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Jen, Partnership Manager at Island Press: Advize Career Interview
A career path fueled by a passion for climate change and a sociology degree led to a unique and fulfilling role as a Partnership Manager at Island Press.
This position involves connecting authors with organizations, organizing events, and securing funding—a behind-the-scenes job crucial for successful collaborations.
The work requires excellent communication, a skill honed through years of writing and a deep understanding of the publishing industry's multifaceted nature.
A significant challenge is time management, but the opportunity to learn about diverse environmental topics and work with passionate experts makes it incredibly rewarding.
Island Press offers paid internships in editorial, marketing, and production, highlighting the importance of fair compensation.
The interviewee’s journey showcases the value of following one's interests, mastering communication skills, and utilizing creative strategies for productivity—all essential for success in a dynamic and impactful career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jen Hawse
Partnership Manager
Island Press
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Nonprofit
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
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Career Path Of A Partnership Manager At Island Press
Jen's career path, beginning with a sociology degree at UMBC and fueled by a passion for climate change, followed a winding but ultimately fulfilling trajectory. From unpaid internships at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and a stint as a farmer in Indiana ("I learned that I love the food that we eat and organic food, but it is a really hard job to be a farmer"), the experiences led to a partnership manager position at Island Press, a role they've held for six and a half years.
Main Responsibilities Of A Partnership Manager At Island Press
Jen's role as Partnership Manager at Island Press involves connecting authors with organizations to utilize their expertise, a unique position not commonly found elsewhere; this includes "herding cats and networking," organizing events and social media campaigns, and securing book purchases to support both the authors and organizations, all while relying on grant funding for the program's continued existence.
A Day In The Life Of A Partnership Manager At Island Press
A Partnership Manager's day involves "a lot of emails and meetings," focused on connecting people and ensuring projects run smoothly; the role is largely behind-the-scenes, providing support to busy professionals so they can "press the easy button" on collaborations, a testament to the value of this career function.
Most Important Skills For A Partnership Manager At Island Press
Jen, a Partnership Manager at Island Press, emphasizes excellent communication as the most crucial skill, noting the need to be "direct, clear, friendly, and tactful" to build relationships and make others feel valued; this involves "cheerleading for climate change" and showcasing the value of collaborations to foster ongoing engagement.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Partnership Manager At Island Press
Jen, a Partnership Manager at Island Press, most enjoys the diverse learning opportunities her role provides, stating that she gets to learn about "all different kinds of topics" related to environmental solutions, from water desalination to activist victories. This allows Jen to connect with and learn from passionate experts, describing the experience of "meeting these people who are so passionate about saving the planet" as the best part of the job.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Partnership Manager at Island Press
Jen's biggest challenge as a Partnership Manager at Island Press is insufficient time to manage the significantly grown program, leading to feelings of guilt about not giving enough attention to important aspects of the work. This lack of time prevents the kind of in-depth research Jen previously enjoyed, exemplified by their statement, "I don't have the time to give to the topics that I feel like really deserve that."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Environmental Publishing Industry as a Partnership Manager
Jen's career combines two passions: environmental sustainability ("I'm an activist by heart") and book publishing, a field she finds deeply rewarding for its process, people ("so dedicated to publishing"), and the enduring significance of books in a digital age. The tangible nature of books and the unique contribution of the publishing industry are particularly appealing aspects of this dual career path.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Book Publishing Industry, According To A Partnership Manager At Island Press
Jen, a Partnership Manager at Island Press, highlights the diverse skill sets needed in book publishing, noting editors require "incredible detail-oriented skills" and the ability to "create a clear voice," while production demands "impeccable" attention to detail and knowledge of formatting specifics. Marketing, meanwhile, necessitates understanding current trends and effectively reaching target audiences, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of careers in the industry.
What a Partnership Manager at Island Press Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Publishing Industry
Jen, a Partnership Manager at Island Press, learned that "people who want to write books and people who should write books are not always the same," a crucial distinction impacting author acquisition. Managing author egos and differing expectations is also a significant, and often challenging, aspect of the role.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Interns at Island Press
Island Press offers paid internships in editorial, marketing, and production, a shift from previous unpaid opportunities; Jen notes that "free labor is not equitable," highlighting the importance of fair compensation and limiting internship availability as a result of this change in policy.
Significant Career Lesson From a Partnership Manager at Island Press
Jen, a Partnership Manager at Island Press, combats a tendency towards distraction—"I like the shiny new thing"—by strategically organizing her inbox to prioritize oldest unread emails first. This clever method tricks her brain into focusing on tasks, thus improving attention and productivity.
College Experiences That Helped a Partnership Manager at Island Press Succeed
Jen's undergraduate sociology degree, with a gender studies focus, unexpectedly equipped them with strong communication skills honed through "a lot of essays and papers," proving valuable in their career. The most crucial factor in their success, however, was following their own interests and pursuing studies that genuinely engaged them, proving that "listening to myself" was key to their career trajectory.
How Identity Has Influenced a Partnership Manager's Career at Island Press
Jen's career as a Partnership Manager involves bridging the gap between individuals with "hard skills" and a wider audience, often requiring interpretation and communication support for predominantly older white male leaders in environmental organizations. This role leverages their skills in "soft communications and networking," highlighting how their identity as a woman has shaped their approach to facilitating these crucial collaborations.
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