrate any achievements and then create more goals. The great thing about setting SMART goals is that they give you something to aim for and achieve. It encourages you to think about the direction of your career, which is crucial to starting out in any organisation.

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Intern Opportunities: 22 October 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

Opportunity of the week...
Endeavour Press is currently running an internship scheme for people interested in publicity and editorial. Placements will run throughout the year lasting for one month (applicants will have to be available for at least three days a week).The offices of Endeavour Press are in the area of St Paul's in central London.
Applicants will need to show proficiency in using social media, love of reading and ambition to work in publishing. Position will involve helping to run promotional campaigns for books (both in terms of online publicity and contacting traditional media outlets), as well as giving feedback on submissions. The position will also involve working with authors directly.
Experience is preferred, but not essential. Reasonable expenses covered.
To apply for a placement please contact Richard and enclose a CV plus a short cover letter.

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever
Like Diary of a Publishing Professional on Facebook. 


Tuesday 15 October 2013

Intern Opportunities: 15 October 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever
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Tuesday 8 October 2013

Intern Opportunities: 08 October 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

Like Diary of a Publishing Professional on Facebook. 

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Intern Opportunities: 01 October 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

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Saturday 28 September 2013

Letters from Leaders by Henry O.Dormann

Whether it’s an inspirational read you’re after or simply a book that you can dip in and out of, I thoroughly recommend reading Letters from Leaders. Various people like CEOs, CFOs and even Presidents write down their thoughts and advice to aspiring leaders. Throughout the book, there are a mixture of typed and hand written letters including signatures, adding to its authenticity. Overall, it is a short book presented marvellously and is easy to read.

By far, my favourite letter in the book is written by E Marie Mckee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Steuben Glass, it’s entitled ‘When a door closes, another opens’. It particularly stood out to me as it’s so relative to what I’m experiencing at the moment, as a young female pursuing my dream career. Mckee states ‘Understand your strengths and give yourself permission and time to explore options for your future’. In itself this is something I feel that my new role at IPC Media is all about – a stepping-stone to future opportunities.

I think that work experience is the perfect time to explore your strengths. Not long ago I received an email from a reader asking about whether they should do all their work experience in a specific area of publishing rather than experiencing different aspects of the business. I always thought that the more specific career path you chose at an early age, the more beneficial as it shows real passion about the chosen field. However, after reading a letter like Mckee’s, I now believe that experiencing varied work in different areas, allows you to discover your strengths and in itself gives direction. Mckee goes on to state ‘your passion will emerge through this exploration’. I feel that this is something I’ve learnt myself. If there is anything that you absolutely need in your career its passion. It changes the way you work and how you think/feel about it.

Mckee concludes her letter, ‘life is a journey... I am a believer in the idea that when a door closes, another opens. Head high, smile on your face, walk through that open door’. I believe that there’s a lot of truth in what Mckee is saying. After all the twists and turns that I’ve experienced, my rollercoaster ride is a classic example of just how one door closes and another opens.

Besides Mckee’s letter, there are many more and amongst them, useful nuggets of wisdom. For example, John Brennan who is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Vanguard Group writes, ‘my other advice is to be adventurous... young people are too focussed on trying to be X Y or Z. I don’t think you can know that in advance. Every experience you have... builds you as an individual as you move through your career’. I think he’s picking up on what Mckee says, that when you’re young it’s the best time to experiment and experience different roles to really understand who you are in the workplace.


Whilst reading the book, naturally I was thinking about my own career and my exciting journey ahead that only just feels like its beginning (even though I’ve been blogging about it for two years!). However, I’ve discovered that that’s what it’s all about, a career to me is a long-term journey of ups and downs, to finding passion and becoming successful doing what you love doing. As I’m still young, I’m using this time to explore my career options and develop my passion. I’m using books to gain insight, knowledge and inspiration. Thus, I can think of no better way to gain it than reading letters from some of the world’s most influential people.

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Intern Opportunities: 24 September 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

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Tuesday 17 September 2013

Intern Opportunities: 17 September 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

Like Diary of a Publishing Professional on Facebook. 

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Intern Opportunities: 10 September 13

Graduate opportunities

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever
Like Diary of a Publishing Professional on Facebook. 

Saturday 7 September 2013

My Graduate Success: My New Beginning So Far....

My new beginning couldn’t have worked out better. It seems that I’ve found my feet and settled into my new role very quickly. My slight reservations about whether I’d fit into a fast paced weeklies environment and handle not one, not two, but three bosses has now vanished. It’s been such a smooth transition.



