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Internships

From the Managing Editor

A note from James Lamont, FT UK Managing Editor:

Journalism is about people – they are the readers we write for, the sources we interview and the colleagues who sit beside us. In an increasingly competitive media landscape, the continued success of the FT depends on us recruiting and retaining the very best people.

Casting the net as widely as possible through our annual graduate trainee scheme, the various fellowships we offer and a growing internship programme is one way of finding the very best.

On our part, this represents a substantial commitment. We expect our current staff to give generously in terms of time and guidance to help our trainees, fellows and interns to navigate the corridors of the FT while they are here.

We give substantial, often privileged, access to the inner workings of the newspaper, the website and sometimes to non-public information.

In return, we expect enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and professional conduct. If journalism, or specifically financial journalism, turns out to be the wrong choice for you in the end, that does not matter – but you owe it both to us and to yourself to give it a fair shot.

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Editorial internships

We offer a number of short-term research internships, which offer a practical insight into the world of FT business journalism.


FT Newsroom internship

The aim of each newsroom internship is to give the applicant a practical and otherwise privileged insight into the world of FT business journalism. The programme as a whole allows candidates to work with some of the highest calibre journalists in the field on a multi-edition global publication.

This programme is designed to introduce those with good undergraduate/post-graduate level qualifications to careers in journalism by exposing them to the functioning of a 24-hour global newsroom. The Financial Times is focussed on distributing the highest quality business news and analysis and those chosen will be expected to play an active role in the paper, assisting the reporters and editors wherever necessary. Interns will attend editorial news conferences and gain experience in one of the following areas:

  • Markets
  • UK Companies
  • World
  • UK News
  • Financial Services
  • Beyondbrics
  • Industry
  • Media
  • FT Money
  • FT Reports Magazine
  • Comment & Analysis
  • FTFM

Eligibility/Requirements
Enthusiasm for journalism and specifically the FT as a product is the most important requirement for the internship. However, the selection process is competitive and most of those chosen will have had prior experience with either broadsheets or local newspapers and a good undergraduate/post-graduate level qualification.

The screening process puts a heavy emphasis on writing samples (published/unpublished) that demonstrate a clear dedication to business journalism. Successful candidates should have some financial knowledge, and have a genuine interest in business, economics and current affairs.

Important Information
Internships are open to graduates and will usually last for a period of four weeks. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. Please note that internships are on an unpaid voluntary basis, although a weekly contribution towards expenses will be provided.

Entry Details
Candidates should email 200 words summarising an FT article of their choice along with a CV, samples of their own writing in English (ideally journalistic) and a covering letter stating their availability and preferred areas of interest to: internships@ft.com

Only the applicants who are selected for final consideration are interviewed. Receipt of application will be acknowledged.

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FT video internship

The Financial Times is offering graduates the opportunity for hands-on experience working with the video team, with a focus on media management and production.

FT video reflects the full breadth of Financial Times journalism, adding sound, pictures and motion to reporting expertise.

The intern will help manage and develop the production systems specific to online video publishing. This includes researching, organising and auditing footage and assisting in the workflow to commission graphics.

Eligibility/Requirements
Candidates should have a strong interest in video news production, an awareness of media management systems and be able to work with PC computers, Apple Macs and Final Cut Pro.

Important information

Internships are open to graduates who are available for 5 days per week for a one month period.

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Please note that internships are on an unpaid voluntary basis, although a weekly contribution towards travel & lunch expenses will be provided.

Candidates should send in their CV with a covering letter outlining their interest in video production along with details of any practical experience to internships@ft.com.

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FT Weekend Magazine internship

The Financial Times is offering recent graduates the opportunity for hands-on experience working on the FT’s weekly magazine.

FT Weekend has a global reputation for the quality of its journalism. The Weekend Magazine covers the same range of subjects as the weekday FT – everything from business to politics to science to sport – but with a different approach to the stories, whether through narrative reportage, photo essays or short columns and graphics.

