Paul McClean Graduate Trainee

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The FT’s Paul McClean graduate trainee programme, now open for applications, recruits and trains entry‑level journalists for a long‑term career at one of the world’s leading and most respected news organisations.

Named after Paul McClean, a gifted journalist who produced groundbreaking work during his two years as an FT trainee, the scheme is in its 40th year. Alumni are well represented in senior staff of the FT and other news organisations worldwide.

We are looking for talented, driven reporters who want to develop an FT career in financial journalism and global affairs. Applicants should be curious about the world, strongly committed to serious journalism, and enjoy the thrill of nailing a good story.

Successful applicants must demonstrate they can cope with the pressure of working in a fast‑paced news organisation with assignments abroad. Candidates should be self‑starters, committed to high standards, interested in business and global affairs, possessing an international mindset and sharp reporting instincts. Strong writing ability is vital. A keen interest in scoops and storytelling across all formats is required.

Fluent spoken and written English is essential; data journalism skills and additional 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 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.

• CV – include dates for all the following: secondary school name and city, university and subject details, post‑graduate education (if any), other qualifications including data journalism skills, student or other journalism experience, languages (include competency level on the CEFR scale), leisure interests, work experience.
• 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. 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 Final date to receive 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.

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism. Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. For specific and pre‑approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.

We expect applicants to refrain from using AI in their original story, and written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored.

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 doubt about your eligibility,…