Research Assistant, fDi Markets

Research Assistant, fDi Markets

Belfast Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct research on foreign direct investment projects and maintain a comprehensive database.
  • Company: Join the Financial Times, a leading global news organisation known for its integrity and quality journalism.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, hybrid working, and opportunities to give back to the community.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and supports your career growth.
  • Qualifications: A-Level or higher in business/economics, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and strong research skills required.
  • Other info: We embrace innovation and are open to flexible working patterns to suit your needs.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ 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.

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 Ltd, established to provide industry-leading insights into globalisation. We support companies and economic development organisations through a portfolio of world-class products and services, including fDi Markets—the leading database for cross-border inward investment.

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join the FT Locations team, supporting the fDi Markets product through in-depth regional research, company tracking and data input that underpins major publications and global investment strategies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research and identify inward investment projects using various sources
  • Conduct web-based research to gather further project insights
  • Enter new and updated project data into the fDi Markets database
  • Maintain and develop new research sources
  • Supervise global FDI trends and contribute to an internal Trend Tracker
  • Investigate relocations, closures, expansions and colocations of investment projects
  • Identify potential new investment leads
  • Support ad-hoc research and production tasks
  • Assist the sales team with regional data needs

Required Skills and Experience

  • A-Level or above qualification, ideally with a business, economics, or research focus
  • Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative
  • Highly organised with strong planning and prioritisation skills
  • A positive, adaptable, and team-oriented approach
  • 2:1 or above degree in business, economics or a research-related subject
  • Proficiency in European or global languages
  • Understanding of global economic trends and cross-border investment
  • Experience in online research, databases, or data management
  • 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. 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. The Financial Times 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, contact talent@ft.com.

I accept the candidate privacy notice and consent to being contacted in regard to this application.

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Research Assistant, fDi Markets employer: The Financial Times Ltd.

The Financial Times is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. As a Research Assistant in the fDi Markets team, you will benefit from a generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to impactful journalism that shapes global economic understanding.
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Contact Detail:

The Financial Times Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Assistant, fDi Markets

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Financial Times and its mission. Understanding their commitment to quality journalism and economic insights will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your genuine interest in their work.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your research skills, particularly in online databases and economic trends. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in identifying and analysing FDI projects will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of the Financial Times. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your application process.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for potential questions about your understanding of economic globalisation and cross-border investment trends. Being well-versed in these topics will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your ability to contribute effectively.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant, fDi Markets

Desk Research Skills
Data Entry Proficiency
Microsoft Office Proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Organisational Skills
Planning Skills
Interpersonal Communication
Collaborative Working
Analytical Skills
Report Writing Skills
Understanding of Economic Globalisation
Knowledge of Cross-Border Investment Trends
Fluency in a European or Global Language (ideally French)
Self-Motivation
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Research Assistant at fDi Markets.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous research or data entry experience you have, especially in a business or economics context. Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical skills and attention to detail.

Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, as this is crucial for the role. If you have language skills, especially in French, be sure to highlight these as well.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the position and the Financial Times. Discuss your motivation for applying and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering quality information.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Financial Times Ltd.

✨Research the Financial Times

Before your interview, take some time to understand the Financial Times' mission, values, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.

✨Demonstrate Your Research Skills

As a Research Assistant, showcasing your research abilities is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous research experiences, methodologies you’ve used, and how you can apply these skills to identify and verify FDI projects.

✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills

The role requires strong analytical capabilities. Be ready to provide examples of how you've analysed data in the past, and how you can contribute to the internal FDI trend tracker with your insights.

✨Prepare Questions About Diversity and Inclusion

Since the Financial Times values diversity, equity, and inclusion, prepare thoughtful questions about their initiatives in this area. This shows that you align with their values and are interested in contributing to a supportive workplace.

Research Assistant, fDi Markets
The Financial Times Ltd.
Location: Belfast

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