Interns will be expected to carry out a range of tasks, including fact-checking, proof-reading, research and some administrative work. Opportunities for writing will be encouraged alongside these duties.

Eligibility/Requirements
Candidates should have an interest in magazine journalism and good writing skills.

Important Information
Internships are open to graduates and will usually last for a period of four weeks. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. Please note that internships are on an unpaid voluntary basis, although a weekly contribution towards expenses will be provided.

Entry Details
Please send your CV, a covering letter indicating clearly when and for how long you are available to work and a writing sample in English (ideally journalistic) to:internships@ft.com.

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FT Design & Graphics internship
The FT’s design & graphics department produces award-winning page design and graphics for the daily news and feature pages, weekly sections and digital platforms. Interns gain experience in all areas of graphic design from typography and page layout to data visualisation and HTML5. We welcome applications from graduates in graphic design with Adobe CS skills and experience of HTML5 and CSS.

Important Information
Internships are open to graduates and will usually last for a period of four weeks. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. Please note that internships are on an unpaid voluntary basis, although a weekly contribution towards expenses will be provided.

Entry Details
Please send your CV and covering letter indicating clearly when you are available and for how long, with samples of your design work to: internships@ft.com.

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FT Life & Arts internship

The Life & Arts internship is now full until July 2013, please submit your applications from mid June 2013 for internships beyond this date.

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FT House & Home internship

House & home is one of the most successful and best read sections in the FT. Apart from wide-spread coverage of property markets and architecture, House & Home runs the following weekly features:

  • high profile interviews from ambassadors to authors to entrepreneurs and philanthropists
  • gardens by the eminent classicist Robin Lane Fox
  • interiors
  • and an Agony Uncle column by Sir David Tang

FT Weekend has a global reputation for the quality of its coverage of property and design, which includes lifestyle, architecture and gardens.

Interns will be expected to have a good working knowledge of the section. They will assist the House & Home editors and be part of a hard-working editorial team, carrying out a wide range of tasks, from researching a property feature to general admin and support for the House & Home editors.

Eligibility / Requirements
Candidates should have a developed interest in journalism; good communication skills; a proactive attitude and the ability to multi-task effectively.

Important Information
Internships are open to graduates and will usually last for a period of four weeks. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. Please note that internships are on an unpaid voluntary basis, although a weekly contribution towards expenses will be provided.

Entry Details
Please email your CV, a covering letter indicating clearly when and for how long you are available to work and a sample of your own writing in English (ideally journalistic) to: internships@ft.com

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FT Technology internships

In 2013 the FT has an exciting opportunity for interns to join the team in either development, testing or operations.

Whichever area you’re in, you’ll develop your skills by working on some of the most exciting products and systems in the industry, learning from experienced professionals. Internships are paid, full-time and will last 3-6 months. Successful interns may be given an extension or the opportunity to interview for a permanent position.

The positions are open to students in their final year of study or those who have recently graduated. The deadline for applications is 1 April and the role will start in June 2013. We are looking for candidates who:

  • Have a keen interest in the world of technology and digital media
  • Will thrive in a fast-paced and challenging business environment
  • Are team players with strong personal drive and interpersonal skills

Keep reading for more information and to apply.

Development internship
With the world of online media in a state of flux, we are looking for a productive individual to join our small innovation team. In this role, you will:

  • Explore and develop applications to take advantage of the many opportunities that arise
  • Enhance the rich content and functionality the FT offers to its subscribers
  • Carry out rapid prototyping to investigate and experiment with content-rich, dynamic web functionality and mobile applications

This internship requires a person with a strong IT aptitude, a reasonable grasp of Javascript and a willingness to tackle new techniques and technologies at short notice. The more languages and platforms you have exposure to already, the better. You’ll need to be able to give and receive feedback on code and approaches, and contribute to debates around requirements.

