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- Tasks: Join the FT as a graduate trainee and develop your journalism skills in financial reporting.
- Company: The Financial Times, a leading global news organisation with a rich legacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in journalism while learning from industry leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills, curiosity about global affairs, and a commitment to high journalistic standards.
- Other info: Full-time contract with mentoring and training throughout the three-year programme.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 38000 £ per year.
The FT’s Paul McClean graduate trainee programme recruits and trains entry-level journalists for a long-term career at one of the world’s leading news organisations. The scheme is named after Paul McClean, a gifted journalist who produced groundbreaking work during his two years as an FT trainee. We are looking for talented, driven reporters who want to develop an FT career in financial journalism and global affairs; people who are curious about the world, strongly committed to serious journalism and who enjoy the thrill of nailing a good story.
Applicants must demonstrate they can cope with the pressure of working in a fast-paced news organisation with assignments abroad. You should be a self-starter committed to high standards, have a keen interest in business and global affairs, an international mindset and sharp reporting instincts. Strong writing ability is vital. You should be excited about getting scoops and telling stories across all formats. Fluent spoken and written English is essential; data journalism skills and languages are an advantage, as is the ability to understand different cultures.
The Paul McClean graduate trainee programme is not an internship or fellowship: it is a full-time contract as a trainee Financial Times journalist. Successful applicants to the three-year programme will join us in September 2026. They will first receive eight weeks of in-house training, then spend four six-month stints on different news desks, including one overseas posting. The trainee will spend the third year in their first dedicated job, achieved through a competitive process. Mentoring, feedback and further training are provided throughout and progress is dependent on good performance.
How To Apply
All candidates must have the right to work in the United Kingdom from the point of application, valid until October 2029. Please upload three documents:
- CV, including dates for all the following: the name and city of your secondary school; university and subject details; post-grad education (if any); other qualifications, including data journalism skills; student or other journalism experience; languages (include competency level on the CEFR scale); leisure interests.
- Cover Letter: tell us about yourself, why you want to be a journalist at the FT and why we should choose you.
- A news story that you write specifically for this application and which has not been published anywhere. It should contain original reporting on a topic of interest to FT readers. It should be a news story – not an opinion piece. Story submissions that have been published will be rejected (500 words max). At the end of the story, please tell us, in no more than 250 words, why you chose this story, how you researched it and how you obtained any quotes.
Applications submitted without all three requirements will not be assessed. The deadline for applications is 23:59 (GMT) on 8 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in mid-March 2026. Successful applicants will start on 7 September 2026.
Terms
Graduate trainees join the FT on a one-year contract, extended for up to a further year at the discretion of the company. Successful trainees are encouraged to apply for staff positions that become available towards the end of their second year of the three-year scheme. The salary is £31,000 in the first year, rising to £34,000 in the second year and £38,000 in the final, third year on appointment to the first job in a competitive application process. In addition, the trainee will receive a one-off £750 welcome payment on joining. These terms are subject to good performance throughout.
Eligibility
Applicants in their final year of studies, recent graduates or post-graduates in any discipline may apply. This scheme is not for professional journalists or anyone who has started training courses with other media organisations. All candidates must have the right to work in the United Kingdom from the point of application valid until October 2029. Fluent spoken and written English is essential.
If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, or have any other questions, please contact graduate.journalist@ft.com.
Benefits
Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices, as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace
The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer seeking to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs. Please let us know if you require any adjustments 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, please contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help.
About the Financial Times
Across the FT Group, our people are united by a mission to deliver world-class information, news and services to our global audiences. Our global, award-winning editorial team represents the gold standard in journalism, seeking depth, originality and balance that differentiates us from the pack and engages our subscribers.
Paul McClean Graduate Trainee, The Financial Times employer: Journo Resources Limited
Contact Detail:
Journo Resources Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paul McClean Graduate Trainee, The Financial Times
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former FT trainees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. Building connections can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you nail those tricky questions. Focus on articulating your passion for journalism and your understanding of global affairs.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current events! Read widely, especially financial news. This will not only help you in interviews but also inspire your original news story for the application. Show us you’re curious about the world!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to follow all the guidelines and showcase your unique voice in your cover letter and news story.
We think you need these skills to ace Paul McClean Graduate Trainee, The Financial Times
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us about yourself, why you’re passionate about journalism, and what makes you the perfect fit for the FT. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your enthusiasm!
Nail Your News Story: When writing your news story, think like a journalist! Choose a topic that resonates with FT readers, do your research, and make sure it’s original. Remember, this isn’t an opinion piece – we want hard-hitting news that showcases your reporting skills.
Show Off Your CV: Your CV should be a clear snapshot of your journey so far. Include all relevant education, work experience, and any journalism-related skills. Don’t forget to highlight your data journalism skills and language proficiencies – they can set you apart!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Journo Resources Limited
✨Know Your Story
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the news story you've submitted. Be prepared to discuss your research process, the sources you used, and why you chose that particular topic. This shows your passion for journalism and your ability to think critically about your work.
✨Show Your Curiosity
The Financial Times values curiosity about the world. During the interview, ask insightful questions about the organisation, its values, and the role itself. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the FT is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Writing Skills
Since strong writing ability is vital for this role, be ready to showcase your writing skills during the interview. You might be asked to discuss your writing style or even complete a short writing task. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Given the fast-paced nature of the FT, be prepared to discuss how you handle pressure and tight deadlines. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed time-sensitive tasks, and share these stories to illustrate your capability.