If you’ve ever imagined working behind the scenes of your favorite books—shaping stories, championing authors, or helping a manuscript come to life—you’re not alone. At our recent Gator Career Chat: Voices in Publishing, UF students heard directly from Human Resources professionals at Penguin Random House (PRH), along with one of the College of Journalism and Communications’ own students who recently secured a competitive internship in the industry.
What unfolded was an honest, energizing conversation about breaking into publishing, navigating career uncertainty, and discovering the many pathways that lead to a place where passion meets profession.
A Conversation Rooted in Curiosity
Corina, a UF student and current publishing intern, shared how her journey began not with industry experience, but with a love of storytelling and a determination to figure out where she fit. She spoke candidly about researching companies, exploring niche corners of the field, and applying skills from advertising and PR to an editorial-centered world.
Ayesha and Yasmine, Human Resource professionals both from Penguin Random House, followed by sharing their own winding career paths; paths that weren’t linear, predetermined, or tied to a single major. In fact, Ayesha originally planned to become a school counselor. The moment she discovered HR in publishing, something clicked: she could help students find their professional paths while staying close to the world of books.
Their stories made one thing clear: your path into publishing doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
More Than Editorial
When students imagine publishing, many think of editors reading manuscripts in cozy corners of Manhattan offices. While that role certainly exists, the industry is much broader, and perhaps more exciting, than the stereotype.
Throughout the conversation, panelists revealed a world of opportunities:
- Publicists who plan author events and build buzz around new releases
- Designers who create book covers, social content, and digital campaigns
- Marketers who analyze audiences and drive reader engagement
- Sales teams who collaborate with retailers and libraries
- Human Resources professionals who help shape dynamic workplaces
Rather than a single doorway, publishing is a building with many open entrances. And just as important: you don’t need prior publishing experience to walk through one.
The Skills Students Already Have
One of the biggest “aha” moments came when panelists emphasized the value of transferable skills. Whether you’ve worked in retail, led a student organization, created Canva graphics for a class project, or run a BookTok account. Those experiences matter.
Ayesha encouraged students to stop underestimating the experiences they already bring to the table. Strong writing, organization, collaboration, and even customer service translate beautifully to entry-level publishing roles. And for creative departments like design and marketing, familiarity with tools like Canva and Adobe Suite make students stand out.
In other words: You don’t need experience in publishing to get experience in publishing.
Research: Your Most Underrated Superpower
If there was one topic the panelists were passionate about, it was research. Not the boring kind but the kind that shows employers you’re genuinely curious about their work.
They urged students to learn about:
- A company’s imprints
- The genres they publish
- Their mission and values
- Current industry trends
- Recent books and authors
- The skills emphasized in job descriptions
This kind of knowledge elevates a cover letter, transforms an interview, and signals a much deeper level of engagement than simply “I love books.”
Corina also shared her favorite resources from Substack newsletters like Publishing Confidential to niche TikToks and podcasts that break down the inner workings of the industry. These tools, she explained, helped her understand publishing long before she set foot in an internship.
Resources to Help your Research Get Started
- How Can I Get Published? Guide from Penguin Random House (PRH)
- Penguin Random House Careers (US) Substack
- Delivery and Acceptance by Alia Hanna Substack (Industry advice from a literary agent)
- Publishing Confidential by Kathleen Schmidt Substack
- Agent Antics by Vicky Weber and Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong Substack
What About AI?
Of course, in any conversation about the future, AI inevitably shows up. Listeners wanted to know: Is AI replacing writers? Editors? Narrators?
The panelists’ answer was reassuring. While basic AI tools are sometimes used for data or administrative tasks, publishing remains a deeply human industry. Stories come from lived experiences, nuanced perspectives, and creative voices. Things no algorithm can replicate. Even in audiobooks, PRH maintains a strong commitment to human narrators, especially for stories that require authentic voices.
Far from replacing publishing professionals, AI is simply one tool in a much larger storytelling ecosystem.
Finding Your Path, Even If You’re Unsure
One of the most refreshing parts of the conversation came near the end, when panelists addressed the anxiety many students feel about “having it all figured out.” The truth? Most professionals didn’t know exactly where they were headed at graduation and that’s completely normal.
Instead of rushing into graduate school or assuming there’s only one “correct” path, the panel encouraged students to gain experience, stay curious, and explore. Sometimes the best direction comes from trying things, not planning them.
As Ayesha put it, “You don’t need certainty to get started. You just need momentum.”
Final Thoughts for Students
The careers shared during this panel weren’t predictable but they were connected by passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn. If you’re a student curious about publishing, now is the time to explore, experiment, and build your story.
Your path might begin with a Substack project, a campus club, a book review on TikTok, a resume review, or simply reading more deeply and widely. Wherever you start, there’s a place for you in the industry if you want one and the Career Connections Center is here to help you find it.
Image Credit: Photo by Rey Seven on Unsplash
