A journey of growth: My internship at Scottish Universities Press

Emmanuel Omeiza Momoh is a Commonwealth Shared Scholar from Nigeria, pursuing an MLitt Publishing Studies degree at the University of Stirling. Emmanuel recently completed a 10-week work placement with Scottish Universities Press (SUP). In this blog post, Emmanuel talks about the tasks he undertook, the skills he developed and key takeaways for his future career in publishing.

Emmanuel: Embarking on an internship at Scottish Universities Press (SUP) was a transformative journey that not only honed my professional skills but also enriched my understanding of the publishing industry. Though I worked remotely, SUP’s work environment was a blend of creativity and collaboration. My supervisors were not just experts in their fields but also mentors who were eager to share their knowledge and guide me through the intricacies of publishing. This supportive environment made it easy to ask questions and seek advice, ensuring that I could make the most of my internship.

During my time at SUP, I was entrusted with a variety of tasks that significantly developed my expertise. One of my primary responsibilities was identifying potential reviewers for book proposals. This involved researching academics and professionals in the field, ensuring they were suitable candidates to provide valuable feedback on the submissions. This task taught me the importance of thorough research and networking, skills that are essential in the publishing industry.

Another key aspect of my internship was reading and evaluating book proposals to determine which ones were worth considering for publication. This required a keen eye for detail and the ability to critically assess the quality and relevance of the content. I quickly learned how to identify strong proposals and provide constructive feedback, which is invaluable in the editorial process.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks I undertook was conducting a website audit. This was my first experience doing such work, and it involved reviewing the SUP website to identify areas for improvement in terms of user experience, content accuracy, and overall design. This task helped me develop my analytical skills and understand the importance of a well-maintained online presence in the publishing industry. The insights gained from this audit were instrumental in making recommendations that enhanced the website's functionality and appeal.

Attending executive meetings was another highlight of my internship. These meetings provided me with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the strategic decision-making processes at SUP. At the Editorial Board meeting, for example, I observed how members discussed upcoming projects, made decisions on book proposals and discussed content strategy. This experience was invaluable as it gave me a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in running a successful publishing house and the importance of effective leadership and communication.

Considering my background in librarianship and my current pursuit of a master's in publishing studies, this internship was particularly worthwhile. It allowed me to apply my existing knowledge while gaining new skills that are directly relevant to my career aspirations. The combination of my academic background and the practical experience I gained at SUP has provided me with a solid foundation for future success in the publishing industry.

A special thanks to the wonderful staff members, including Paul, the commissioning editor, Dominique, and Gillian, whom I had the privilege of meeting in-person, as well as other Editorial and Management Board members.

Looking ahead, I am confident that the expertise I gained during my remote internship at SUP will be instrumental in my professional journey. The ability to critically evaluate content, manage work packages independently, and collaborate effectively are skills that will serve me well in any role within the publishing industry. Moreover, the experience has ignited a passion that I am eager to pursue further and make meaningful contributions to the world of publishing.

Thanks to Emmanuel for his kind words. Everyone at SUP really enjoyed working with Emmanuel and we are sure he has a bright future ahead of him!