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Valerie, Consultant & Publisher at Valorena Publishing: Advize Career Interview
A winding journey from English literature at UC Berkeley to a Consultant & Publisher at Valorena Publishing, this individual's career showcases the power of adaptability and a passion for literacy.
The work involves a multifaceted approach to promoting reading and writing across cultural, health, and educational sectors, particularly through a children's book series.
Strong communication skills, coupled with an ability to identify and pursue emerging opportunities, are key to success, alongside resilience and a proactive mindset.
The publishing industry itself is described as exciting, driven by self-publishing and technology empowering diverse voices, offering opportunities even in the face of challenges like book banning.
A key lesson learned emphasizes the cyclical nature of industries and the unexpected value of undergraduate connections, highlighting the importance of embracing unforeseen paths and finding joy in the work itself.
This individual encourages students to develop strong writing and illustration skills, look for opportunities, and create their own path in this dynamic field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Valerie Williams-Sanchez
Consultant & Publisher
Valorena Publishing
University of California, Berkeley
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism - MS, St. John's University - PhD
Communications
Entrepreneur
Creative
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Consultant and Publisher at Valorena Publishing
Valerie's career path, beginning with undergraduate studies in English literature at UC Berkeley and a law library job, took a "winding, circuitous path" from aspiring lawyer to journalist. After experiences including a Deloitte translation role in Madrid and a stint at the Miami Herald, the combination of "learning to read at Cal and ... to write at Columbia" ultimately led to their current position as a Consultant & Publisher, fueled by a deep understanding of "the power of writing and reading".
Main Responsibilities of a Consultant and Publisher at Valorena Publishing
Valerie's main responsibilities involve "a three-pronged practice in literacy," encompassing cultural, health, and reading/education literacy, requiring significant writing, research, and networking to promote their "Cocoa Kids Collection Books" children's series. This multifaceted approach showcases a career deeply invested in literacy promotion across diverse areas.
Most Important Skills For A Consultant And Publisher At Valorena Publishing
Valerie, a Consultant & Publisher at Valorena Publishing, emphasizes that strong reading and writing skills are crucial, describing the process as "taking in information, synthesizing information, uh, sharing out your thought leadership and your knowledge." The increasing availability of AI tools aids in achieving more with limited time, but the core of the work remains about communication and connection with writers, clients, and relevant communities.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Consultant And Publisher At Valorena Publishing
Valerie's diverse career path, including roles in tactical marketing and sales planning, unexpectedly equipped Valerie with "transferrable skills" and the "autonomy" valued in current role as Consultant & Publisher. This journey allowed Valerie to "establish [their] voice" and confidently contribute, a significant source of satisfaction.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Consultant And Publisher At Valorena Publishing
Valerie's greatest challenge as a Consultant & Publisher at Valorena Publishing is "keeping my finger on the pulse of opportunity," requiring constant adaptation to shifting themes, political landscapes, and emerging opportunities. This necessitates proactively identifying and pursuing new avenues for success, a testament to the autonomy and responsibility inherent in their role.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Book Publishing Industry As A Consultant And Publisher
Valerie, a Consultant & Publisher at Valorena Publishing, finds the current publishing landscape "really exciting," particularly the rise of self-publishing and technology empowering diverse voices to share their stories; this allows for increased transparency and awareness of varied experiences, despite challenges like book banning. Valerie's work in health, children's literature, and cultural literacy sectors contributes to this exciting evolution, making it an "interesting ride" to observe the industry's trajectory.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Publishing Industry, According To A Consultant And Publisher At Valorena Publishing
Valerie, a Consultant & Publisher at Valorena Publishing, identifies "those who think outside of the box" and possess strong "project producing" skills, including "finding the dollars, finding the interest, finding the opportunities," as thriving in the publishing industry. Resilience is also key, as "the most resilient in the bunch...will always thrive and will always rise to the top."
What A Consultant And Publisher At Valorena Publishing Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Publishing Industry
Valerie, a Consultant & Publisher at Valorena Publishing, learned that significant wealth isn't guaranteed in the industry, comparing it to "wanting to be a pro athlete," where passion and finding joy in the work are key to success. The journey, however, has been enjoyable despite the odds.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Consultants And Publishers
Valerie, a consultant and publisher specializing in children's picture books, notes that entry-level publishing opportunities are limited in traditional publishing but abundant in self-publishing, where one can "set your own course" and develop necessary skills like writing or illustration. The most insightful advice given is to "perfect your art" or writing, "look for opportunity," and "create your own path" by leveraging platforms like blogs and social media.
Significant Career Lesson From a Consultant and Publisher at Valorena Publishing
Valerie's significant career lesson centers on the cyclical nature of industries, noting that "things come back in unexpected ways," as seen with the enduring relevance of the written word despite technological advancements. This realization emphasizes the importance of continuous adaptation, innovation, and a proactive approach to evolving skills and opportunities throughout one's career.
College Experiences That Helped a Consultant and Publisher at Valorena Publishing Succeed
Valerie, a Consultant & Publisher, emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of nurturing undergraduate friendships, stating that "at least one in five will end up doing something extraordinary," and suggests that strong relationships are invaluable, not just for personal well-being but also for career success and a sense of community. While academic success is important ("doing well in school, pursuing goals, being diligent"), the lasting value of university connections is a key takeaway from their experience.
Consultant and Publisher Career Advice for Social Science Majors
Valerie, a humanities major turned consultant and publisher, advises social science students to "find something that you enjoy, um, and trust the universe," highlighting the unexpected career paths that can emerge from open-mindedness and embracing opportunities. Their experience shows that even seemingly insignificant experiences can become invaluable assets later in a career, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey rather than solely focusing on immediate outcomes.
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