Publishing, media and design
Publishing, media and design are fast-paced, creative industries that play a central role in shaping how we communicate, inform and inspire our clients and target audience.
From editorial work to digital content creation, roles in this sector demand strong communication skills, adaptability and a flair for storytelling.
While formal entry routes such as postgraduate study or graduate schemes exist, many careers begin through internships, freelance work or portfolio development. For students drawn to ideas, aesthetics and impact, this sector offers a vibrant space to build meaningful and innovative careers
Whether e-book, audio book, or printed book, books are still the universal force that binds the planet; and publishers are the force that binds authors to readers, which makes publishing one of the most satisfying jobs one could wish for.
Prestel Publishing Limited
Explore opportunites and events
Explore Publishing, Media and Design events, including employer-led events, alumni panels, skills workshops, and networking sessions.
Browse current graduate roles, internships, and placements in Publishing, Media, Design and related fields.
Gain work experience
Work experience is vital in publishing, media and design, where creativity, initiative and industry insight are highly valued. Most roles are accessed through internships, freelance work or speculative applications, so building a portfolio and making early connections is key.
- Apply for internships with publishers, media outlets or design studios across the UK
- Volunteer with student publications or contribute to creative projects on campus
- Build digital skills and showcase your work through blogs, portfolios or social media
Explore more on the University of Birmingham Work Experience and Internships page.
You may be eligible to apply for work experience bursaries through The University of Birmingham. For more details visit the internship funding pages.
Further advice on work experience in publishing, media and design
We recommend the following resources:
Graduate and employer insights
Away from the Babel of the internet and new media and prior to the human races' adoption of telepathy, books are still the greatest way to impart knowledge and ideas directly from one mind to another. A book is the original portable reading device dating back almost six hundred years (longer if you count early medieval manuscripts). Whether e-book, audio book, or printed book, books are still the universal force that binds the planet; and publishers are the force that binds authors to readers, which makes publishing one of the most satisfying jobs one could wish for.
Excellent reading, writing, editing, comprehension and communication skills are as useful in publishers’ editorial as they are in marketing departments. The great thing about publishing is that there are hundreds of different publishers out there, each doing something different. There’s bound to be one just perfect for you.
When applying for jobs, research thoroughly not just what the big companies do, but look closely into the identity and tradition of the imprints within that company. If you have favourite authors, you might pretty soon end up meeting your heroes.
Prestel Publishing Limited
Many of our University of Birmingham graduates have gone on to build exciting careers in the Publishing, Media and Design sectors. Explore their stories for inspiration and consider connecting with them on LinkedIn to learn more about their journeys and professional insights.
Alice Mcfarlane
English Literature BA
Content Executive at LOOKFANTASTIC
Read Alice's Story »
Ameesha Green
English Literature and Philosophy BA
Founder her own publishing company, The Book Shelf
Read Ameesha's Story »
Useful Resources
Exploring careers in publishing, media, and design can be exciting but also overwhelming, with a wide range of creative roles and industry pathways. To support your journey, we've curated trusted resources that offer insights, job opportunities, and professional development tailored to aspiring creatives and communicators.
Membership and professional bodies