What's it like to work here?

There are many ways to find out about Blackwell Publishing as a company but how do you find out what it's like to work here? We invited all our employees to tell us what they liked most about working at Blackwell Publishing. We received a huge response - hopefully the small selection of quotes below will provide a flavour of what it's really like to work here!

Janine, Journal Production Manager in the Medical Division based in Edinburgh.
Janine joined Blackwell Publishing in November 1994 as a Production Assistant.

"I like the people, and the training available. I also like the fact that there is scope to progress. In the last 12 years I have been Production Assistant; a Production Editor; a Team Leader; the Medical Journal Production Deputy Manager and now the Medical Journal Production Manager. I also worked part time for 4 years, so have had a lot of variety in my hours and responsibilities in the time I have worked here."

Martin, Journals Publishing Manager in Professional Division based in Oxford.
Martin joined Blackwell Publishing as a Team Leader in our Medical Journal Production Department in March 2003.

"I'm working in a healthy, respectful environment with some great people on products that have genuine value."

Gemma, Production Controller based in Oxford.
Gemma joined Blackwell Publishing as an Assistant Management Accountant in October 2002.

"The people, the benefits, the surroundings and the culture."

Anthony, Project Support Specialist in our Technology Department based in Oxford.
Anthony joined Blackwell Publishing as a Helpdesk Specialist in August 2003.

"It's a friendly working environment. In my role/department, I particularly value the focus on training and skills development and the fact that I'm encouraged to think independently, given time to develop ideas and learn technologies across a wide spectrum, often outside my specific job role."

Jon, Professional Publishing Director in our Professional Editorial Division based in Oxford.
Jon joined Blackwell Publishing as a Deputy Director in Professional in June 1998.

"Everyone's opinion is always taken seriously, and our destiny is in our own hands."

Paul, Group Production Manager in our Central Purchasing Department based in Oxford.
Paul joined Blackwell Publishing as a Production Assistant in October 1986.

"Blackwell Publishing has always been a company that maintains a clear direction and has impressive business goals. It is well respected for it's successes in the publishing world and likewise respects it's employees who are part of that achievement. The team approach, culture, and objective setting for staff ensure the company continues to deliver high results year on year."

Edward, Journal Production Director based in Oxford.
Edward joined Blackwell Publishing as a Production Editor in June 1979.

"I like the fact that the Company is committed to giving excellent service to our clients and customers. We have a high-quality product that contributes to the spread of ideas throughout the world. We support initiatives to make our content available in less developed parts of the world. We have a track record of commercial success, while as a private company we are in control of our own destiny. One of our important core values is respect for all people working in the organisation, at whatever level."

Jessica, List Marketing Manager in Academic Journals Marketing based in Oxford.
Jessica joined Blackwell Publishing in September 2004.

"Blackwell is the fourth organisation in which I have worked and never before have I experienced such a calm, positive, thoughtful, friendly and respectful culture. All employees are valued on an equal basis no matter what role they perform, or in which department."

Janet, Director of Finance Commercial based in Oxford.
Janet joined Blackwell Publishing as a Finance and Commercial Controller in May 2001.

"There are so many things.. the office environment; benefits; security in terms of the profitability of the company; the importance of the industry with it's role in the communication of knowledge. However, most importantly for me, it's the attitude of the people who work here: professional, committed and passionate about what they do as well as being very human too"

Lesley, Senior Postroom Administrator in the Office Services Department based in Oxford.
Lesley joined Blackwell Publishing as a Temporary Receptionist.

"I came to Blackwells as a temp in March 2001 and immediately thought this is the company for me. Everyone was so friendly and helpful it was like a breath of fresh air. It's great being part of the Office Services team and having such superb working conditions. I just wish I had found this company earlier in my working life."

Vanessa, Compass Publisher based in Oxford.
Vanessa joined Blackwell Publishing as a Journals Editor in June 1999.

"While there is a strong emphasis on financial return, this does not strangle innovation. Having worked for a university press in my previous job, I feel that Blackwell in some ways has a healthier balance of profit motive and service to the academic community, certainly more so than our commercial competitors."

Caroline, Senior Production Editor, Science Journal Production based in Edinburgh.
Caroline joined Blackwell Publishing as a Production Assistant in March 1999.

"We work in a very supportive environment and the training and development programmes on offer are really amazing. The people I work with are extremely friendly and welcoming, and I think this is a reason why so many of us enjoy working here. There is real opportunity to progress within the company and to take on many diverse and challenging roles. There have been many changes introduced in the last six years but it provides us with the chance to learn as much as possible and to evolve with the job. The numerous benefit schemes in place ensure that staff are looked after which in turn makes them feel really appreciated."

Annie, PA in the Professional Editorial Division based in Oxford.
Annie joined Blackwell Publishing as an Editorial Assistant in January 1995.

"It's cosmopolitan environment, and equal opportunities for staff to further their careers within the company's global network."

Ally, Head of Academic & Science Books Production based in Oxford.
Ally joined Blackwell Publishing as a Editorial Services Controller in June 1994.

"Open communication channels, with a real effort to share strategic decisions and feedback on company performance with staff at all levels. The fact that all staff are encouraged to have an input to the way we operate, in their team and department meetings and objectives sessions, through the Staff Consultative Committee and elsewhere."

Leanne, Renewals Controller - Subscriptions Specialist based in Oxford.
Leanne joined Blackwell Publishing in August 2003 as Agency Services Advisor.

"Since joining Blackwells I have noticed a strong commitment to improving the business environment for the benefit of the business, staff morale and customer service. Nowhere else have I experienced so much positive change and been asked and respected for my own opinions."

Sarah, Associate Journal Publishing Manager in Academic and Science Journals Editorial.
Sarah joined Blackwell Publishing as an Editorial Assistant in October 2002.

"It's difficult to explain in a nice quotable sentence, but I like the team spirit and feeling that I am valued within my team. Within that structure I am encouraged to work independently, to develop in my role and take on more responsibility but I am well supported. I feel that I am judged by the results of my work and not on face 'time'."