Fardeen Rahman Anan is a Career Ready alumnus from London and member of  our Youth Advisory Board. In 2023, he took part in the Financial Times News School. Here, he shares his story and how it helped him go on to secure an internship as a Junior News Reporter.

The FT News School has been an incredible journey—one that has profoundly impacted my career trajectory. From the comprehensive learning sessions to the hands-on project and the invaluable mentorship, every aspect of the online programme has contributed to my growth as a budding news professional. I strongly encourage anyone interested in the media industry to apply. It offers something for everyone, regardless of your background or experience level.

Before News School

Before joining the News School, my knowledge of the news and media industry, especially in relation to the Financial Times, was quite limited. The industry seemed vast and complex, and I was eager to learn more about its various facets.

The News School offered a perfect platform for this, providing a deep dive into different sectors of the business that support journalism, from editorial to marketing, and from tech regulation to data analytics.

The Learning Experience 

The News School was a two-week programme, packed with interactive expert learning sessions. Each day brought a new subject, led by senior professionals who shared their experiences and insights.

We covered eight core pillars that constitute the news and media industry, focusing not just on journalism but on the business mechanisms that make journalism possible. From marketing strategies and business models to the role of big tech and the evolution of audio-visual content, every session was insightful and engaging.

One of the highlights was receiving a notepad and pen by post before the programme started. This small gesture set the tone for a well-organised and thoughtful experience. Throughout the course, I used the notepad to jot down key takeaways from the sessions, which have since become a valuable resource.

Graduation Night 

The culmination of our learning was marked by a memorable graduation night at the Financial Times London office, Bracken House, in December 2023.

We were given two weeks to create a mini project to showcase during the event. I chose to produce a one-minute podcast, summarising what I had learned from the FT News School.

This project was particularly exciting for me as it allowed me to explore podcasting—a medium I had always been curious about. I enjoyed every aspect of the process, from scripting and recording to editing and presenting the final product. It was rewarding to share my work with the charity partners and my cohort and to receive positive feedback.

Meeting the FT News School staff in person and online was another highlight. Lauren, Nick Fallen, and Jacqui, who had been instrumental in running the programme, were incredibly supportive throughout the journey.

Graduation night also provided an opportunity to meet my fellow cohort members in person for the first time. The camaraderie we built online translated effortlessly into our in-person interactions, and we celebrated our achievements over delicious food.

Mentorship and beyond

After completing the online classes, I was fortunate to participate in the FT’s mentoring scheme, where I was paired with Anna Bateson, the CEO of Guardian News and Media.

Over six months, I received valuable guidance from Anna, who generously shared her industry expertise and career advice. This mentorship was a pivotal part of my development, providing me with a clearer understanding of the media landscape and helping me navigate my career path.

The next steps of my journey

Looking ahead, I am excited about my upcoming work experience placement. During this placement, I will be working on tasks further expanding my skill set in a. real-world environment.