In this edition of the Life at FT blog, we catch up with Lina Chokrane, FT Live Summer Intern, based in our New York City office. Lina shares valuable insights into her experience on the FT Live team, reflects on how her first full-time role has shaped her professionally, and offers a glimpse into what it’s like to be a summer intern at the Financial Times.
Tell us about your background and why you decided to pursue an internship?
My name is Lina Chokrane, and I’m a rising senior at Boston University majoring in Public Relations. When I first started my studies, I imagined my future would be in editorial journalism. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, writing, and the energy that comes with sharing ideas with the world. But through my internship at the Financial Times, I was introduced to something that completely shifted my perspective: the power of content in the context of marketing and events.
What drew you to the FT?
I was drawn to the Financial Times because of my long-standing interest in journalism. My passion lies in geopolitical journalism, and I’m working toward building a career in that field.
What attracted me to the FT is its reputation as a globally respected and politically unbiased publication, committed to presenting diverse perspectives. I also value the FT’s broad editorial scope and its commitment to well-rounded, in-depth journalism across multiple subject areas.
As a Moroccan American who grew up in Queens and attended an international French school, I’ve always appreciated a global perspective. The FT’s international reach and nuanced reporting truly resonate with me and align with both my personal background and professional aspirations
What excites you most about working at FT Live?
Some of the most exciting parts of my internship have come from participating in FT Live’s events. These experiences have given me the opportunity to network with smart, open-minded individuals from around the world and across various departments at the FT. Through these connections, I’ve built meaningful relationships, both professionally and personally.
A standout moment for me was attending the FT event in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to meet people with entrepreneurial mindsets and connect with highly respected journalists. Assisting with the dinners and helping manage event operations gave me hands-on insight into how the FT executes its media and marketing strategies.
It was eye-opening to see the many layers that make up the FT’s global brand, and how events play such a key role in bringing the brand to life.
What has been your favorite part of the FT Internship Program?
The FT internship program has been such a rewarding experience. Some of the most memorable moments for me have come from the in-office networking events, like the company-wide ice cream social. It felt like a genuine and approachable way to connect with colleagues across departments and begin building our professional networks.
Another standout experience was the intern hackathon. Working in teams with other interns, developing creative solutions, and practicing our public speaking skills made for a challenging but incredibly valuable learning opportunity.
One aspect I especially appreciate is that the FT’s internship program is intentionally smaller in scale, which makes it feel much more personalised. We’ve been able to work closely with our respective teams and receive meaningful mentorship and feedback.
I’ve also really enjoyed participating in the FT Buddy Program. I've been fortunate to connect with my buddy, Chloe, who is based in London. She has offered thoughtful guidance on editorial fellowships and early career opportunities, and always takes the time to listen. Connecting with her has been one of the highlights of the program, and I’ve truly valued the support and insight she’s provided.
The FT's values are Ambition, Inclusion, Integrity, Curiosity, Trust and Subscriber Focused. Which of these values speaks to you most and why?
The two values that resonate with me most are inclusion and curiosity.
Inclusion stands out to me, especially in the office environment. I truly value the diversity within the New York office and the sense of community it fosters. It’s inspiring to see how each team brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. That richness of experience creates a more dynamic and thoughtful workplace and it’s something I deeply appreciate.
Curiosity is also central to my experience as an intern. I’m constantly asking questions, eager to learn, and striving to improve the quality of my work. Collaborating with my team and reading the FT articles consistently sparks my interest and leaves me wondering how people come up with such sharp, well-informed ideas. At the FT, I feel like there’s always something new to think about, and that curiosity is both encouraged and celebrated.
How have you developed during your time at the FT?
I feel like I’ve grown a lot since starting this internship. This summer marked my first full-time, paid internship, and beyond the thoughtful and engaging work, I’ve also learned valuable life skills, like how to manage my time and step into the responsibilities of adulthood.
As a rising college senior, I’m beginning to think seriously about my early career path. My experience at the FT has encouraged me to reflect on my career goals and see the world, and my place in it, with a broader perspective. This internship has been more than just professional development; it’s felt like a meaningful step toward adulthood and a clearer sense of direction for the future.
How did this internship help shape or expand your view of potential career paths?
This internship opened my eyes to the range of career paths that align with my skills and passions. I still care deeply about writing and journalism, but now I see how that can manifest in marketing strategy, content development, and event planning too. Choosing to intern was about exploration — I wanted to understand where my voice and creativity could have the most impact, and I’ve come away feeling energized by the possibilities.
What advice would you give to those thinking about an internship at the FT?
I took a big step in applying for this role, and it’s turned out to be an incredible experience. If you believe you’re qualified, even if you don’t check every box, go for it!
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