A day in the life of an Editorial Intern

Internship on the Books and House & Home sections by Hester Vaizey

2010-03-25T02:12:00.000-07:00

When I first talked to journalist-friends about joining their merry band, the response was overwhelmingly cautionary: due to the recession and the challenges presented by the internet, they warned, the future of newspapers is uncertain. Keen to get some hands-on experience myself, and firm in the belief that people will always want to know what is going on, I nonetheless applied to the Financial Times for an internship.

Coming to the end of my first week on the Books and House & Home sections of the FT Weekend, I’ve already learned so much. From day one I was trusted with writing the weekly ‘On Show’ column for the weekend property supplement. The House and Home editor took the time to explain the changes he had made to what I had written, making me keen to incorporate his helpful pointers in the column for the following week.

A few days into the internship, the books editor asked me to write a review – now I need to come up with some searingly insightful remarks to justify my by-line! Ploughing through publishers’ catalogues, I’ve also been helping to choose which books to review. On discovering that a favourite author of mine is releasing a book next month, I pitched it to the books editor, who was really open to the idea and suggested I order a copy from the publishers.

It is great to be empowered and interning in a place where my work has a real impact on the pages that go to print.

Two Sections: One Intern – The Books/House & Home Internship Shane Murphy

2010-02-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

My real introduction to the FT came after my whirlwind tour of the building and the ceremonial sitting-in at the Monday morning editorial conference. Within two minutes of arriving at the Books desk, an editor handed me an essay by a prominent British journalist along with the instructions, “Tell me what you think of this.” Despite having no experience working for a newspaper, let alone a global and influential newspaper, my feedback was considered by the editors and most of my suggestions were passed on to the author. The following Saturday I got the humble thrill of seeing some of my editorial changes adapted into the weekend books essay.

From that start, the pace has only accelerated as I have been immersed eyebrow-deep in the dual worlds of Books and House & Home. It becomes instantly clear when you arrive in the editorial room that the weekend edition is a massive collaborative effort. Through reading proofs and fact-checking articles, I quickly became integrated with the teams of editors in both sections. Few things went into the Book or House & Homes section that I hadn’t made some tiny factual or typographical adjustment to.

This past week my responsibilities have expanded beyond the minute details. I have been travelling around London interviewing architects for an article that I’m writing. And just yesterday I was asked to write a short book review.

After a few weeks of being here, your input is given due consideration and the editors are happy to provide feedback on your progress. There is never a shortage of things you can learn or opportunities to get involved.

Life and Arts by Alex Jones

2010-02-18T03:18:00.000-08:00

So, I went into the morning meeting on my first day, and Lionel Barber says, ‘where are you from’? And I say, ‘Sheffield’. He looks at me a little strangely, but moves on. The new intern next to me (read her illuminating blog below) says ‘Channel Four’ and I think, dear lord, of course he didn’t mean where in the country – what an idiot. Word of warning: don’t let the nerves speak for you, especially when the person you’re speaking to is The Editor (notice the capitalisation, like God.)

My time on the FT Life and Arts desk has been vastly enjoyable. From the basics like collating information for the forward events list and fact-checking articles, to the more advance stuff like researching and writing sidebars and pitching ideas, my time here has meant that I have come to be familiar with the workings of the desk and of the paper as a whole. What has struck me most has been the sense of inclusion; everyone, from editors to subs to pictures, has gone out of their way to involve me in the all the processes of the section.

This inclusion, the feeling that I was really part of the team, has given me the confidence to voice my ideas and opinions safe in the knowledge that they would, at least, be considered. In the world of the intern I have found that this kind of confidence, wherein one feels valued and respected, is a rare and precious commodity and should the opportunity arise for me to answer any other questions for Mr. Barber, I think I would put it to good use.

The World News Desk by Hannah Murphy

2010-02-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

Monday morning, I arrived at the FT with two large bags. It wasn't the intention to arrive for the long-term although I've become rather enamoured with the moneyless system of lunching, the rivers views and free coffee. My reason for carrying large bags into the FT offices was that I have been 'on the road', a euphemistic term for 'gainfully employed in television'. My background is making current affairs documentaries. This is obviously an entirely different gig and as I stood in the FT foyer, it dawned on me, three rolls of gaffer tape, a screw-driver, lens cleaner and a head torch weren't going to be helpful.

Inductions, tours and straight into the morning conference. I was asked the question 'where are you from?' by the editor 30 minutes into my first day and not sure how to answer with any gusto, I promptly said 'Channel 4 or I was' and stared at my shoes - the confusion of a freelancer.
Today begins my third week on the World News Desk. Before I started I had visions of a frenetic office buzzing, glowing, ringing. That is exactly what I encountered, an exciting freneticism, a rare breed of freneticism, freneticism with poise.

Coming from television, I always had the luxury to digest and investigate a story for several months. Here, the stories are pinging off the walls faster than I can blink. Slowly, I'm beginning to find my feet in world events. I can talk at length about the seal population and GDP of Nunavut and the going rate for an ox and plough in Juba (100,000 SDD). I'm learning the style in which the FT is bound together and trying to bend my 'human story' leaning towards world economics and international relations - an excellent discipline and one as hearty as Guinness.

