If landing a top job in London, Boston or Santa Cruz sounds appealing, enrolling in UQ’s Writing, Editing and Publishing (WEP) program may be a good idea.
Offered through the School of English, Media Studies and Art History (EMSAH), and convened by Dr Roslyn Petelin, the WEP courses allow students to acquire professional writing and editing skills across corporate, creative and academic styles.
“Writing is so central to the corporate sphere, and if you write well you really can develop a niche for yourself,” Dr Petelin said.
Several graduates of the WEP program have launched successful careers in the publishing industry, including Fiona Tucker, Head of Books Publishing with Express Newspapers in London.
Ms Tucker, who was part of the first cohort to study WEP at the post-graduate level in 2001, and completed her Graduate Diploma in 2002, said the qualification had provided an advantage when job-seeking.
“After graduating I worked as an editorial coordinator with UQ press, and moved to London in 2003.
“No one in the UK had heard of that sort of degree which I think worked well in my favour.
“I arrived in London without anything lined up and was offered jobs with Penguin, Macmillan and HarperCollins,” she said.
Ms Tucker worked with HarperCollins until February this year, when she took up an appointment with Express Newspapers.
“I’m Head of Books Publishing, which means I’m responsible for everything to do with making a book – budgeting, marketing, editorial, production and publicity,” she said.
“The job also involves quite a bit of overseas travel. In 2008 I’m meeting with printers in Italy, Portugal, Poland and Singapore.”
Ms Tucker said she recommended the program to those interested in pursuing a career in professional writing, editing or publishing.
“There were so many pros,” she said.
“The teaching staff were very supportive and great at pointing out your strengths and weaknesses, and letting you know what sort of positions you might be suited to.
“We had so many guest lecturers who brought great outside perspectives into the ‘real world’ of publishing.
“The editing, proofreading and researching skills you learn are all very applicable.”
In April 2008 Dr Petelin, and Ms Tucker, plan to attend the Oxford Literary Festival, accompanied by a group of WEP students.
To make the trip a possibility for one student, the School is offering $1,000 towards travel expenses.
The cash will go to the student who submits the best 1000 words prompted by the Henry James quote: “Oxford lends sweetness to labour and dignity to leisure.”
Entries must be emailed to Dr Petelin (r.petelin@uq.edu.au) by January 31 2008.
For more information on postgraduate study options at UQ visit www.uq.edu.au/study/postgraduate
Applications for semester one, 2008, close on January 31.
Further information: Dr Petelin (r.petelin@uq.edu.au) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au).
.jpg)
