I learned so much during our trip, both about myself and the publishing industry. I never thought I’d be someone who enjoys living in a big city like NYC, but I really enjoyed my time there and look forward to going back. Between the thriving art scene and liberal thinking, I felt at home. I learned something new and valuable for my future career at each professional meeting.
The most relevant new information I learned was about informational interviews. I had never heard of them before, but I learned they are a great way to help you get your foot in the door. Speaking of foot in the door, it can be very tough to do. Before the meetings, I knew that I would have a hard time finding a job in the publishing industry in the South, but I wasn’t aware of what it was like in NYC. I didn’t expect it to be a walk in the park, but I didn’t expect it to be super competitive, either.
I got some tips on improving my chances of eventually entering my desired position. The biggest one is to keep applying. Don’t become disheartened by rejection; it’s a natural part of the job search. Internships are a good way to stand out compared to other applicants or can lead to a full-time position within the company. Information interviews are helpful as well. They’ll get your name out there, which is especially advantageous for me since I have an uncommon last name.
After learning each company’s mission and how they work, I might enjoy working at a small publishing house rather than one of the big five. I like the idea of being hands-on with multiple aspects of the publishing process. I would also value a mission over profits regarding what to publish. For example, St. Martin’s Press seemed to value profits over everything else and didn’t even have a mission. This doesn’t mean I’ll avoid working at a big publishing house; a job is a job, and they probably pay better. I’m excited about my future career and feel more prepared than I did before. Thank you, Dr. Sexton, for giving me this opportunity!