I need to eat more oily fish and listen to vast quantities of classical music to expand my brain so over the next two weeks I can improve on the following:
--collecting and processing data/statistics as part of a story package
--writing exhilarating copy at great speed
--produce headlines that do not require amendment
--my fear of publishing directly online
--the poise

One Day in the Life of a Magazine Intern... by Stephen Morris

2010-02-12T05:50:00.000-08:00

Once I got over my initial awe at actually being allowed (invited!) inside the Financial Times building – a charming obsidian fortress – I was put at ease by the friendly editorial assistant, William. I was led on a swift tour of the open-plan newsroom and had all my questions answered with admirable patience, William being used to the nervous ramblings of naïve interns.

The highlight of my first day came soon, when I was allowed to sit in on the paper’s morning conference. Experiencing the Zen-like calm of editor Lionel Barber as he manages the post-mortem of the previous issue and plans the next is a treat, and you may even be invited to splutter out your name and position if you fail to sufficiently blend into the surroundings.

I then joined my friendly Weekend Magazine team clustered on the second floor, where they explained my basic duties and discussed my aims for my time with them.

I am delighted to report that, as has been the case with all my predecessors, my experience at the magazine has been immensely rewarding and not at all menial.

Unless you are an abnormally precocious talent (think a young Martin Amis or Zadie Smith, and even then…) you are unlikely to write the lead feature during your tenure. However, observing the editorial process which a writer must navigate to get published will set you in very good stead for the future.

Interns are invited to attend all editorial meetings where pitches are discussed and flat plans are finessed, and will likely bump into some of the FT’s big names who frequently contribute to the magazine. As my internship coincided with the early flickers of election fever, I eagerly absorbed the insight of the Westminster team as they threw around ideas for their upcoming reportage.

My main daily duties were fact-checking and proof-reading articles for accuracy (a surprisingly demanding task), researching for staff, liaising with PRs and agents, and updating the Twitter page. I presided over an 8.42 per cent increase in followers – a towering achievement in today’s crowded world of social media.

The team also strongly encourage their interns to pitch ideas for the various recurring short features in the magazine and offer to write short book reviews. I found the attitude – quite rightly – to be “Ask not what the magazine can do for you…”, an important lesson for young journalists to learn.

Whilst not every piece will be printed, they will always provide admirably frank feedback on the writing and content. This was perhaps the most valuable aspect of my internship: an insight into the exacting levels of excellence demanded by the FT. I was fortunate enough to see my name in the magazine and on the website in my second week. Although comparatively small-fry, it’s still good for that frisson of pride. After all, Bob Woodward was fired from his first job as an intern runner.

Considering the parlous state of the British media and the stiff competition for the few remaining jobs, proving oneself through internships is now a prerequisite. This is why my internship at the Financial Times has been invaluable. There is no other publication which arouses so much attention from prospective employers, and, as I have found out, with good reason.

Eight Point Two on Nine Point Five by Chris Tosic

2010-01-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

I started Monday morning with a swift guided tour of the building and an overview of the busy hub that produces the excellent Financial Times newspaper and website. This was followed by the Monday morning editorial meeting which both critiqued the weekend paper and developed the on going political, financial and market stories for the day(s) ahead.

I was then introduced to the graphics team, a really cool bunch of people and all very welcoming. After some brief design chat I was then allocated a computer, and a few passwords later I had my first look at Xsmile and Methode, the core applications which pull all the newspaper content together to realize the paper itself. (Next week I will have specific training for these applications so its read-only access for now!)

My first job, using InDesign, was to look at the skyline area on the front cover of the FT paper itself. Nothing like starting with something simple! I was fooled, this turned into two days days of intense design analysis; working with a small group of FT typefaces (BentonSans, MillerDisplay and Clarion), plus a 40 mm high working area I grappled with all the ‘elements of typographic style’ that is the FT. Subtle hierarchy shifts, text on and off the baseline grid, playful colour interactions and discrete tracking, kerning and leading. For all you typography freaks out there 8.2/9.5pt refers to the main body text, I’m sorry but that sort of info interests me!

Anyway, Its now Thursday and I have been set a slightly more involved task of creating a kind of future index listing of possible articles that will appear later in the week advertising different writers and stories that the FT are following. It certainly got me thinking too, but that said I now have 135 mm of space across 6 columns, yeah, all is good on the graphic intern desk ... later.

Interning on the Interactive Desk by Cornelia Treptow

2010-01-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

My internship at the Financial Times began in the building's reception where I met another new intern. We spent a few minutes learning a bit about each other before being given a whirlwind tour of the editorial floors. It was certainly exciting to witness first-hand the behind-the-scenes of such an iconic newspaper, and the tailored tour made us feel welcome from the very beginning. After the tour we were invited to attend the morning meeting, known as Conference, during which the editors discuss that day’s paper and what to prepare for the next day. This provided an excellent insight into the newspaper’s editorial process.

During my time at the FT no two days were really the same though my overall responsibility was to provide support for the interactive team working on FT.com. Some days were spent researching how subscribers use the FT’s blogs and website comment functions whilst others involved preparing web-posts themselves. In addition, I helped by researching background information and facts for a number of projects for the website. Beyond this, I was tasked with preparing a timeline of key events during President Obama’s first year in office, and then searching for links and pictures to accompany each of the events. This was particularly interesting as it allowed me to observe how a project evolves from being just an idea to a finished product that is ready for the website.

Away from simply working at the desk, I was invited to watch the recording of one of the FT podcasts. Jumping at the opportunity, I was shown how the recording equipment works, what the producer’s role is and then later how to edit podcasts and post them onto the web. After being shown, I was able to edit and post on my own.

