The chequered edifice of the Financial Times office is rather intimidating, but upon entering it emits, instead, an enlivening energy. Warmly greeted by William Gregory, I was given a meticulous tour of the relevant floors, in which clusters of desks sit in rigorous formation – elevated signposts declare: World News, Lexicon, FTfm. The atmosphere? Minimal; efficient; respectful; a well-oiled media machine; a very tight ship. The tour concluded with the morning conference, chaired by Lionel Barber, signifying the high level of involvement an FT internship provides; it was difficult not to feel at the very centre of the paper’s production.
Having embarked on a series of internships, the inevitable path of any aspiring journalist, I had an idea of what to expect; however I was surprised by the immediate participation that was asked of me. Seated amongst the Books section editors, I was promptly asked to cast a careful eye through an expert essay, this week a discussion of a recent trend: the cravings of the collective imagination for military fiction. This was followed by exercises in fact-checking; the pursuit of precision and accuracy is at the centre of the FT, and tasks like these, while at times tedious, come with a high level of responsibility.
Having completed only two days of my internship, I feel I have already taken part, in a small way, to the production of FT Weekend. From tweeting for House & Home, to researching future book reviews, tasks are constant and varied. I have encountered an inclusiveness which reaches beyond my assigned desk: hesitantly replying to an FT events email, offering an evening talk by Lionel Barber and the chance to mix with other colleagues (is this really for an intern?), I received a warm reply of assurance: "Of course – see you there."
It will undoubtedly be an exciting and insightful two months. Any internship, of course, is what you make it, but at the FT there is a real opportunity to learn from skilled and welcoming colleagues.
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