At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse cultural trends and support marketing strategies for classic literature.
- Company: Join Penguin Classics, the largest English-language library of classic books.
- Benefits: Paid internship at London living wage with hands-on experience in marketing.
- Why this job: Combine your love for classics with digital marketing in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 and from a lower socio-economic background.
- Other info: Full-time hybrid role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 1300 - 1500 ÂŁ per month.
Do you notice shifts in culture and design? Are you fascinated by how classics find new readers eg. on TikTok? If you combine an appreciation for classic publishing with digital curiosity, this could be the role for you.
About the team and projects you’ll work on:
Penguin Press is home to world‑renowned non‑fiction and the iconic Penguin Classics list. Penguin Classics is the largest English‑language library of classic books in the world. With over 2,000 books in print—ranging from The Odyssey to The Tale of Genji—Penguin publishes a diverse range of English‑language and translated titles into our Penguin Modern Classics and Penguin Black‑spine Classics each year. Recent additions include authors such as Tove Ditlevsen, Wang Xiaobo and Brigitte Reimann. In addition to core publishing, the imprint offers considered series such as Clothbound Classics, Great Ideas and the Penguin Archive.
You’ll work on a back‑list titles project, monitoring fast‑moving classics experiencing online resurgence and analysing what’s driving sales momentum. You’ll support Amazon strategy, oversee storefront updates and assist with brand partnerships and activations. You’ll collaborate with designers, digital teams and marketing colleagues, gaining exposure to audience insight, advertising and retail strategy. The role offers hands‑on experience in positioning classic titles within modern online ecosystems.
Knowledge and skills you’ll gain:
- Retail marketing
- Amazon optimisation
- Audience insight
- Brand partnerships
- Design briefing
- Cultural trend analysis
- Digital advertising awareness
- Cross‑team collaboration
About our Summer Internship:
This role is part of our summer internship programme at Penguin Random House UK. Please note that our summer internship is a positive action training programme, aimed at bringing new voices into the business. As a result, we will only be accepting applications from candidates who identify as coming from a lower socio‑economic background. You can find more information about this eligibility criteria on our careers site or in the application form. You must also be over the age of 18 and have the existing right to work in the UK in order to apply for this internship role. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas as the summer internship does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship.
Applications close on Sunday 29th March at 23:59. Our summer interns are paid the London living wage. Summer interns will be expected to join us in the business for 8 weeks from Monday 6th July 2026. Please note that this is a full‑time hybrid position. You will be working from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. You will be expected to be in person in our London office for at least 2 days per week.
Penguin Classics Marketing Intern employer: Penguin Books UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Books UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Penguin Classics Marketing Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its culture! Dive into Penguin Classics' social media, read their latest blog posts, and check out their marketing campaigns. This will help us tailor our conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns and employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for us. Building connections can open doors we didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to marketing and digital trends. We should also think of examples from our own experiences that showcase our skills and passion for classic literature. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows that we’re serious about joining the Penguin Classics team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Penguin Classics Marketing Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Classics: When writing your application, let your love for classic literature shine through! Share what classics mean to you and how they connect with modern culture. We want to see your enthusiasm for the Penguin Classics list!
Be Digital Savvy: Since this role involves understanding digital trends, mention any experience you have with social media or online marketing. If you've noticed how classics are being shared on platforms like TikTok, tell us about it! We’re keen to see your digital curiosity.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific internship. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to show us why they’re a great fit for this role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Books UK
✨Know Your Classics
Brush up on your knowledge of classic literature, especially the titles published by Penguin Classics. Be ready to discuss how these books resonate with modern audiences and any recent trends you've noticed, like their presence on social media platforms such as TikTok.
✨Show Your Digital Savvy
Since this role involves digital marketing, demonstrate your understanding of online platforms and how they can be leveraged for book promotion. Share examples of successful campaigns or trends you've observed that could apply to classic titles.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration
This internship will require you to work closely with various teams. Think about past experiences where you've collaborated effectively, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to cross-team projects at Penguin.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the current projects the team is working on or how they measure the success of their marketing strategies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.