Apply now (deadline 1 April)

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Testing internship
Our Testing team are looking for an intern with the following skills:

  • Structured and analytical approach to problem solving
  • Understanding of the principles of functional software testing
  • Understanding of different test techniques and their use throughout the product development lifecycle
  • Ability to translate business requirements into testable features
  • Understanding of website architecture
  • Understanding of web technologies
  • Understanding of distributed network topologies

Apply now (deadline 1 April)

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Operations internship
Our Operations division are looking for candidates interested in developing a career in digital application, systems and/or service support. Some experience of open source technologies is preferable combined with an analytical approach to troubleshooting difficult problems.

Our digital landscape is changing rapidly and a natural thirst for knowledge is therefore essential. You will be expected to contribute new ideas and take some forward to completion while supporting the team to deliver a broad range of initiatives. Key tools and technologies: Linux, VMWare, Apache, Tomcat, Java, Gomez, Splunk, Nagios and TeamQuest.

Candidates interested in developing skills and contributing to our end user computing support teams should have a good level of general IT literacy covering desktop operating systems and mobile devices.

The role involves working with our internal customers across the business. Good communication skills and the ability to present technical information in business friendly terms are essential. A motivation to learn independently is vital.

The successful candidate will be given opportunities to work across a range of projects and support the day to day operation of our first and second line support teams. Key technologies: Windows OS, Mac OS, Google Apps, SalesForce, iOS and Android.

Apply now (deadline 1 April)

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Internship awards and fellowships

We offer a number of internships and competitive awards, with small bursaries, for aspiring journalists.

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Pearson Diversity Summer Internships

Pearson, the owner of the FT, operates a group-wide scheme aimed at UK-based students from diverse backgrounds.

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Internship experiences

This is what previous interns had to say about their experiences; to read more, visit our blog, A day in the life of an Editorial Intern.

‘Highly rewarding and valuable’ — Chris Tosic

My four weeks at the FT design desk were time well spent, where I had an opportunity to see the editorial design process develop within a high profile broadsheet.

The team worked through many design issues with a careful and measured use of micro and macro typography.

Above all, it was the sense of team work that made this intern experience highly rewarding and valuable for my future design career.

‘Never a dull moment’ — Vanessa Kortekaas

One need only attend the morning conference to see how the FT family embodies the values fundamental to good journalism: integrity, authority and accuracy.

The internship programme offers a glimpse into how this model news organisation churns out the pink pages that set the agenda for people and businesses across the globe everyday.

At the World News desk, the hub that connects a web of foreign correspondents, there is never a dull moment.

The FT internship programme is an essential learning experience for any aspiring journalist trying to understand how newspapers can succeed in the 21st century.

‘Hugely interesting and valuable’ — Samantha Roper

My experience at the FT as an intern was not only hugely interesting but also invaluable. In a short space of time you learn so much, often without even realising it, which can only help you in the future.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants an insight into how a global newspaper works – you won’t be disappointed!

‘A great learning opportunity’ — Arush Chopra

There wasn’t a dull moment. As events unfolded across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, I would spot them and monitor newswires for follow-ups and fresh news breaks.

The phones always kept buzzing and the pulse of the newsroom was so addictive that I crave it even now.

There cannot be a newsroom as diverse, alive and full of extremely learned, yet very humble, people as the one at the FT. Thank you, FT, for this great learning opportunity.

‘Everyone gives you a chance’ — David Patrikarakos

The time I spent at the FT has been invaluable to me. As an intern, you are immediately plunged into a dynamic environment with journalists of the highest calibre.

And, vitally, everyone gives you a chance. People are busy, but they are responsive and willing to give you their time.

If you are prepared to work hard and are good, the opportunity to write and to get involved with a variety of news is unparalleled.

It is, quite simply, the best internship in British journalism.

‘Outstanding mentors’ — Brigitte Yuille

My experience as an intern at the FT was wonderful.

I had outstanding mentors. I was able to communicate my educational goals with them and they helped me create a plan of action.

They made sure I was involved in activities and provided numerous opportunities for me to make the most of my learning experience.

I am extremely grateful and honoured to have participated in the internship programme.

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