Although I’m an Eco major, I’ve always loved literature and books and everything related! I write as well, but have not published too much and although an Editor’s job is what I longed for as a kid, I have started thinking of looking at the publishing industry on the whole. There is one teeny-tiny issue though, how does one get a job at a publishing house? I want to do an MBA, learn the skills to start something of my own. But I doubt a Random House or a Harper Collins will come to a B-school to recruit. What’s the way to get into a publishing house???

My point is that many of the technologists don’t think of the industry in which they’ll work when they’re in school. They move from industry to industry according to their lateral function (I was in 7 industries before landing in publishing).

I heartily agree that publishers need to attract technologists at every career stage. It would also be great if English majors intending to go into publishing were exposed to the technical ramifications of that intention in school. But then again, these are English programs not publishing programs.

Perhaps organizations that support publishing (like aap) and publishers should be spending some more time at campuses (career days and the like) educating students about our industry and its needs going forward.

Great food for thought – thanks!
Ann

I never saw the appeal of editing, always been a salesman, but I think nowadays publishers need to look at people with a vast background and really take a look at personality, interests of people, because many cases you can train someone and people will surprise you with what they can learn and where their passion is at.