Laura Wallace and Shannon Denney were paired as intern and manager on the U.S. B2C & Luxury team at the Financial Times in summer 2024. They quickly developed a strong working relationship—one that led Laura to ask Shannon to return for summer 2025.
Laura Wallace
Shannon Denney
What was your relationship to each other?
Laura: I managed Shannon over the past two summers during her time as FT’s US Advertising Intern, where she supported the department’s B2B and B2C clients. She has since formally joined the US B2C & Luxury team as an Account Planner, working with our account directors and luxury clients across the fashion, watches & jewelry, art & design, real estate, travel, beauty & wellness and spirits sectors.
Shannon: Laura was my manager during my two summer internships with the FT and we currently work on the US Luxury team together. She has been a great mentor and friend!
Laura, what were you looking for in an intern?
Ad sales requires charisma, strategic thinking and strong communication skills, so I look for candidates who are personable, driven and eager to learn. A major benefit of being FT’s US Ads intern is joining a dynamic department with team members who are passionate about their work and genuinely approachable. I want the intern to be excited about the role and to take full advantage of the chance to learn from multiple people.
This internship also offers the experience of working in New York City, which is incredibly shaping in its own right. Ultimately, I’m looking for an intern who is enthusiastic and ready to embrace all these opportunities.
Shannon, why come to the FT in the first place?
In college, I had always wanted to work in media and the FT immediately stood out as a widely respected publication. I was attracted to the global perspective by which we approach our journalism and strong editorial standards. This openness and diligence is reflected in all parts of the business, including the commercial side where I have worked. As a resource, the FT has the best of both worlds being a nearly 200 year old paper that has held continued relevance in modern times. This blend of old and new made it an incredibly attractive place to start my career. I wanted access to the FT’s deep store of knowledge in an environment that adapts to growth and change.
Shannon, what were you looking for in an internship, and why return?
I have experienced first hand the opportunities for growth in the roles I held. The resources at the FT felt unparalleled to opportunities I would maybe find with competitors and I have to highlight how positive my experience with my team has been. The FT attracts so many different and accomplished people, and this felt like the best place for me to start my career.
Laura, why advocate for Shannon to return?
A returning intern is valuable for both the intern and the hiring team when there is mutual interest. When I was in college, I returned to an internship, so I understand the benefits of building on existing experience and relationships. For the hiring team, a returning intern brings a foundation of trust and knowledge, which makes people more inclined to involve the intern in a wider range of projects. Shannon made a strong impression on the department during her first summer, so I was thrilled to offer her the opportunity to return and continue building with the team.
What have you learned from each other?
Laura: Shannon was consistently engaged, poised and reliable. What stood out to me the most was her balanced approach to the role. She showed initiative when appropriate and, in other moments, listened and absorbed the work happening around her. She fit in with the US Ads department and particularly the Luxury team!
Shannon: I have learned so much from Laura, she has done an incredible job of bringing me into the world of luxury at the FT and guiding me as I learn the ropes. If I had to highlight one thing in particular, she is a great communicator and she has shown me the value of the small details.
Laura, what do you want your interns to take away from working on your team/the FT?
An internship is a unique moment in your career to develop both IQ and EQ. Professionally, the aim is for the intern to finish with a strong foundational understanding of the FT portfolio and advertising sales. On a personal level, I hope the intern gains meaningful experience navigating a professional environment with different personalities and types of clients, and begins to consider how various aspects of a role can help guide what they choose to pursue as a career.
What’s the best piece of career advice that you’ve gotten?
Laura: All the statements below have defined my career:
1. No risk, no reward
2. It’s just as important to know what you don’t like/want as it is to know what you do
3. Treat others the way you want to be treated
Shannon: Take notes and write thank you notes. Something that has helped me as I have started my professional journey is the importance of being specific. When networking or interviewing, asking specific questions makes it easier for you to get better answers and it takes the responsibility off the person you’re talking to guide you through the experience, and makes room for a more real connection. When preparing for an interview, tailoring your research to the specific company or role reflects genuine interest. Especially at a place like the FT, which covers a wide range of topics and contains many different product offerings, doing a deep dive on the company might give you a leg up before you apply and make the conversations you have more unique, less general.
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