Career planning for Publishing & Journalism postgrads at Brookes

The Oxford Centre for Publishing and Journalism postgraduate careers event was held on Friday 27th March 2026. This was an invaluable opportunity for students on our Master’s in Publishing Media and Master’s in Journalism courses to meet past students who have been in their position, to network with industry professionals, and to start planning ahead for their next steps.

The day began with alumni / industry panels for each MA course, featuring graduates from recent years and covering a range of roles and sectors across Publishing and Journalism:

Working in Publishing panel:

• Victoria Albacete - Associate Publisher, Medicine at OUP (MA 2022-23)

• Daniela Santacruz Hernandez - Editorial Assistant, Books at Taylor & Francis (MA 2023-24)

• Grace Gilbert - Editorial Assistant at Penguin Audio (MA 2023-24)

• Taniya Batra - Rights Executive at Quadrille (MA 2021-22)

Working in Journalism panel:

• Hamish Graham - Senior Reporter at Harpers Wine & Spirit (MA 2023-24)

• Tom Cockburn - Reporter for The Westmorland Gazette (MA 2024-25)

• Sina Schaefer - Social Content Lead at Brentford Football Club (MA 2021-22)

• Victoria Walton - Senior Political Editor at the BBC

Both panels shared fantastic insights and words of encouragement for our current cohorts, from advice on applications and interviews to observations on how they benefited at the start of their career journeys from the opportunities and teaching offered at Brookes.

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The event’s keynote speech was given by Ally Oliver, an award-winning magazine professional, editor, and writer with 20 years’ experience in international media and a distinguished career in print media. Tracing her career from her first role as an editorial assistant on a magazine to roles across national consumer brands, retail, financial services, education and travel, Oliver noted the many unexpected pivots she has made along the way and reminded students that flexibility and open-mindedness remain key to working in the creative industries today.

Reflecting on her experience on LinkedIn, Ally noted:

“Media has always rewarded people who stay curious, pay attention to what’s coming next, and are willing to adapt. [...] The students I met were engaged, thoughtful, and right on the brink of their next chapter – they’ll be absolutely fine. Do brave things, and enjoy the pivot challenge – it certainly keeps things interesting!”

The day concluded with a hands-on careers workshop, supported by Brookes’ Careers Service, in which students worked on their CVs, reviewed how to build their personal brand and portfolio with Programme Director Alexandra Shakespeare, and received advice on preparing for job applications.

Want to be involved in our next Careers day? Get in touch.