PhD student to Publishing Editor
Towards the end of my PhD, after a few months of indecision, I finally accepted that academia wasn’t for me and in the hope of gaining some direction and I attended an RSC postgraduate careers day. I learned about the graduate publishing scheme there and it sounded perfect for me, so I applied.
I was invited to the assessment day in Cambridge and I knew pretty much as soon as I arrived that the RSC would be somewhere that I’d enjoy working; everyone I met was relaxed, helpful and friendly, plus the food we had for lunch was excellent! Even though I was very nervous to start with, I had a great day and got to meet some senior staff members as well as some current grads.
I’m now in my seventh month of the grad scheme and I’m fully trained in peer-review and proof reading. I’ve learnt so much since I started and there’s still loads to come. I’ve recently started my editing training which I’m really enjoying , I’ve also been assigned two associate editors to look after and given the task of putting together whole issues of journals.
As you can see, there’s quite a variety of skills needed to do all the different tasks of a publishing editor, which is all part of the fun of the job! I arrived here never having had a professional job and as well as learning all the specialist skills needed for this job I’ve gained general professional skills. On top of the work-related benefits, I’ve also met some great new people and have got to know a new city having moved to Cambridge from Bristol to start at the RSC.
Lucy is a Graduate working in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Publishing Department. To see if there are any current vacancies go to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' Blog or subscribe to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' by Email
