Work experience

How do I apply for work experience?

Glad you asked.

We have quarterly application windows for work experience. Applications for placements between July-September will open in late April. You’ll be able to apply through the work experience portal.

For more news on work experience and to find out when the next application window will open, follow us on Twitter and Facebook

We’re firm believers that everyone should have an equal opportunity to do work experience with us. Because of this, we have a random selection process. The only things that will influence your application are when you’re available and which department you’d like to join. We pay everyone doing a work experience placement with us the National Living Wage.

As much as we’d like to, high demand means we’re unable to offer everyone a place. If you’re successful, we’ll contact you to confirm the details. If we don’t have a place for you this time round, do keep trying.

To be eligible for a place:

• You must be over 18 at the point of placement
• You must not have carried out a work experience placement with us, in any department, within the last 6 months
• You must have the right to work and train in the UK. It is your responsibility to check whether this is the case and we’re afraid that we’re unable to sponsor applicants for work experience

How does it work?

Whether you’ve always known you want to work with books, or simply want to dip your toe in the water, here’s what to expect from work experience at Penguin Random House:

• A two-week placement within one of our departments: Editorial, Sales, Marketing and Publicity.
• You’ll be paid National Living Wage. Even though you’ll be paid, there’s no employment contract or selection process like a CV or interview as we see work experience as a learning experience, not a job.
• If you’re offered a place and are travelling from afar, or need some help finding affordable accommodation in London, we might be able to help. In partnership with The Book Trade Charity, we offer subsidised accommodation. You’ll be asked if you want to opt-in for this and places are randomly selected.
• We can also recommend other affordable accommodation if needed or you can get in contact with The Spare Room Project. They match those from outside of London with publishers who can offer them a spare room during their placement.

Keep in mind, getting work experience with us isn’t a prerequisite for a job at Penguin Random House. We’re interested in a whole range of experiences – and especially, your strengths and potential.

Our story together could start here…