Halfway through my second week, I spent a day with an IT expert getting one-on-one tuition about the software that is used to put the paper together, how the FT uses it and the process a story goes through from its initial writing to it appearing in the newspaper and on the website. This was really fascinating, and a great way to understand how the work I was doing at a desk related to the website and the finished paper itself.

In all, I’ve had a wonderful experience at the FT and would recommend it as an opportunity not to be missed. Everyone I have worked with has not only been welcoming and friendly but also patient and willing to take the time to ensure that I understand different processes and how my work will be used. My parting advice to future interns would be to make the most of your time at the FT; you’ll certainly get more out of it if you put more in.

Fine times: Christmas at the FT Weekend by Sonia Krylova

2010-01-07T04:45:00.000-08:00

The most exciting task of my internship was reporting on a modern day ‘Feed the 5,000’ in Trafalgar Square. This mass-scale freegan meal, organised by ‘Lunch with the FT’ guest Tristram Stuart, was raising the issue of wasteful consumption by serving asymmetric potatoes and imperfect bananas to surprised Londoners. Accompanied by a photographer, I was to capture their reactions through a Vox Pop.

The Financial Times is renowned for the quality and accuracy of its work, and this is reflected in the meticulous approach to every article. My first research task was to put a figure on the fortune of an art-collecting Ukrainian oligarch. I found the answer in the FT’s very own library, after a flick through Forbes’ List of Billionaires. I then had to chase an image of Pinchuk’s latest acquisition by calling Christie’s and Sotheby’s. “Hello, I’m from the FT”.

The office is generally calm, and if there is a commotion, it is probably the How To Spend It sale. This alone is sufficient to awaken the animal spirits of the hard-working journalists, who otherwise remain unfased by the fast-paced environment.

You can spot the FT Weekend by the stacks of books on the desks, sent from publishers hoping for a mention. As I imagined, working here comes with glamorous perks. Still, I did not expect to be sent to The Hospital, an arty private members’ club, to review a film in my first week.

Other interns you meet will confirm that working at the FT will supersede your expectations: most people leave with a by-line. The graduate trainees, too, praise the scheme as the best in the industry.

Applying for the internship is surprisingly simple and for anyone serious about journalism, it is definitely an opportunity too good to forego.

An internship with the Life & Arts desk by Julia Hobbs

2010-01-07T04:29:00.001-08:00

Arriving at the FT on the first Monday after the Christmas break via multiple bus journey across London was like finally arriving at the Emerald City, (only it is brownish).

Seated next to another new intern in the lobby we exchanged names and smiles whilst shedding scarves and coats before crossing the final security line. After a tour of the large yet calm editorial floors (there were no stand-up exclamations of ‘Hot Dog!’) we were invited to observe the editor’s morning meeting and witnessed firsthand Mr. Barber at the helm of this international powerhouse.

I can only echo the positive comments you will have read within other entries in this blog- I felt warmly welcomed and instantly a part of the Life & Arts team.

As an editorial intern you can expect to assist with the day-to-day tasks of the editors; this may involve chasing a proof copy of an unpublished book, fact-checking restaurants in far away places or even preparing a short side bar! Working on the Life & Arts Desk is challenging, I have had the opportunity to indulge my interest in cultural happenings, and feel that my input and participation has been valued. The responsibilities of the intern are varied and interesting; this is most definitely not an internship where you will be left to do filing in a corner. In just the first few days I felt that I was already beginning to harvest practical skills that will help me in my future career in journalism.

I look forward to the next few weeks.

Books and House & Home by David Evans

2009-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

I can only agree with the positive comments made by previous interns in their blogs; I've found the FT internship to be informative and enjoyable in equal measure.

The chance to witness first-hand the day-to-day operations of a global newspaper is one not to be missed. On my first day, after a tour of the impressive FT offices at One Southwark St, I was invited to sit in on the morning’s meeting, at which the editors appraised the latest edition, and set the agenda for the next. I found it fascinating – whether it was a contributor revealing a “scoop”, or Mr. Barber identifying an errant adjective in one of the previous day's reports, the meeting offered a number of insights into the editorial process.

Working amidst the rather more sedate pace of the Books and House & Home sections of FT Weekend, I feel valued as part of the team. I’m trusted to work independently on jobs that that need to be done, rather than – as might happen elsewhere – tasks dreamt up simply to occupy the intern. Fact-checking copy and researching future articles, I’m making a real, if minor, contribution, and that leads to a sense of satisfaction on seeing the finished product each week.

As an intern at the FT, you’re not just making contacts (or, indeed, the tea), you’re getting demonstrable experience and a sense of what being a journalist entails – and that includes some writing. I’ve contributed short articles to the House & Home section – I can now testify to the thrill of seeing my first by-line in print – and I'm currently working on a book review due to be published on FT.com. The editors are happy to take the time to discuss the internship and to dispense advice, which I'm sure will be of benefit when I look to take the next step in my career in journalism.

Adventures at the FT Money Desk by Denise Law

2009-12-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

At the Financial Times, every day is an adventure. Every day brings new challenges.

All of the preconceived notions I had formulated about the news industry were proven false the moment I stepped into the FT building. Over the course of my eight-week internship at the FT Money desk, I was given the opportunity to step beyond my comfort zone.

