• A note from the Managing Editor
• Short-term research internships
• Internship awards and fellowships
• Pearson Diversity Summer Internships
• Previous interns’ experiences

From the Managing Editor

A note from Lisa MacLeod, Managing Editor of the Financial Times (FT), April 2010:

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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Research 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
• FT Weekend Magazine internship
• FT Life & Arts broadsheet internship
• FT Books/House & Home broadsheet internship

FT Graphic Design internship: As of 6 January 2010, we are not accepting new applications for the Graphic Design internship until further notice.

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Internship awards and fellowships

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

• The Sander Thoenes prize, a three-month internship at the FT in London and Brussels for aspiring foreign correspondents.
• The Peter Martin fellowship, a three-month internship with the FT’s economics leader-writing team.
• The Nico Colchester fellowship, where two young European journalists can win the chance to spend three months at the FT and the Economist.

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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, May 2010

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, April 2010

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, April 2009

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, March 2009

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, December 2008

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, October 2008

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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