Opposite from the mixed bag of personalities I use to work with, this new bunch are much more of a similar kind. They’re very nice and approachable people yet, they’re focussed on the task at hand. Most of the time all you can hear is the tapping of a keyboard and the distant conversations from the nearby hustle and bustle of the brand and hub teams. Our space is a far cry from the stressful marketing environment I worked in last year - these people just get on with it and I love them for it!



As for my bosses, they’re dotted all around the place; one of them doesn’t even reside on the same floor! All three of them are brilliant though. Once again, I’ve got lucky with another set of bosses who are genuinely nice people. I think it really makes a difference to a working environment - and even more so being in the role that I’m in!



Despite still being a PA, my new role is quite different from when I was in the Inspire division. I probably now do less of the traditional PA role and instead I’m branching out to other areas of the business. Currently my efforts are focussed on trying to expand my workload so I’m getting involved in various projects. This role is brilliant as it’s much like a stepping stone to getting into various work areas be it in marketing, publishing or editorial. So there’s never been a better time for me to explore my career options.



Even though the new department I work in is only a few floors down, it feels worlds away from where I’ve come from and the people I use to work with. It’s amazing how one large company can be home to such diversity. If IPC were a parent then I would be the child. I feel blessed to be spending the early part of my career here, and I’m sure that many opportunities lie ahead. The only way is up.

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Tuesday 3 September 2013

Intern Opportunities: 03 September 13


Paid internships

Graduate opportunities

Did you know...
Thursday 5th at 3pm on Twitter - IPC Media will be doing a live Q&A answering any questions you have on 'how to break into media'. Use #AskIPCMediaJobs to tweet your questions.
Recommend that you all join in!

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Tuesday 27 August 2013

Intern Opportunities: 27 August 2013

Paid internships

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

Saturday 24 August 2013

Guest Blog Post: An Interview with a Publisher by Yasmin Jaunbocus

An interview with a Publisher

Whilst an interview with a vampire may seem like the scarier option, when a career in publishing is your life ambition, it’s a scary thought that your life is in the hands of your interviewer.

A garland of garlic and a wooden crucifix isn’t going to get you far, but doing your research is! Hit the books. Hard. This was one of the best pieces of advice I gained from the Diary of a Publishing Professional blog. Your interviewers will be impressed by your knowledge and it shows you’ve come prepared – it will make you as a candidate stand out amongst the rest. Make sure you get to grips with company facts, history and figures. Then look at current news. For example, e-books have raised Amazon books sales by 66% this year, so what can you add to the market in terms of digital publishing? Don’t just chuck some random facts, link your research/facts to what you can do for the department.

Don’t forget to take a deep breath. When asked a question, pause and think about what you’re really being asked.  Speak slowly, relate your answer back to the question, and use the keywords used by your interviewer. Don’t just reel off buzzwords; they are arbitrary alone. Instead, use real life examples or STAR answers that prove your abilities.

Smile! Unlike vampires, they won’t bite! There is no use saying you’re a confident, bubbly personality bursting with ideas when you’re paler than a sheet and your teeth are chattering. Try to keep the nerves and mind at ease. After all, you already are through to the interview stage, which means they see potential. The interviewers aren’t there to trip you up. Smile and they will smile back.

Last but certainly not least, you need to be passionate. Don’t just be black and white about it. You’re one graduate amongst a sea of others. What makes you stand out? Think of yourself like a book. Your interview is your blurb. Would you read what you have to say? If not, a publisher isn’t either. 

By Yasmin Jaunbocus
@yasminjay53 

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Intern Opportunities: 20 August 2013


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Tuesday 13 August 2013

Intern Opportunities: 13 August 2013

Graduate opportunities

Opportunity of the week...
Oldcastle Books is offering a three month paid internship in publishing. The placement will begin mid-late September and will finish before Christmas. Working hours are 10am till 4pm Tuesday to Friday, and you will be paid £150 per week. If you’re interested please apply via the website with your CV and cover letter. 
Deadline for applications is Tuesday 13th August.

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Saturday 10 August 2013

Covey's 7 Habits

Some of you may have already viewed my newest blog page ‘books’. In the past six months I’ve dedicated much of my spare time to reading business books. Therefore, the page is dedicated to listing the books that I would recommend to improve management and leadership, personal and PA skills. One of the books first on my list is Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Effective People.