I covered press briefings, attended investment training sessions, interviewed fund managers, participated in weekly meetings and filed stories on personal finance.

To say the Financial Times offers a fantastic learning hub is probably an understatement. I credit my growth as a person and journalist to the organization’s culture of inclusiveness, but more specifically to the FT Money team (who are not only intelligent and hard-working, but a true source of inspiration). From day one they put their faith in me as a reporter and provided the mentorship I needed to become a better financial journalist.

As my final two weeks approach, I am genuinely saddened by the thought of returning home to Canada. I will surely miss the city, the people and even the rain, but most of all I will miss walking into work every day knowing that I will walk out with a sense of fulfillment.

This internship isn't just about working for a reputable brand, but about learning to uphold and defend what that brand stands for. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and encourage anyone who wishes to venture beyond their comfort zone to consider an internship with the FT.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Life & Arts by Hazel Sheffield

2009-11-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

On the first day, tucked in the corner of a conference room at FT-headquarters watching Lionel Barber take the week’s news from each desk editor, there’s the realisation that this really is no ordinary internship. The blue suits are discussing the angles the FT will take on each of the week’s stories, mooting ideas and covering all bases – essentially making the news. And in the corner the interns are watching, wondering that their presence isn’t some kind of security breach.

The suits don’t venture much to the arts desk, where a somewhat steadier pace prevails. At Life & Arts, longer lead times and bigger pieces mean that there’s much to be done by way of researching commissions for journalists and subsequently fact-checking copy once it’s in. Life & Arts means food, travel, some style and all the regular diary/interview columns, so keeping ahead of forthcoming events and releases is essential to ensure the most relevant people can be commissioned for each. Sudden commands to please track down Michael Moore or Woody Allen are not, in fact, the impossible tasks they first seem!

Speedy, reliable work is soon rewarded. The commissioning editors are busy people, of course, but there’s a remarkable sense team-spirit and inclusiveness about Life & Arts at the FT, far removed from the fickle, snooty spheres of so much high culture. The support and encouragement of the staff writers goes way beyond the call of duty, and editors are keen to hear ideas and offer side-bars and smaller interviews to interns to write where appropriate. This is no tea-making exercise!

It takes a few weeks before the weekly routine of this cyclical operation starts to seem familiar, with Thursdays always particularly busy as Weekend gets rushed off to print. Almost before all the pages are sent, it seems, there are meetings to check on the progress of the next issues and keep all the desks on track. Seeing each issue come together from raw idea to colourful product is fascinating and pretty humbling, too.

The moment I realised just what the internship meant to me was on one very cold early morning, at a press conference at the British Museum. The other people in attendance – the editor of the Sunday Times, the controller of BBC Radio 4, some of the country’s best writers and journalists – were dauntingly important. I tried to be invisible by the wall while everyone quaffed coffee and pastries and talked about the future of the newspaper industry. The only person to talk to me that morning was Evan Davis, himself apparently playing the wallflower. “What do you do?” he asked. “I’m from the FT,” I replied, “but I’m just the intern.”

To get the chance to represent the Financial Times on such occasion and in such company was an honour, but experiences like that also give the aspiring journalist a much-needed taste of what could be. Here’s hoping one day I can drop the subordinate clause.

A 360 view of the World News desk by Vanessa Kortekaas

2009-11-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

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 program offers a glimpse into how this model news organization churns out the pink pages that set the agenda for people across the globe everyday. At the World News desk, the hub that connects a web of foreign reporters, there is never a dull moment…

Morning “huddles” mark the start of the day as various editors reflect on the previous day’s paper and hash out stories for tomorrow. As an intern, these meetings have given me insight into the editorial decision-making process at the FT. It also offers a lesson on how editors map out pages over several editions of the paper. Then, while the editors commission stories and begin editing copy, I set about other tasks.

Fortunately, my arrival at the FT has coincided with the impending launch of the World News blog. Although it isn’t up and running yet, I have been able to contribute to this exciting project, which reinforces the connection between print and online. My role has largely entailed writing daily “Issue Briefings” for the blog. I confer with the deputy editor, Shaun Donnan, to select the biggest story of the day and write about the issues and angles being covered across media outlets and think tanks around the world. As well as news articles, it includes videos, interviews, documents, and reports – your one-stop shop for the big issue of the day.

In my second week I was asked to write an article to contribute to the FT’s Road to Copenhagen series. The next day I was perched in a vineyard in Southeast England, interviewing an English winemaker who has benefited from global warming. Such is the pace at the FT.

The FT newsroom is a truly inspiring place to be. Talent aside, Alec Russell and everyone at the World News desk is welcoming and willing to let their interns contribute. The FT internship is essential learning experience for any aspiring journalist trying to understand how newspapers can succeed in the 21st century.

A week on the Weekend Magazine by Sonia Van Gilder Cooke

2009-11-16T01:35:00.001-08:00

If you have read the other posts on this blog, I hardly need tell you that an FT internship transcends the stereotypes: after two weeks on the job, I haven’t used the photocopier, and on my first day, one of my co-workers was kind enough to offer me a cup of coffee.

Approaching the FT building on the first day, its black exterior did not suggest bonhomie. This initial impression was belied by the senior editorial assistant, William Gregory, who quickly put me at ease as he showed the new band of interns around the different departments. As a magazine intern, I didn’t anticipate having much contact with the news team, but on the first morning, we sat in on a meeting with the editor, Lionel Barber, who exuded a quiet authority as members of the news team discussed the day’s stories.

