Kate Parrinder, Senior Editor
Why did you join OPP®?
After I finished my Masters degree, I decided I wanted a job in publishing. My degree was in Translation Studies but I had worked on an academic journal of translation during my time at university, selecting and editing papers submitted to the journal. When the job at OPP® came along, it seemed like a perfect combination in relation to my interests, as the team does a lot of work on translations as well as editing and project managing publications in English.
What does your role involve?
The great thing about the project editor role is that the work is so varied. In any one week, I might be working on a conventional book, a training course with all of its components, a website, a Marketing flyer and a questionnaire – and all of this in up to 20 languages! The type of work is also very varied, and I enjoy being involved in creating a product from the initial idea (working closely with authors on developing the idea), right through to the final product (different levels of editing, managing the production process and checking proofs). This allows me to be a bit creative whilst exercising my desire for perfection!
What do you love about working for OPP?
I like the fact that OPP's culture is rather nurturing, ensuring that you have the scope to develop in your role, whilst respecting you as an individual with a life outside work. The atmosphere is at once friendly and intellectually curious, meaning that people work with integrity, and care about behaving in an ethical way. In addition, I work in a fantastic, supportive and fun team, which makes coming to work a pleasure.
What's the best thing about your job?
My favourite part of the job is working with a wide range of authors, experts and project team members from around the company, and collaborating with them to see something transformed from a vague idea into a well thought out product. I find the opportunity to be involved in the shaping and honing of the text very satisfying, and pride myself in acting as a representative for the final readers and audience for our products.
What development opportunities have you had?
OPP have invested in my development in order to make me an expert in its product range and in how to convey those products most effectively to its market. I am now a qualified practitioner of the company's flagship personality instruments, and this allows me to work on our publications and with our internal authors in a really informed way. In addition, because this was my first role in publishing, I received some formal editorial training that has stood me in good stead for working closely on content with other professionals. Most of all, I have learnt an enormous amount about publishing, project management and being a valued team member with the support of my colleagues. |