With the job market becoming increasingly competitive and increasingly diverse, recently qualified graduates face a number of important decisions in the coming weeks and months. Finding the right job is rarely an easy process under normal circumstances, but with more and more applicants in contention it’s even harder.

One of the more popular industry sectors is publishing, and as such it attracts a large number of highly qualified and highly motivated individuals. Jobs in this sphere cover a broad spectrum of media platforms, and those organisations offering vacancies range from small family-run firms to famous name international publishing houses.

While the average person’s concept of this industry may lean towards the very glamorous, it’s important to keep your feet on the ground. Publishing is a fascinating sector, and working within it will bring a great deal of job satisfaction. It needs to be pointed out, however, that newcomers tend to start on the lower rungs of the ladder.

You need more than just natural talent to succeed

Becoming an industry high-flyer usually takes time, not to mention a great deal of talent, of course. If you are prepared to work your way up, you could be the ideal applicant. Youngsters who are keen to work in this sector need to look at the various academic publishing courses designed to provide the necessary firm foundation.

To fully achieve your potential in this industry, you will ultimately need to be a people person. Liaising with writers, designers, advertisers and editors is a hugely important aspect of daily life in a publishing office, so good communication skills are a must. An inquisitive nature and a friendly personality will also make life easier for you.

If you are keen to work towards a career in this most fascinating of sectors, you need to study very hard. Your publishing course, whether it’s completed on a conventional university campus or remotely via the web, will be difficult, hectic and sometimes stressful. Overcoming problems at this stage will be a major part of the process.

Academic success will sometimes help to open doors, and of course will always look good on a CV. It’s important to remember, however, that being organised, adaptable and methodical will also prove crucial. If you think the study course isn’t for you, the chances are you won’t be the right person to become a success in this sphere.

There was a time when the publishing industry was a rather small and very inclusive industry, but that’s all changed now. Publishers in London, for example, tend to attract applicants from all over the world these days, and because of this most offices are beehive-like hotbeds of ideas and energy. A fascinating career beckons!