Making our way up to the second floor, the sight of paints cluttering a desk and teetering piles of books indicated that we had reached the Life and Arts and Magazine section. William introduced me to the Weekend Magazine team and showed me to my desk, right next to the deputy and associate editors.

After settling in, the deputy editor of the magazine, Rose Jacobs, arranged a meeting to discuss my hopes for the internship. That initial meeting set the tone for my time here, during which I have felt genuinely valued by the magazine staff.

Each day, the editors assign me tasks, and I complete them as efficiently as possible. My input is solicited and my expertise valued. In return, I am expected to work independently and produce work of a high standard. After completing a fact checking assignment, I was asked to write a sidebar for a feature article. Today that issue has come out, and it is thrilling to see my name in the magazine after only a week and a half at the office.

Other projects I’ve worked on include writing the prototype for a new magazine column, contributing to the What Happened Next? feature for an upcoming issue, and co-authoring a piece with the FT’s chief environmental reporter, Fiona Harvey. Aside from these opportunities, life at the FT provides other benefits: its waterfront location allows for lunchtime rambles through the Borough Market or along the Thames.

Another pleasure of my time here has been coming to know the magazine staff. Often it’s the little things – an editor’s commitment to precise language or striking visuals - that have taught me the most. Above all, I’ve appreciated the culture of respect. I’m trusted to work hard, which is incentive enough.

German journalist works for the FT by Tino Andresen

2009-11-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Having the possibility to work for the Financial Times in London for six weeks as an awardee of the George Weidenfeld Bursary is a unique opportunity for a German journalist. Usually, I work for the Handelsblatt, Germany’s leading business and financial daily.

I was not sure how I would be able both to write in English and to respect the deadlines. I should not have the answer on my first day. Instead of that, I had a very professional introduction, including IT training and the chance to observe the morning conference.

However, on the second day, I had my first try. Vislink, a secure telecommunications specialist, published an interim management statement on its third quarter. The FT’s emphasis on editing articles helped me. For this piece, I got a constructive and helpful feedback and the hint to care extremely about the lead sentence.

The rest of the week, I had to write a story per day that was published on the web. Working for the UK Companies desk, where I spent the first half of my internship, was very interesting. I got to know companies like Boomerang Plus, a Welsh independent television producer, Edinburgh-based Forth Ports, the UK’s only listed ports company, or Ultrasis, the interactive healthcare software maker.

Moreover, I had the possibility to contribute to the In depth “After the Berlin wall: Europe 20 years on” with a piece on a leading supplier of equipment and technology for the photovoltaic industry founded by three then East German scientists just a few months after the Wall came down.

For the second half, I will stay with the UK News desk. I am already curious how that will be. I hope to be able to offer one or two pieces proposed by myself as the topics seem to be more general than those of the UK Companies desk. For I did not known too much about companies based in the UK before to be honest.

A Day in the Life of a Design Intern by Devon Devane

2009-11-03T08:07:00.001-08:00

I wasn't sure what to expect interning at the Financial Times. As a young graduate graphic designer, it would appear that working at a newspaper ostensibly, doesn't allow for alot of creative freedom compared to other types of print media and working for a paper such as the Financial Times lacks a certain youth appeal. These were certainly my thoughts applying for the position but I applied anyway because regardless of what the experience was like I would have a huge, recognizable name to put on my C.V.

However, my preconceived notions of the experience were thoroughly misguided. On my first day I got a tour of the building, sat in on a conference and was generally introduced around and made to feel welcome. The bulk of the work I have been doing since, has been layout concepts in regards to redesigning certain pages and following on from this I have been creating style guides for the editorial team. Mostly everyone has the ability to adjust the layout of pages through the FT's Methode program (a custom made program you will have a chance to learn) and as such, sometimes things go wrong or fall off the grid and a style guide is needed to show how things should look.

There isn't a set structure to the work an intern does, if there is something you want to do, try or learn about all you have to do is ask and this is one of the factors that make this a great internship. There is so much variety in what you can learn as well as contribute depending on your skills. Another factor is the design team is comprised of a fantastic set of individuals who are not only great people but know the industry inside out. Working with these designers has definitely been the highlight of this internship and the wealth of information you can glean from them is thoroughly immense.

I have been surprised by the amount I have learned and experienced here at the FT and have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have filled a gap in my portfolio and become much stronger in Indesign as well as having the opportunity to work with some amazing people. Most importantly of all though is that my perception of the newspaper industry has completely changed and this experience has opened up a few new doors. I thoroughly recommend it!

Intern of Phrase by Alice Baker

2009-10-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

The most appropriate way to describe the atmosphere of the FT office is ‘serene action.’ That may sound like an oxymoron, but it really fits. The offices are a hive of activity, but things never feel chaotic. The ‘click click’ of the computer keys is an ever-present soundtrack that creates an air of calm efficiency.

My stint was with the Books and House and Home sections of Ft Weekend. Thursday is the significant day for the Weekend edition, for that is the day it goes to press. My main duty was fact checking, which I did for both sections. The basic rule is, anything that can be checked, should be checked, especially if it could be potentially controversial. Another significant aspect was research, which as my placement was in October was angled towards preparing for next year by finding out books due to be published and so forth. This was done using the internet and that more old fashioned resource, reference books (FT has its own library of useful titles).

