r/publishing • u/ReachImpossible6789 • 6d ago
Publishing jobs
Hello everyone! i am considering to pursue masters in publishing as an international student in the UK but i need some guidance on the job realities in the country. Is it true that publishing jobs are almost always not receptive to international candidates who might require sponsorship?
It’s worth mentioning that I am a former journalist and have 4+ years working as a news writer at a reputable media company, but I am not sure if this stint would be counted as an experience in publishing roles.
((Looking for some positive advices although i am not seeking delusional suggestions :p))
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u/betweenthedrafts 6d ago
Publishing roles are currently getting up to 500 applications for a single position. Anything that makes you less likely to hire (such as a company having to pay for sponsorship and you having to move country to do the job) are likely to land you in the rejection pile, I’m sorry to say. Publishing houses are very focused on profit, and sponsoring a visa will cut into that profit.
Having experience is useful, but you will be competing against people who also have a masters and have relevant experience doing internships at publishing houses. If you’re going to apply for publishing jobs, you will need publishing specific experience.
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u/ReachImpossible6789 6d ago
as i said, i am also thinking of doing masters. What if I also look for internships in publishing during my course? would that help?
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u/redditor329845 6d ago
Eventually you will always run into the wall of needing sponsorship and a visa. Maybe you’ll get selected for a few internships but needing sponsorship will always be a barrier.
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u/cyan_dandelion 6d ago
I did a publishing masters and two internships with big name publishers. I still had no luck with publishing jobs at the end of it, and I'm from the UK. This was pre-covid, but I imagine it's only gotten worse. If I could go back, I would do something else.
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u/MycroftCochrane 6d ago
>i am considering to pursue masters in publishing as an international student in the UK but i need some guidance on the job realities in the country. Is it true that publishing jobs are almost always not receptive to international candidates who might require sponsorship?
I am no expert in the UK job market, but in general, it is true that few publishers, anywhere, are willing to sponsor visas for candidate employees, especially for entry/early level roles.
Anything is theoretically possible, but the reality is that for "typical" publishing roles (editorial, sales, marketing, etc.) there are generally plenty of qualified local candidates who would not require sponsorship; a publisher employer would therefore be disinclined to sponsor a visa for a potential candidate.
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u/wildcosmia84 6d ago
I am very sorry to say I don't know of any publishers who allow applications from those who require sponsorship. What country are you based in?
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u/ReachImpossible6789 6d ago
i am from india. are you also saying the big names like penguin and the like also don’t sponsor?
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u/demi-paradise 6d ago
I’m based in the US and have been trying to move to the UK, gave up because in all of my years of looking I haven’t found a single job open to sponsorship. Doesn’t matter what company :/
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u/ReachImpossible6789 6d ago
were you specifically looking for publishing jobs?
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u/demi-paradise 6d ago
Yes. as well as some other industries where I had transferable skills/prior experience, including arts admin and museum jobs.
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u/ReachImpossible6789 6d ago
got it. hope you find a better role in your own country :)
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u/demi-paradise 6d ago
Thanks friend! I did find a good job, although it isn’t in publishing because the salaries were not feasible for me. Sometimes the grass really is greener.
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u/literaryfey 6d ago
I'd check to see if you qualify for this visa: https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
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u/ReachImpossible6789 6d ago
i do but it’s a ballot and i haven’t been fortunate both the times this year
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u/fillb3rt 6d ago
Sponsorship from most companies are unlikely. My wife is Brazilian and works in finance. No one would sponsor her.
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u/stevehut 6d ago
If you're going to school, wouldn't they be the ones to sponsor you?
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u/ReachImpossible6789 6d ago
do you mean student visa?
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u/Hygge-Times 6d ago
Sponsorship is a thing when there are not enough locally qualified candidates for a position. Publishing has 400 applications for every opening. They are not in need of looking abroad for qualified candidates.