Kevin Eddy
Magazine Assistant EditorWhat is a typical day in your job?
It really depends on the time of the month – as we work on a monthly magazine, it always becomes more frantic as you approach your press deadlines! Largely, though, it's a mix of commissioning material, writing and/or editing material, attending conferences and press events, and planning for future issues and supplements. It sounds a lot more simple than it actually is. I'm also responsible for our website, Which we revamped last year, which includes daily news feeds and interactive content.
How did you get into your role?
I graduated with a BA in English Literature from Cardiff University in 2002 and did various jobs there for a couple of years, harbouring vague notions of eventually getting into publishing. Then, in 2004, I ended up working as a debt collector for social services, which was absolutely hellish. That focused my mind somewhat, and I applied for a number of jobs in book publishers, eventually being successful in getting the role of Publishing Assistant at my present company, which I performed for a year. I then applied for and was successful in getting my current role when the magazine expanded its staff base in early 2006.
What skills have you come to rely on the most in your job?
There's really two strands: firstly, being able to deal with people. A major part of the job is making and cultivating contacts. When a large proportion of these are high-level businesspeople, you have to be able to present yourself as credible, so a degree of professional knowledge is useful. Secondly, the production element of the magazine requires you to be accurate, fast, able to write and edit effectively and also have a basic concept of good design. Grace under pressure, and the ability to stand your ground when you believe an editorial decision is correct are also essential!
If you had to pick one positive and one negative aspect of your job what would they be?
Positive - it's incredibly stimulating mentally, as you're constantly dealing with a wide range of issues and subjects. It's very rewarding being able to wave copies of the magazine around when it’s printed and say "I made that"!
Negative – you have to be very careful to sustain a work-life balance: it's far too easy for the intensity of the job to disrupt that, and end up ‘always on duty’. Make sure you keep time for yourself.
Where would you like your work to take you?
I'm increasingly interested in online content, especially with the development of mobile internet, web 2.0 and video content. I'd also like to increase the range of content generation, so more freelancing – within business journalism and without. And, of course, I intend to edit my own magazine at some point.
Is there any advice you would give students hoping to pursue a career in this field?
Get some work experience. I got turned away from a huge number of assistant-level jobs because I had no relevant experience. I ended up taking a week off work and spending it with a small fiction publisher in Bridgend called Seren Books. That was an absolutely invaluable experience, and I got the next publishing job I applied for. If I hadn't done that, I'd probably still be knocking on doors asking pensioners for money, and not doing a job I love now.
