At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct in-depth research on global investment projects and manage data entry.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a leading news organisation known for integrity and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make an impact in globalisation research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Fluent in French with a background in business or economics; strong research skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a hybrid work model and connect with a diverse community of experts.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About Us
The Financial Times is one of the world's leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you're given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you'll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you'll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.
The Role
FT Locations is a specialist division of the Financial Times, established to provide industry-leading insights into globalisation. Through its suite of products and services, it supports companies and economic development organisations in making informed decisions about foreign direct investment (FDI). fDi Markets, the team’s flagship product, is the leading cross-border investment database, trusted by governments and global corporations. It is the exclusive source of FDI project data for the UNCTAD World Investment Report and the Economist Intelligence Unit.
As a Research Assistant, you will conduct in-depth research on specific world regions, identifying companies engaged in FDI projects and entering this data into the fDi Markets platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Research various sources to identify new inward investment projects
- Conduct web-based investigations to supplement and verify project details
- Input new projects and update existing records in the fDi Markets database
- Help develop and improve information sources
- Monitor FDI trends globally to contribute to the internal Trend Tracker used by fDi Magazine
- Track updates to FDI projects, including relocations, closures, expansions, downsizing, and co-locations
- Identify and record potential investment leads
- Support ad-hoc research and production tasks
- Provide data support to the sales team based on geographical needs
Required Skills And Experience
- French language proficiency
- Third-level qualification (A-Level or equivalent) with a focus on business, economics, or research
- Solid understanding of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently
- Highly organised with effective planning and prioritisation skills
- Collaborative and adaptable teammate with a positive approach
Desirable
- 2:1 or above degree in a business, economics, or research-related subject
- Knowledge of additional European or global languages
- Solid understanding of economic globalisation and cross-border investment
- Experience in a similar desk-based or online research environment, particularly involving data management or databases
- Strong analytical and report writing skills
What’s in it for You?
Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.
We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.
Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Further Information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com.
Research Assistant (French-speaking) in Belfast employer: Financial Times
Contact Detail:
Financial Times Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (French-speaking) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Financial Times on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the FT's recent projects and trends in FDI. Show them you’re not just interested in the role but also in their mission and values. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely invested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your French! Since this role requires French proficiency, brush up on your language skills. You could even prepare some answers to common interview questions in French to show off your fluency.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the FT family. Let’s get you that Research Assistant role!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (French-speaking) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Research Skills: As a Research Assistant, your ability to dig deep into data is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant research experience in your application. We want to see how you can bring your analytical skills to the table!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Take the time to tailor your application to the role at the FT. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities of the position. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Authentic: While it’s tempting to use AI tools for your application, remember to keep it real. We want to hear your voice and see your personality shine through. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through the official Financial Times careers site. This ensures your application gets to the right place and helps us keep track of all candidates. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the Financial Times and its various products, especially the fDi Markets platform. Familiarise yourself with recent FDI trends and be ready to discuss how your research skills can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Language Skills
As a French-speaking Research Assistant, it's crucial to demonstrate your language proficiency. Prepare to discuss your experience using French in a professional context, and consider bringing examples of any relevant work or projects you've completed in French.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical abilities, so be prepared to share specific examples of how you've used data analysis in past roles. Discuss any tools or methodologies you’ve employed to derive insights from data, particularly in a research setting.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
The Financial Times values a collaborative culture, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams. Share examples of how you've contributed to group projects, adapted to different team dynamics, and supported colleagues in achieving common goals.