Internship Spotlight – Natalie Shore

Natalie Shore, an English Literature and Creative Writing student studying our English Multidiscipline Degree, recently secured a prestigious Penguin Random House Internship. We asked her how she did it, and what the experience was like.

How did you hear about the internship?

I discovered the work experience opportunity through the ERIC app, a platform dedicated to job searches in creative industries. My interest was further piqued when my work placement module tutor, Abby Bentham, sent out an email detailing the opportunity, prompting my desire to apply.

Have you always been interested in publishing or was this a relatively new thought?

Initially, my interest lay in music, aspiring to be a singer during high school. However, I eventually lost that passion and shifted my focus towards academia, particularly aiming for a career in law. Despite achieving success in my studies and being part of the Oxbridge group, I chose to drop out of college in my second year due to burnout from taking three essay-based subjects: English Literature, Law, and

Psychology. It was during the three-year hiatus before I pursued an Access to Higher Education Diploma at The Manchester College that I recognized my passion for reading and writing could lead to viable career options.

What logistical challenges did completing the internship pose?

I successfully managed my timetable by scheduling a two-week period during my university break at the end of March and beginning of April, and taking annual leave from work during this time. This arrangement allowed me to receive both holiday pay from my employer and a national living wage from Penguin for my work with them. One significant challenge was arranging childcare for my children, who were also on holiday. Fortunately, the hybrid nature of the role at Penguin permitted me to work from home, requiring only two days in the office weekly. Living in Manchester, I was allowed to remain at home during the second week to mitigate travel costs. My travel experience was mostly positive, although I encountered difficulties hailing an Uber at night due to roadworks outside Euston Station. I resolved this issue by coordinating with my driver to meet him at an alternative place.

What kind of commitment and hours did the internship entail?

During my work placement at Penguin, I adhered to a standard nine to five schedule, logging into the penguin server each morning. I was assigned a mentor who guided me, provided assistance, and allocated tasks that aligned with my academic goals, specifically focusing on proofreading and copywriting for published works. My role within the Brand department offered me considerable involvement, allowing me to engage with various departments and familiarize myself with the newsletters distributed by Penguin. This experience facilitated my copywriting efforts, where I summarized book information to fit character limits, created affiliate links to streamline purchases, and addressed discrepancies in book pricing that impacted revenue. Additionally, I contributed to creating new email templates for welcome messages sent to subscribers. My proactive approach led to the exploration of potential partnerships for upcoming campaigns, such as a cooking lesson giveaway featuring Jamie Oliver. A notable highlight of my time at Penguin was the accessibility of books within the office, further encouraged by my mentor, who kindly sent me a selection of over thirty books along with a thoughtful note.

Where was the internship (office wise), and what was it like arriving and doing your first day?

The office is located in Embassy Gardens, London, a site that initially captivated me with its beauty, prompting me to spend some time outside reading before entering. Inside, I found an aesthetically pleasing environment filled with books, even under seating areas in the lobby. To minimize anxiety, I visited on a less busy day, and upon meeting the team and my mentor in person, my apprehensions subsided. Contrary to my expectations of a strict atmosphere given the esteemed reputation of Penguin, I found the experience to be warm and endearing. The team was incredibly welcoming, showing genuine interest in my personal aspirations, especially as I was six months pregnant at the time. The atmosphere balanced professionalism with a relaxed vibe, allowing for independent work while also providing access to a kitchen and an on-site restaurant for breaks. Overall, the environment felt inviting and homely, making me reluctant to leave at the end of the day.

What did you learn that you found most surprising about publishing?

Working in publishing revealed an unexpectedly diverse array of departments, many of which were unfamiliar to me prior. My experience was within the brand department, specifically on the consumer loyalty team; however, the department also encompasses various other teams, such as social media, design, and more.

What was the most challenging aspect of the publishing work you were asked to do?

The primary challenge I faced during my work experience was the creation of new welcome emails. I recognized the significance of this task, as a considerable portion of revenue is generated through these communications to consumers.

What sort of working relationship with staff did you have?

I cultivated a positive working relationship with numerous staff members across various departments. My contact within the Michael Joseph department inquired about my reading preferences, and went out of her way to recommend and source books for me. I engaged in team meetings, casual coffee chats, and reached out for assistance when needed. My mentor, Tiyah, provided exceptional support for my decisions and their underlying rationale. On my final day, Tiyah and the head of consumer loyalty, Helen, treated me to a lunch, allowing for more personal conversations about our lives and aspirations, fostering a friendly atmosphere. Additionally, Johnathon, the head of digital marketing, delivered a farewell speech, highlighting my character based on my star sign and expressing a desire to see me return to Penguin, whether in branding, editorial, or as an author, which instilled optimism for my future.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of the internship?

During my brief two-week experience at Penguin, one of the most enjoyable moments was participating in the Thursday afternoon FIKA. This gathering in the kitchen allowed us to socialize over coffee and baked goods, creating a sense of community. Overall, the opportunity to work at Penguin was a dream come true.

Has the internship persuaded you that publishing is a career you could do?

The experience has solidified my belief that a career in publishing is feasible for me. Although my initial plan was to pursue a role in editorial, I recognize that there are numerous departments within publishing where I could thrive. Consequently, it is less important where I begin my journey, provided it is within the publishing field. A valuable piece of advice I received was to accept a position in any department that will have me, as this can facilitate my ability to acquire new skills and transition to other areas within the industry.

What did you think about publishing before you did the internship, and what do you think now you have done it?

Before my work experience, I had a limited understanding of the publishing industry, believing there were few job opportunities primarily focused on reading and editing manuscripts. However, I have since learned that publishing encompasses a wide range of roles including design, marketing, production, and distribution, among others. Moreover, while entering this field can be challenging, there are now various schemes designed to facilitate access to opportunities within the publishing sector.

What successful outcomes have there been?

My most notable achievement was proofreading and writing for three published works that reached an audience of over one million readers. Furthermore, my experience at Penguin Random House has proven to be a significant milestone, as having this on my CV has already facilitated various opportunities within my university, including invitations to participate in events and represent the English department.