Best of all, my placement provided me with opportunities to write columns and reviews for the paper itself. I find it exciting seeing my by-line appear, and I suspect that you will be when you see yours. Another chance for creativity is offered with the possibility of helping think up good headlines for the Books review section. This is actually rather difficult, thinking of a succinct and memorable way to describe a featured book. What seems like a good headline when you first think of it often sounds awful when you say it out loud. But you can really get your creative juices going. The title of this piece, by the way, is a rather weak way of paying homage to this.

Other contributors have commented about this, but it’s worth saying again; one of the best things about work experience with FT is that you don’t have to make the tea. Your tasks are constructive, and as a result it’s a more rewarding experience both for yourself and for the people you’re assisting.

A month on U.K Companies By Andrew Jude Rajanathan

2009-10-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

My initial reaction upon receiving an offer to intern at the Financial Times was one of shock and awe. This rare opportunity was something I had to grab with both hands even if it meant missing a week or so of my masters. It simply is too good an opportunity for anyone interested in journalism, especially business/financial journalism to pass up. I would spend the next four weeks writing for U.K Companies.

The first day was incredible. I was invited to sit on the editors meeting on Monday morning where all the editors including the main editor Lionel Barber came together to discuss what would go into the paper. To put it simply, the incredibly high standards set by some of the editors and reporters set the tone for what would be expected of me as an intern. I just hoped I would be able to rise to the occasion.

The real baptism of fire for anyone joining the FT is likely to be an awesome struggle getting your computer to work and often this takes a bit of time. Thankfully, I was able to login to my desk and quickly familiarize myself with my new surroundings.

Many other past interns will comment on the fact that they were given real work to do over the short period of their stay. I can fully confirm this is the case. The structure of the FT is such that any new fledgling journalists or reporters are immediately given proper work to do and critical feedback would follow shortly. My first assignment was to produce a results piece on a company called ‘BrainJuicer’ not only that but I would need to have completed an interview with the CEO as well as completed a lot of background research on the company before I could put the article together. The surreal feeling of calling up a CEO and saying ‘I’m from the FT’ was incredible. While these corporate heavyweights would not realize you were merely an intern hiding behind a first class brand. That was the beauty of the internship you were there to learn but also to do real work.

Most of my mentors at the FT have been incredibly kind and generous with their time over the past four weeks as I attempted to navigate my way around the busy corridors of the building. From teaching me how to use a Bloomberg terminal to potential avenues to gather research I cannot state enough how kind some of these journalists are. My feedback from my editor was also very helpful and constructive to my own development as a journalist.

My four weeks are about to come to an end and I’ve interviewed numerous CEO’s from small-medium sized businesses to AIM-LSE listed firms as well as learning an awful lot about U.K companies in such a short period of time. However, the best part was my desk location at the FT. While I was only placed on the U.K companies desk I sat to the left of the Lex column whose phone conversations were illuminating and interesting to listen in on during the occasional lull in the day.

Greatest achievements - I’ve managed to get two bylines and I can comfortably say nothing beats seeing your own name in print.

View from The World News Desk - Jennifer Thompson

2009-10-23T07:16:00.001-07:00

When you tell people you are an intern they often assume you spend your day scurrying between a coffee machine and a photocopier. Nothing could be further from the truth when you are an intern on the World News desk with the Financial Times. The pace in the newsroom is so fast you are able to make a contribution straightaway.

Luckily on my first day I was eased into life at the FT by the brilliant head editorial assistant who conducted a quick induction before I was whisked into the morning editorial meeting - where senior editors outline their stories for that day in front of the overall editor or deputy editor - which was an amazing experience within only an hour of arrival. After the grand tour was completed the rest of my first day was spent getting to grips with the software package used by employees in an IT training suite, as well as familiarising myself with the labyrinthine white corridors - the giant television screens of the main newsroom are a useful point to navigate from. At 5 o' clock clutching my notes I made my way upstairs to the newsroom to meet my new colleagues, where with a Zen-like calm the World News Editor informed me that they were busily finishing off the stories for that day. The next day I was able to meet the team properly during one of the 'huddles,' a quick daily meeting where the stories for that day are discussed and justified. The World News desk is staffed by area editors who are in constant contact with journalists working around the globe. In London they work the magic and mastermind the operation.

Upon returning to our desks I said a quick hello to my neighbour, who turns out to be the Middle East and North Africa Editor. He asked me to take a look at some documents he was working on and I was able to put my day-old training to good use in preparing an article on the Gulf for publication on the website. Ask and you shall receive....On my first full day at the desk I also prepared a timeline of negotiations concerning North Korea's nuclear weapons programme which was destined for the website. A significant part of the training I have received so far was devoted to making content 'web-ready,' underscoring the integral role online material plays in FT production.

When I found out about my internship at the FT I was told I would be thrown in at the deep end. This was certainly true but in practice has not been nearly as daunting as it first sounded. You are expected to produce good work but luckily you are surrounded by lovely colleagues who are generous with their time and experience. This will be invaluable in helping me make the most of my time with a publication that is truly global in outlook.

Inside a 21st century newsroom by Alexandra Stevenson

2009-10-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

In the business of news there is one overriding fear: that the traditional newspaper may not be around for much longer. This fear is palpable in almost every newsroom. But it is not present at the Financial Times where one simple belief, that informative news and analysis is both fundamental and valuable, drives it forward.

