Karen supports instructors throughout the United Kingdom

Contact Karen:

Email : karen.mcwhirter@cambridge.org

Mobile : +44 (0)7908798958

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you ended up in the world of sales?

As a student of Librarianship I worked part time at John Smiths Bookshop in Glasgow which gave me publisher contacts. When  my job as Librarian was more paperwork than I like I realized I was a people person and applied for sales rep jobs in publishing to combine my passions. First job was with Elsevier great corporate experience.

What excites you the most about working with Higher Ed institutions as a sales rep?

The atmosphere of being on campus and visiting academics and finding out about their needs and feedback is invaluable and very rewarding.

Can you share a memorable story or experience from working with Higher Ed institutions?

In my last job I found a new author for one of our big textbooks. It was an academic how was an major adopter and had never written a textbook before and I encourage and liaised with them to get the new edition published. It was a big success and I still have a copy of the book on my bookshelf to remind me of my achievement.

What have you noticed about the unique needs and challenges of educators over the time you have been a sales rep?

Academics are time poor so anything publishers can provide to help with this is incredibly valuable to them especially if it is a good match for their course.

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the education industry to better serve your Higher Education institutions?

I use BBC website and The Times and the Guardian who cover up-to-date news. I also Use The Tab which has a university feature so you can click on any university on my territory to find out what is happening.

What do you enjoy most about being a sales rep and working with educators in Higher Ed?

As I mentioned I love being on campus and meeting academics. Although the job is sales a lot of it is swapping information which is mutually beneficial for students, academics and publishers.

Can you share a funny or memorable moment you’ve had while on the road meeting with professors in Higher Ed?

I attended a display in a bookshop on campus with other academic publishers and the OUP rep and I shared a table. We folded our tablecloths over our half of the table and set up our books. It was a solidarity moment and we are still friends and stay in touch. It is great to get competitor experiences.

How do you unwind and relax after a busy day of sales meetings and calls?

I love a boxset it’s a great way to shift my mind away from work. My favorite genre are detective series.

What’s your favorite travel destination or city that you’ve visited for work, and why?

Dublin is amazing Trinity College Dublin has an incredible sense of history just wandering about on campus is a special experience and people are incredibly friendly. This is followed closely by Manchester. The students part of the city has a great vibe lots of amazing affordable  food outlets.

If you could have any superpower to help you in your sales role, what would it be and why?

Teleporting would be an amazing power to get you to campus without travelling think of time and energy you would save.

What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to snacks or treats during a long day of meetings?

First thing I do after a day on campus if I’m staying away is buy milk and have cup of tea in my hotel room and I don’t waste my calories on biscuits it has to be chocolate to accompany the tea.

Can you share a hobby or interest outside of work that helps you recharge after work?

I do Zumba and Line Dancing love the company and exercise.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about pursuing a career in publishing or sales, what would it be?

Publishing is fascinating so pick a job that reflects your personality people person be in sales, and also if you don’t get  your first choice of job take any in publishing to get experience and network to get to where you want to be.

What’s Next?

1. Sign up for Cambridge Alerts and stay up-to-date on the latest releases
2. Meet the rest of the Cambridge Aspire sales team
3. Contact your sales representative to learn about new textbooks and how we can support your teaching