At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research and manage data for economic insights at a leading news organisation.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a globally recognised leader in journalism and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make an impact in economic development while building valuable research and analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in economics or related field; strong research and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This job is with Financial Times, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
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
fDi Intelligence is a specialist division of the Financial Times, providing industry-leading insight into globalisation, foreign direct investment and economic development. Its portfolio of products and services helps companies and economic development organisations make informed decisions about foreign direct investment. fDi Benchmark is an online database and location assessment tool that evaluates the attractiveness of countries and cities worldwide for specific sectors and investment projects. It provides access to high-quality, comparable data and business case tools that support investment decision-making.
We are looking for an Economic Research Assistant to join the fDi Intelligence team. In this role, you will conduct in-depth desk-based research into economic, business and investment factors, identify and collect relevant data, and maintain accurate information within the fDi Benchmark database. This is an opportunity to build specialist knowledge of globalisation, cross-border investment and economic development while developing strong research, analytical and data management skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Input, update and maintain new and existing data in the fDi Benchmark database.
- Ensure the database is accurate, consistent and up to date.
- Research a range of public and specialist sources to identify key determinants of investment attractiveness.
- Support the development and improvement of information sources used across fDi Benchmark.
- Conduct ad-hoc research, data and production tasks to support the wider fDi Intelligence team.
- Provide data support for the Sales team, helping respond to client and prospect requirements.
- Contribute to the quality and reliability of fDi Benchmark as a trusted location assessment tool.
Required Skills and Experience
- A degree with an economics, statistics, data, business, geography or related analytical element.
- Excellent research and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Ability to gather, assess and organise information from a range of sources.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Highly organised, with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage tasks effectively.
- A collaborative and adaptable approach, with a positive attitude.
Desirable
- Knowledge of one or more major European or world languages.
- Understanding of economic globalisation, foreign direct investment or cross-border investment.
- Previous experience in an online, database management, desk-based research or data-focused environment.
- Analytical and report-writing skills.
- Interest in economic development, investment promotion or global business trends.
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.
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Economic Research Assistant employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a warm and collaborative culture where curiosity and ambitious thinking are rewarded. As an Economic Research Assistant, you will have the opportunity to develop your research and analytical skills while contributing to impactful projects in a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With a flexible hybrid working model and a commitment to providing best-in-class benefits, the FT offers a unique workplace experience that empowers you to forge a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Research Assistant
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like Financial Times.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to Financial Times's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Economic Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.
