About JIST

JIST Publishing, a division of EMC Corporation, is the leading publisher of award-winning materials on job search, career exploration, occupational information, life skills, and character education. For more than 25 years, JIST has developed outstanding, self-directed products that help people help themselves.

JIST History

JIST was founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the autumn of 1981 by Michael Farr. The original plan for the company was to be a career planning and job search training program that assisted clients from human service agencies. Barely surviving on short-term government contracts for their training programs, JIST decided to develop a materials catalog that distributed job search products developed by other companies. The need for these types of products became obvious after 50 percent of the company’s income came from the materials they sold.

Realizing their job search methods were unique and superior to many training programs, JIST decided to develop its own materials for their catalog. As a result, JIST became a publishing company in 1986. The following year, JIST released its first book, Getting the Job You Really Want, and video, 7 Phases of a Job Interview. That same year, JIST increased catalog mailings, held a national conference, developed a distributor network, and increased its trainings. By the early 1990s, JIST had become a leader in the career and job search field.

Over the next decade, JIST staffers recognized the growing need for useful career materials in different settings. They expanded their product line to include textbooks, assessments, references, and trade. Their self-directed products and training tools are used in employment training, education, business, counseling, and school settings. You can also find JIST materials in libraries and your local bookstores. 

In February 2007, JIST was acquired by EMC/Paradigm Publishing, an independent educational publisher. JIST’s successful career education products and positive reputation complemented EMC/Paradigm’s existing product lines. With more than 50 years’ experience in developing outstanding educational products, EMC/Paradigm’s strong publishing platform and distribution channels will allow JIST to continue to grow and expand into new products and markets.