Alumni - Cathy Atkinson, MA Publishing

I graduated from the MA Publishing course in 2002. The different modules on the MA gave me a great overview of the industry and, along with several work placements, allowed me to try out different publishing functions and sectors. During the course, I spent one day a week on work experience at Heinemann Library (now part of Capstone Publishers), and as a result was offered a job as an editorial assistant. I worked on a number of online products for primary and secondary pupils, and realized I loved the interactive potential of electronic products, and really enjoyed working on educational materials. ...

I spent a year at Heinemann, before moving to Boardworks as an editor. Joining what was then a small company of less than 10 people gave me the opportunity quickly to progress to the project management of new publishing in a number of subject areas, editing curriculum-based interactive whiteboard software. Five years later the company employs over 70 people and our products are used in over 80 per cent of UK schools. I'm now the Publishing Director, overseeing the editorial and design departments. My role also involves researching new products and markets, ensuring we keep up to date with developing technologies and curriculum changes.

Over the last couple of years we have recruited several publishing graduates to our marketing and editorial departments, as well as offered work experience to a couple of students each year. We view the MA in Publishing very favourably when recruiting, and I very much doubt I would have got the jobs I've had without it.

Posted on 15 Dec 2008 around 9am