Why did you join the FT? Can you tell me a little bit about what you did before you joined us?
A specific memory comes to mind when I think about this. I heard Alice Fishburn, then the editor of FT Magazine, on the “Always Take Notes” podcast in 2017 that offered an intriguing peek behind the curtain. The FT is a global standard-bearer in journalism but what is it actually like working there — and what stories carry weight? Learning about the kinds of journalism that the FT values and invests in definitely inspired me.
Before joining the FT, I was a Scott Trust bursary journalist at the Guardian, where I rotated between various desks – from podcasts to the Manchester news desk and data projects. Prior to that I spent a year working for a fintech start-up at the helm of its web content and video output. Producing video explainers about credit card payments taught me lots about how to present the facts in a succinct, punchy way. The company was relatively small so that gave me ample opportunity to experiment with our content! I remember working on a marketing project which involved me standing on Regent Street on a wintry day and asking passersby about their favourite supermarket meal deal. I was pleasantly surprised at how well sweets worked as an incentive for the public to take part in our survey!
But I have known for a long time that being a journalist — being able to give voice to those who may not have a platform — is my core ambition in life. My experience in fast-paced newsrooms through placements at Bloomberg, the Telegraph and even the punk rock magazine Kerrang! had reinforced that. Newsletters are such an exciting, intimate editorial product and I think the idea of following UK politics alongside a heavyweight pro (Stephen Bush) sealed the deal.
Please describe a typical day in your role for us
I work on a variety of newsletters at the FT. My biggest focus is Inside Politics, which I edit every weekday. I get up at about 6:30 and often start the day by listening to the BBC’s Today programme. I check social media site X and that day’s front pages of UK newspapers to catch up on what’s driving the day. That informs the stories I want to highlight in Inside Politics. Editing the newsletter is great fun and I love receiving the direct feedback we get from our deeply engaged readers. We are also always thinking about how to carve out new routes for engagement; for example we created a Spotify playlist dedicated to the newsletter’s music recommendations. I like concocting fun, punny headlines and subject lines, which many readers enjoy! The nature of email also makes the job challenging — once it is sent, it cannot be retracted. That means we have to be absolutely sure that our newsletters are accurate, and if required, checked by our legal team. Then, after the newsletter is sent at 9:30, I head to the office. Most days, I am working on a few different things — how to optimise our newsletters, paying attention to the data analytics (these show, for example, the proportion of subscribers who open our newsletters in their email), promoting them and helping organise events centred on our newsletters. I also edit Fashion Matters, which is a smart guide to the business of style sent every week. I build the Europe Express Weekend newsletter, a deep exploration of a key issue in Europe by Tony Barber, and produce its graphics. My day ends at about 4pm.
If you had to choose one, which piece that you've written are you most proud of?
I am proudest of this newsletter I wrote about homelessness and why we need to focus on the evidence for its causes and what could be implemented to help change the situation. I received a dozen emails from readers who took something away from the newsletter and was so heartened to hear thoughtful feedback from charities and people with direct experience of being homeless, who thanked me for my research. As part of my reporting I spoke with people on the front line of the crisis. Though there is so much more to do, my interviewees always showed a distinct thread of hope which has stayed with me long after the calls.
What has surprised you most about working at the FT? How would you describe the culture of the newsroom?
It’s great to be here as someone from a refugee background, whose parents had not gone to university and who grew up on benefits and without newspapers around the house — all factors which had long made me feel doubtful that being a journalist (particularly in the world of politics or finance!) was within my reach. While I think there is a lot more the FT and the media industry as a whole could do to lift up people from low-income backgrounds, and platform their stories, there are signs that we are moving in the right direction.
One thing that has stood out to me is the inquisitiveness and imagination of some journalists and leaders at the FT around opportunities for new formats and products, whether that is in newsletters or in artificial intelligence. The recent launch of the FT’s own TikTok is an exciting demonstration of the adaptability of our newsroom and output, which is constantly evolving and innovating to meet readers where they are.
How has the FT helped you develop your skills or progress in your role and career?
Training (by both internal and external experts) is a major perk at the FT. For example, I have had training in public speaking. I also like having the opportunity to go to conferences, where you get a chance to learn from people from different corners of our fast-changing media landscape. I am pleased to be a judge at the Newsletter Publisher Awards this year, and look forward to gleaning insights from other outlets.
What advice would you give to journalists applying to and interviewing for jobs at the FT?
Get in touch with journalists, who most of the time would be happy to talk through their journey. Remember that there are lots of different jobs in journalism, not only reporters. When writing to people, I think it’s a good idea to show an interest in the work of that individual and the publication. This month a university student and aspiring journalist had asked me for some advice and I suggested she could pop into the FT offices in London for a coffee. I think it’s hugely important to help demystify the journalism industry and the physical spaces in which we operate, not only because the younger generations are who we hope to attract as potential readers and contributors, but I think supporting others makes for a more open, transparent and compassionate media world. We are all human and still trying to figure things out! I was recently a panel speaker with other industry professionals at the charity Student Publication Association’s national annual conference, which was super for me as I got to learn from student journalists and what they were interested in, but it is also a nice networking opportunity for budding journalists. I was so impressed with their ideas and wish I had been more active in going to similar events as a student journalist!