“Ask the questions, be open to learning new things and take every opportunity that comes your way”, hear from Maisie, our newsroom apprentice, on her journey at the FT so far - what’s led her here, what continues to motivate her, and her advice to others looking to pursue a career in journalism.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship? Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
It was my Mam who first planted the idea of me doing an apprenticeship. I was at a time in my life where I was ready to step up beyond what I was doing and work towards my goal of journalism but was confused about how to take it. But, the idea of learning on the job and getting to be part of a bustling newsroom is what cemented the idea an apprenticeship was for me.
After talking it through with my Mam, that was it, I was spending Saturday mornings in the library searching online for journalism apprenticeships and came across the FT newsroom apprenticeship. What they offered, the paper's incredible standing, and the opportunities it would give me is what spurred me to apply.
I'm from Manchester, my Mam's a nurse and my older brother is a soldier. At school, I always looked forward to English, Media Studies and History, finding enjoyment in both reading and writing, not just literature, but in daily news and world history. I always wanted to learn more than what we were expected to, and reading the work of other journalists throughout my time in education is truly what made me want to be a journalist and be able to join them in uncovering the truth and providing the public with news they deserve to have access to.
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship so far? And what have you found most challenging?
The opportunity to cover a range of topics and sectors during my regional news placement was probably the most enjoyable aspect. Getting to cover everything from high profile court cases to live scenes in the pouring rain allowed me to find my feet in the newsroom and also within myself. Being trusted to go out and cover these kinds of stories helped me learn that I was able to do this and I wanted to keep learning and growing to truly keep earning my seat in the newsroom. One memory in particular that I will always hold close is the night of July 4th, covering the general election in Salford, where my family are from. To have that moment of my job connected with my upbringing and family will always be special to me.
That being said, there was a time where covering stories that were particularly hard hitting and showed some horrible parts of humanity, did wear me down, and for me that was very challenging. It was tough to brush myself off and go back to covering stories which were sometimes heartbreaking. However, it was this time that taught me that despite the fact that covering these stories could be difficult, it was important that the people who were being affected had their stories told, and that they were relying on me and other journalists to do so. The knowledge that I was able to keep helping others helped me bounce back and keep striving to tell the stories of people whose voices needed to be heard.
Where do you see yourself in the future? And how do you think this apprenticeship will support those ambitions?
From the first time I set foot in the newsroom at the FT, my goal has been the same, to earn my seat alongside the incredible journalists who work there. Every day I'm working towards being a journalist at the Financial Times beyond my apprenticeship.
In the future, I hope to be working on investigations or the world desk, but for now I want to focus on the present and what I can do each day to get to where I want to go.
I was raised to be a person who never rested on their laurels and that a good work ethic and morals is what will help me progress in life. This apprenticeship has helped me with this in more ways than I am able to put into words. Allowing me to earn my NCTJ, pass my shorthand exams, live in London and gain experience in a regional newsroom have allowed me to grow both as a journalist and an individual. I will be forever grateful for this apprenticeship and the belief that Adele, Shari, Veronica and Alice had in me during my interviews last year.
What advice would you give to someone applying to be the FT's next apprentice?
Most importantly I would say know you've earned the right to apply for this apprenticeship and any interviews you may take part in. Don't doubt yourself. Comparing yourself to others is easy, but it's important not to worry about what other applicants may have done or what grades they have. Everyone has their unique experiences and reasons for applying, including you, and what people will remember about you in your cover letter and interview are your words and ideas, not the grades on a piece of paper.
My other big piece of advice is to stay curious! You may be about to enter a new world far from the one you've been living in and it's normal to have questions and curiosity. Don't hide that from the people around you, ask the questions, be open to learning new things and take every opportunity that comes your way. Throwing ourselves into new scenarios and conversations is how we grow and that is one of the things that has kept me sharp and always learning.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
To anyone who comes from a background where journalism may not be a career discussed at school, or they live in an area where opportunities to enter the industry may be limited, do not hesitate to apply for this apprenticeship!
The FT is committed, through this apprenticeship, to hear your voice and help you get your foot in the door.