What drew me to Covey’s book was the fact that it’s all about enhancing personal effectiveness, which in order to be successful is broken down into seven habits
  1. Be Proactive
  2.  Begin with the end in mind
  3. Put first things first
  4. Think win-win
  5. First understand and then be understood
  6. Synergize  
  7.  ‘Sharpen the saw’

Within these seven habits Covey discusses the transition from dependence, independence to interdependence. In order to achieve the first habit you need to break away from dependence by taking responsibility for your own actions without blaming circumstances or conditions. You need to start being proactive by visualising what you want to achieve and the goals you want to accomplish in future. That way you can begin with the end in mind. To know where you want to go in life, according to your values, beliefs and principles.

Next, in order to put first things first Covey suggests ways of taking control of the important things in life that aren’t necessarily the most urgent. He talks about the following:-
  • Planning
  • Building relationships
  •  Personal mission statement
  • Work outs

It’s all about using your time effectively to focus on your important goals in life. Covey describes this as the time that you then reach independence and that’s when you can improve your effectiveness with others.
In order to do so think win-win around others and make them feel like winners. You need to be able to think of solutions to problems that allow all parties involved to benefit (including you). You must believe that there’s plenty for everyone. Remember one person’s success does not mean another person’s failure. Covey states that you need to understand first, then try to be understood. If you start to actively listen to those around you and take the time to do so, then you could actually learn something from them. Diagnose before you prescribe, says Covey.

Finally synergize, be open to fresh and creative ideas. Value the differences between yourself and others and build upon them. Understand and adapt to different working styles to find creative ways out of a conflict situation. Once you achieve the effectiveness with yourself and others, you have then reached interdependence. You are effective and admired. Your relentless thirst for learning and exploring means that you continuously try to improve yourself, as Covey sums up ‘you sharpen the saw’.


The book focuses on the central issue of what drives people to do things and how they can be happy at doing them. The breakdown of habits in sequential order really gives you the tools to be effective in your work and personal life - beginning with yourself and then moving onto others. The 7 Habits of Effective People is detailed book that I would highly recommend for anyone striving for effectiveness and interdependence.

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Intern Opportunities: 06 August 2013


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Tuesday 30 July 2013

Intern Opportunities: 30 July 13

Paid internships
Graduate opportunities
Opportunity of the week...
Cygnus Books seeks an intern with proven page make up, web and editing skills. The internship is web based with responsibilities such as, designing and making up their magazine pages, filtering emails and helping to develop the 4th generation of their 2000 page website.

Cygnus are based in West Wales. This is a full time internship, which could later turn into a permanent position for the right candidate. To apply please email geoff@cygnus-books.co.uk with your CV and covering letter.


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Tuesday 23 July 2013

Intern Opportunities: 23 July 13


Paid Internships

Opportunity of the week...
Endeavour Press, the UK's leading independent digital publishers, are setting up a special internship scheme for people interested in publicity. Placements will run throughout the year lasting for one month (applicants will have to be available for at least three days a week). The offices of Endeavour Press are in the area of St Paul's in central London.
Applicants will need to show proficiency in using social media, love of reading and ambition to work in publishing. Position will involve helping to run promotional campaigns for books (both in terms of online publicity and contacting traditional media outlets). The position will also involve working with authors directly.
Experience is preferred, but not essential. Expenses covered.
To apply for a placement please contact richard@endeavourpress.com and enclose a CV plus a short cover letter.

Get intern opportunities straight to your inbox by subscribing on the right hand side.

For more intern opportunities follow me on Twitter @steff_lever

Friday 19 July 2013

My Graduate Success: Another New Beginning

In my last blog post, ‘My Graduate Success: One Year On’, I alluded to a lot of change within the department structure and a somewhat uncertain future for me. The departure of my boss signified a great deal of change and it readily became apparent to me that my role as a PA was disappearing.

I did what I stated in my previous blog post and started to focus on what I could control. I wanted to do what was best for my career and as I was still keen to be a PA, I started conversations with HR about my career progression. During this time, I was extremely lucky to find out that there was a new opening for a PA position to multiple Publishing Directors in the Connect division. I was thrilled at the prospect of retaining my PA position and subsequently had an interview with them.

To cut a long story short, I managed to secure the role and should be starting in the department in a couple of week’s time. It seems fated that this new position came up and thus I’m so pleased that I can stay at IPC as a PA. When I look back at my first graduate success, I can’t believe that only after one year of working there I’m going to be in my third position and have worked in all three of the divisions. It’s been a fantastic learning curve.

Luckily the future is still looking bright for me and my journey has led me down a new path of discovery. I’ll soon be making the transition from advertising to publishing, an area where there is a chance for me to see how different aspects of the business work. Therefore, I’m excited for what’s ahead and hope that I will continue to be successful.