Case studies
We asked modern language graduate, Lucy Clark to talk about her career progression after leaving the university.
Lucy Clark, Inside Sales Executive for Eastern Europe, Gale
What is your current role and what does it involve?
My current role as inside sales executive for Eastern Europe at Gale – a digital academic publisher – involves building relationships with universities, schools and national libraries to uncover opportunities to sell our resources that will enhance their research and teaching.
My typical workday includes faculty research, meetings with academics and distributors, creating sales strategies and generally supporting existing and potential customers.
Another important part of this role is developing product knowledge as our product list is constantly growing. This means familiarising myself with the academic journal databases, digital primary source archives and the online user platform.
How did you become sales executive?
After graduating with my modern languages degree, I researched career options and decided on publishing as I was interested in literature, culture and languages and had developed strong communication, organisational and research skills throughout my degree.
After graduating I worked in a café where I developed transferable skills such as good time management and ability to manage multiple workloads. I also volunteered for a publishing magazine – The Publishing Post – which meant I continued using my research skills.
I landed my first role in publishing – sales support for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Gale – through the publishing recruitment agency Inspired Selection. The role involved assisting the sales team with administrative support, but it also gave me an insight into the sales process so when an opportunity came up a year later, I was able to progress to a sales executive role.
What advice would you give to a current student considering this career?
- Research as much as possible. You’ll discover there is such a vast range of roles in publishing so look at different publishing companies, internships, blogs and attend career events – including University of Nottingham events.
- Be open minded when deciding which roles to apply for, especially if it’s your first role in publishing as most entry level positions will provide you with a set of transferable skills that will allow you to progress into different roles.
- Try to gain any form of experience. If you’re passionate about working in publishing, then consider all options from paid internships at large publishing companies to volunteering at your local bookshop or for a magazine. If you have no luck with that, make your own experience by starting a blog or Substack, or posting on social media!
Also read Lucy's career insight about her route into publishing