Lara Finan
Publishing Editor
I studied Business Studies, Physics and Chemistry at A-Level, before Business Studies at University, so the last thing I thought I'd end up in when I finished was publishing! That said, I'm not completely in the dark when it comes to science which certainly helps when you're in charge of peer-review journals.
I decided to join the Institute pretty much straight after leaving UWE. Having finished my degree I was keen to get on and start earning, so applied to a few different local employers - I love it here in Bristol, so wasn't keen to move to far. Though I'd been offered a job with a major bank, IOP Publishing won hands down - even from the interview stage, the atmosphere felt really relaxed and friendly - I could see myself soon settling in! What's more, the job itself seemed really interesting, so I started out here on a six-month contract as an Editorial Secretary.
These days I'm a Publishing Editor. It's taken several promotions and training in everything from assertiveness to the technicalities of publishing to get here, but now I am it's certainly satisfying. I manage a number of journals, and it's a great feeling when leading academics praise your publication, knowing you've gone the extra mile to get their cutting-edge work into print.