Alumni - Tracy Banghart

author of What the Sea Wants

I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Publishing at Oxford Brookes University to augment my previous training as a proofreader. As an American, I wasn’t sure how much of the information I’d pick up on the course would be transferable to my country; nor did I know whether the degree would help me get a job when I returned to the States. I chose the course because the professors I met with were nice, Oxford was beautiful, and the school had a good reputation. My expectations were blown out of the water by how much I learned, and how much of an effect doing the course has had on my career opportunities.

First, while on the course I was able to use Brookes’ contacts to obtain two work experience positions with academic publishers in Oxford, adding to the knowledge I was gaining in class. Second, I actually learned enough, over the course of the programme, to design, publish, market, and sell my own book. Please follow the link below for details. In addition, I was offered the first job I applied for in the States, a position as Editorial Coordinator for Oxford University Press’s Journals division in Bethesda, MD.
I cannot say enough good things about the Publishing Master’s course at Oxford Brookes. The professors are caring and supportive, and the classes offer practical knowledge that is directly transferable to the workforce. Because of the many group initiatives and projects, I was able to get to know my fellow students very well and have left the course with many close, life-long friends. And finally…who wouldn’t want to spend a year in Oxford, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and an historic hub of the publishing industry?

Posted on 08 Dec 2006 around 3pm