Publishing graduate is living her literary dream

A University of Central Lancashire graduate has gained a job at a top publishing house.

Emily Casey, who graduated from the MA Publishing degree, has landed a role as a production assistant at Penguin Random House.

The 28-year-old said: “I couldn’t be happier! I knew I wanted to work in publishing, but I didn’t have any work experience. Stopping working to complete internships or work experience was simply not feasible but studying at UCLan meant I could gain practical experience from UCLan Publishing, the ‘live’ publishing house.

“Seeing things like real profit and loss sheets and the processes behind the front covers was great. I attended meetings with the printers and was involved in production, so I saw first-hand what it was like to cost and print a book and that is something which I now do on a daily basis for Penguin Random House.”

Like all students graduating this week, Emily, from Liverpool, had to undertake her studies in the middle of a global pandemic but this did not stop her from gaining all the skills required to thrive in the industry.

The former pupil of The Belvedere School and The Blue Coat School said: “Meeting the guest speakers and learning about the industry was definitely a highlight. The MA Publishing course covers each aspect of publishing thoroughly but having this learning supported by numerous guest speakers really helped me decide which department was right for me.

“Access to the industry professionals and their experience was truly insightful – one of the guest speakers is actually now my boss!”

Emily, who is now moving to London for her new role, added: “Being able to enter the industry with some real-life experience was a no-brainer for me. I’m relieved to have graduated and I’m incredibly proud of myself. I’ve made some great friends and studying on this course provided me with the skills I needed to follow my dreams.”