A would be reporter finds this a serious relief. As an intern on the world desk I have the privilege of sitting in on morning ‘huddles’ as world news editors map out the daily broadsheet like a game plan, negotiating words and space. I see which stories make the cut and have gotten a quick lesson on why others do not. I watch as the news editors liaise with correspondents around the world, commissioning collaborative stories across continents. Most interesting, I see how the paper, with an eye to the technology that is affecting the balance sheets of all news organisations, trains each journalist to file their copy online, in some cases before the story hits the pink pages the next day.

Throughout this period of observation I am encouraged to contribute, to listen and to be trained. This is not your typical internship, but then again, this is not your typical paper.

So while most newsrooms now opine about what a great industry the newspaper business was, I am reassured that at the FT, editors, reporters, subs, researchers and the rest of the team are quietly moving forward, without fear or favour, leading the industry to what a great newspaper needs to be in a modern and thoroughly literate reincarnation.

Behind the spotlight By Aura Sabadus

2009-09-22T07:21:00.002-07:00

If a news editor stops short on his way home after a day’s work and quickly makes for his computer to write one last punchy caption that would ‘flatter our readers’ you know his newspaper must be rather special

The thought may be of little consolation to David Crouch’s wife when he is late for supper, poring over reams of stories, double-checking their accuracy, knocking them into shape or, indeed, tweaking a caption.

But the thousands of readers who grab the FT off the shelves the following morning may rest assured that their purchase is a worthwhile piece of luxury.

Having shadowed for a week David and his fellow news editors, Sarah Neville and James Pickford who look after the UK section of the FT, I realise that the newspaper’s appeal is only half owed to the star writers and specialist correspondents who fill the pages every day. For the other half belongs with the unseen armies of designers, assistants, subs and editors whose motley backgrounds, ideas and painstaking work make the FT the quality broadsheet that it is.

What have I learnt so far? To look beyond the obvious.

When splashing out on a daily copy of the FT, readers do so for the immediate content. But it is, as David says, the ‘furniture’ of the newspaper - an unexpected picture, a witty caption, an eye-catching graphic that really pack a punch and enhance its reputation.

My overriding impressions? To appreciate the people behind the limelight whose enthusiasm and patience have not worn off despite the many years doing the same job.

Sitting with my back to the industrial-sized newsroom of the London FT headquarters, I imagine Horatio Bottomley, the debonair Victorian bounder and first proprietor of the newspaper, strolling between desks trying to make some sense of the impenetrable market data flicking on screens or the heavily-detailed business stories waiting their turn for publication.

Like an intern on his first day, he might not understand much, but somehow I have a feeling that his gargantuan ambitions would be pleasantly tickled.

The first week…Alex Cardno

2009-09-22T07:21:00.001-07:00

Previous blogs from Financial Times interns have lamented the lack of menial tasks so often negatively associated with an internship. I am delighted to echo the same sentiment, one which leads me to this early observation:

National newspaper journalists are busy people. They do not spend a lot of time making cups of tea, nor do they spend hours bent over a photocopier. Internships at the Financial Times succeed because they are structured in such a way that the intern works as a Financial Times journalist.

This means that interns are expected to maintain the same high standards of work and productivity that full-time employees adhere to. The simplicity of the idea is breathtaking. If the intern can work to the high standards of the editorial team, that intern is more likely to succeed and is guaranteed to reap maximum benefit from their time spent here.

My first day, in what looks from the outside a very daunting building, was not nearly as nerve wracking as I imagined. After a guided tour of the newsroom from the senior editorial assistant, I was introduced to my department (the weekend magazine) and my colleagues for the coming weeks.

It did not take long to realise that I hold the dubious distinction of being possibly the youngest, and definitely the most ill-prepared journalist in a building housing 400 editorial staff. Readers will not be surprised to hear that all indicators point to a well-oiled machine.

But to my surprise, at no point does the task seem daunting. I have my own desk, phone, email address and workspace. I am surrounded by friendly, helpful colleagues who encourage me to bring ideas to the table. I am expected to complete fact-checking and proof-reading tasks, but am also encouraged to write and to think of fresh ideas for articles. Thus far, the staff I have encountered have gone out of their way to help me, and have been incredibly grateful and courteous for work I have helped them with.

Having settled in, my next aim is to start thinking of good ideas for articles. It’s been made clear to me that as far as writing goes, a good idea will receive a by-line, it’s as simple as that. There are also plenty of writing opportunities to write in corresponding departments, it is down to me to ask.

First impressions, I need not have been at all nervous, I am lucky to be here and my time here will be what I make of it.

Other objectives? To summon the courage to talk to some of the senior columnists, I’ve seen a few of them around, and their doors appear to be always open. So Mr Rachman, how do I get to the top of the tree?

Intern blog – Farah Halime

2009-08-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

The word “intern” has many connotations, most of them not particularly positive. Some of our columnists have remarked on these attributes that are shared by many – even interns themselves.

But just as the FT is an exception in its spine-chillingly high standard of journalism, so is it an exception for internships. With a string of other media-related placements behind me at various newspapers and broadcasters, I feel I can comment with some legitimacy on the usefulness of this placement.

Having just completed five weeks on the interactive desk, I was able to move from pitching an idea on banking regulation, to researching it (this opened up avenues of communication with FT journalists in our offices in Brussels and New York) and producing it with the help of FT designers. The final product is the result of weeks of collaboration and unlike a news story it can be embedded into various pieces relating to regulation, over and over again.

