Hachette's intern programmes help break down age barriers in publishing

Hachette UK runs a number of intern programmes, and in 2022 Orion, part of Hachette, set up one specifically for those returning to work, or looking for a career change. The aim was to attract older people into publishing at entry level, by giving them the opportunity to learn about the business from the ground up.

 

 

Claire Boyle, Executive Assistant, who organised the scheme, says:

‘Aligning to Orion’s core value of ‘Every Voice is Heard’ in 2020 we established our virtual internship, with the aim to break down barriers into publishing. Directly tackling and encouraging the belief that publishing is for everyone we targeted our placements in 2022 to career change or return to work. We launched in February of 2022 with a webinar panel of staff who had moved into publishing from different industries and 1,200 applications were read by staff across Orion. We interviewed many inspiring people including postal workers, carers, teachers, courtroom assistants, and software engineers, and hosted ten placements to people who had previously worked across these sectors and more. We have provided access to an industry people never believed was for them and it has opened Orion up to different perspectives from under-represented readers.

 

And one of the interns, Lucy Bilton, says:

‘At the age of 40, I am returning to the workplace after 6 years spent raising my children and am embarking on a complete career change from criminal law. Just finding out about this scheme’s existence was hugely energising,  All the factors I had felt would disqualify me (age, location and situation) were the exact characteristics which were being actively sought for this internship. From the very first webinar before the application, it was clear that Orion saw the value in experience and age, recognising that the industry was a 'young' one and that having older people choosing to enter the business would be a positive thing. The application process took place over a number of months and importantly during this time, I felt encouraged like never before to begin putting out other feelers for publishing roles.

 

Lucy Bilton

 

‘My hitherto unrealised desire to somehow move into publishing is around 20 years old and over this time I have accrued a wealth of professional and real-world experience in other fields. Like many people returning to work outside the home after an extended period, I am now in a position where I am able and very willing to start at entry level. I really appreciate that Orion has recognised this and is open to providing opportunities for experienced people who are brand new to this industry.

‘My experience of this internship has been wholly positive. I have been given huge amounts of exposure to the business by colleagues who have been unfailingly generous with their time. Interactions have never felt rushed or tokenistic. I have been given meaningful tasks which, I hope, have successfully revealed my transferable skills – including some I had forgotten I possessed! Crucially, I now feel that there is a place for me in this industry. This scheme, together with the work of the AgeWise network has provided me with optimism for what I can achieve looking ahead to the next stage in my working life.’ 

 

Applications for the Orion Virtual Internship 2023 are now open.

Please see Hachette’s profile to view the current vacancies.