The OSPL Summer Business Scheme
jump to: Intro, What is OSPL?, What will I be doing?, FAQs, Apply
Oxford Student Publications Limited's Summer Business Scheme is the perfect way to develop your business, team-working, and communication skills during the long vac. Over the course of 4 weeks, you'll work with our team of managing directors, chairs, and business executives to develop and implement a working business strategy.
The scheme has real-world implications for the continued operation of OSPL and its publications. Our business team is vital in generating the income we need, so we can bring our publications to as many Oxford students as possible throughout the year.
What is OSPL?
Oxford Student Publications Limited (OSPL) is the UK's oldest publishing house run entirely by students. We were founded in 1961, and list Lord Heseltine and Rupert Murdoch among our alumni.
At the University of Oxford, we publish five publications: Cherwell, the Isis Magazine, the Oxford Scientist, Industry, and Phaser.
We operate as a board of directors, a business team, and the editorial teams of each of our publications.
Our business team plays a vital role generating the income we rely on to bring our publications to as many Oxford students as possible throughout the year.
What will I be doing?
The coronavirus pandemic has created a challenging business environment over the course of the past year. However, it has also presented an opportunity for OSPL to re-evaluate and re-develop its business strategy, and have allowed us to think creatively about our revenue streams and business strategy.
As a business manager on our Summer Scheme, you will be trained by our business executives on reaching out to our advertising partners and securing print advertisements for our editions.
In addition, with a team of other business managers, you can select a new aspect of our business strategy to develop, plan, and implement. These areas range from merchandising our brands, to event planning and subscriptions.
Throughout the scheme you will be supported and guided by our team of business executives, managing directors, and the board of directors of OSPL.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the summer scheme last?
The summer scheme lasts four weeks.
How many hours per week am I expected to work?
We expect that business managers commit approximately 10-15 hours a week to the scheme. A significant amount of this time will be flexible, so that you can fit the scheme around any other commitments.
Do I need any experience to participate in the scheme?
As an organisation, we are passionate about helping students develop their skills and gain valuable experience. All we ask is for enthusiasm, an interest in learning about business strategy and sales, and a willingness to be a team player!
How will my time be spent?
We expect to provide 2-3 hours of training in the first week. Following this, your time will be split between developing a business strategy alongside our board of directors, creating a strategy in your business subgroup team, pursuing advertising and subscription leads, and developing your chosen business area.
When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is the 30th June (Wednesday of 10th) at 8pm
When is the scheme?
The scheme runs for four weeks from the 5th July