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Elizabeth and Jona, HAB Sixth Form, write about a recent careers workshop run at HAB by editors from Penguin Random House.

We recently had the opportunity to explore careers within publishing in more depth. Editors from Penguin Random House, one of the UK’s top five publishing houses, were invited to come to HAB and talk to us about the variety of different sectors and roles within publishing.

The workshop took place on Thursday 7th March in the library, which was a fitting environment considering the nature of the workshop. Being surrounded by such a breathtakingly array of books definitely heightened the importance of the editing process, especially with so many books published by Penguin Random House in our own library.

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Editing, design, marketing, and sales

In order to truly immerse us into the world of editorship, they spilt us into four groups, with each one brainstorming ideas on the four stages of publishing: editing, design, marketing, and sales.

They gave us one of their recently-published books called Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith, which was created to serve as a creative outlet as the reader has complete control over how they choose to ‘wreck’ the journal. Penguin Random House further promoted this notion by fostering our skills of independent thinking by leaving us in charge of our editions, and with our own copies of the book.

For many of us, complete fulfilment and enjoyment in our careers is essential, so hearing the speakers say that 'no day in their workplace is ever the same' was one of the most gratifying things to hear. The fact that each day provides new ways for you to develop your creativity, work with new authors whilst still sustaining flexibility and opportunities to pursue different sectors in publishing, is immensely fulfilling.  

All in all, the workshop was enlightening and informative as it further nurtured my desire to pursue a career of editing. Other students felt the same. Ruwaida said that the editors “allowed us to express our ideas independently”, whilst Elizabeth Feoshi enjoyed the “interactive approach they took to widened my insight into the publishing industry”.

Elizabeth and Jona, HAB Sixth Form

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Careers Week

Khudija, Year 10, on careers week and what it takes to become a lawyer.

At Harris Academy Bermondsey we have careers weeks in which we learn how to write our CVs, respond to interviews and take a look at various careers young students may aspire to pursue. For example, becoming a lawyer.

To become a lawyer you will need exceptional grades at A-Levels, followed by an undergraduate degree. Many universities offer a range of courses that may guide you into law. However, many students choose to take up law as an undergraduate degree in university. This process may aid you in establishing a career in law in which you would get paid an average of £54,000 in the first five years increasing to around £70,000 after 10 years within law.

You must have good communication skills as this may help your clients to feel comfortable and trust you. In addition, you may also need great analytical skills as this will help in the process of judging various cases.

Our careers weeks are highly educational and useful to students as they make us aware of the requirements and opportunities there may be in the future.

Khudija, Year 10