The interactive desk will stand me in good stead for this alone, but the sense of achievement I have gained from seeing an idea realistically develop into an FT product is enormous. It goes to show that an idea can go a long way at the FT.

I think quite a defining moment came when our Editor, Lionel Barber, picked up on the graphic in his weekly editorial update (where he notes pieces of particular interest). This was a cheer to the interactive team and a sentiment to the hard work we put into it.

The interactive desk is also at the crux of a major part of the organisation: a move towards online journalism. Digital services accounted for 67% of FT Group revenues in 2008, up from 28% in 2000 whilst the emphasis on advertising went down in the same period. It is exciting to be part of a growing phenomenon that is so crucial to modern journalism.

I am now working on the Books/House & Home desk; part of the weekend edition. The emphasis is on lifestyle (high standard, luxurious lifestyles at that) and creative thinking. There is not the pressure of the news desk, but the same benchmark well known to the FT remains. I have been asked to review an as yet unreleased book and I feel a certain privilege in this. If there is something many FT interns have in common, it is that we are given a certain responsibility that is not matched in any other organisation. There is also openness towards new ideas as I have already suggested.

I am currently working on a story I pitched that has allowed me to speak to people in the US, Japan, China and across Europe. Global contact almost goes without saying at the FT but for me it is exciting and introduces me to a wealth of knowledge on different cultures and economies.

Above all, the FT encourages and nurtures the intern who is enthusiastic and eager to learn. As clichéd as it sounds – if you arrive with ideas and a smile, you can achieve what you want!

This isn’t just an internship, this is a Financial Times internship

2009-08-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

By Sarah Halls

My preconceptions of work experience were quickly dispelled on entering the FT. During the six weeks that I’ve been interning here, the usual suspects of photocopying, filing and getting the coffee have never featured on my ‘to do’ list.

During my first two weeks I had the task of suggesting new ways to improve the Business Education website. At the end of my placement I had to present my ideas to the Business Education editor, her colleagues and to the Lead Product Manager. Hearing that my ideas- case studies for MBA students to answer amongst other suggestions- were feasible and will be implemented gave me a great sense of satisfaction as I felt I was directly contributing to the team.

My next desk, Consumer Industries, gave me my first by-line. After attending the publication of a report on the restaurant industry I wrote about how it is floundering during the recession. After working to a strict deadline my Consumer Industries correspondent gave me feedback on how to improve it and what could be excluded. What really struck me about this desk was the sense of responsibility I was given from the start. However, if I needed any advice my correspondent was always at hand to guide me.

My current desks are Books and House and Home, which both appear in FT Weekend. I’ve been mainly focusing on the editorial side of things e.g. fact checking the proofs and making book lists for writers to review but at the same time I have been pitching and writing about upcoming events and trends.

Working at the FT is an amazing experience. However, this experience has been trebled since due to the downturn many sectors are facing challenging situations. Depending on your desk, you are at the forefront of all the business, national and international news. Whilst here, I’ve met internationally renowned journalists who are more than willing to offer their advice and have had a real eye-opener into life at a global newspaper. However, the best part of the internship is receiving feedback on my work. Often, criticism is perceived as something negative, but here at the FT I saw it as a constructive invaluable element to my internship that will serve to enhance my skills.

I would say to anyone considering interning here to chuck all your preconceptions you might have about the FT over London Bridge, because this isn’t just an internship, this is a Financial Times internship.

6 weeks in the life of an FT intern – Magda Ali

2009-08-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

A switch of FT desks every 3 weeks is exciting but equally overwhelming. There are no dull admin tasks, photocopying or making cups of coffee – that much every editorial intern knows. But after experiencing your first desk at the FT, you feel a sense of apprehension; is it going to be as good as the last? Will I learn as much? Will they be as nice?

My first three weeks began at the Lex desk where I was filling in for the publisher/ researcher. 8.am start, we’d commence with preparing for the morning meeting where the writers would pitch their ideas, and Jo Johnson (head of lex) would give the go ahead. By 12 The Lex writers would have the notes up, ready for me to publish. Best part of Lex? Apart from the fact that starting early means you to finish at 4 and enjoy the sun, I’d learnt absolutely all there is to know about the wonderful world of Methode. (FT’s publishing software). One week into Lex, and I was also assigned my first editorial task to write the weekly “letter from the editor” section of Lex which would go on the FT site. Had a crack at it, enjoyed it and did the letter the next week. So there it was – my first two bylines at the FT.

Then I moved to FT Money. It was there that the real reportage began. I would write about two stories a day, which would go straight into publication – the count soon went from one to twenty, it was there I began to really grasp the fundamentals of finance reporting. My younger brother called me from Switzerland that week, only to tell me I'd been Journalistedand all my articles appeared on google. To think, everything I’d write would be read by FT readers - a phenomenal feeling to say the least.

I have learnt more about the realities of Journalism in my six weeks at the FT than I have 3 years at Journalism school. University assignments are nothing like writing stories for the FT, and seeing the very stories appear on the paper and the site. Working alongside esteemed journalists in itself is an astonishing experience – sharing by lines with the very same journalists – more so. Getting tens of by-lines on the FT is not something a just-turned 21 year old journalist anticipates. I am now half way into this internship and I can honestly say that the experience has surpassed any expectation I had built up. My next desk will be UK Companies; I can only hope that what's left of my time at the FT will be as stimulating.