UK, Middle East and Asia Graduate Programme 2023

Tell us about a typical day

Every day is completely different from the last, and even though I was told this during the application process, I never imagined being in such a dynamic role. Stories in the media are fast-moving and my days reflect that. Some days I work on media summaries to keep my clients up-to-date, support them with research, or draft briefing notes for journalist meetings. I have also been involved in crisis work, where the ask can be anything and everything.

What is your favorite aspect of the job?

I really value the variety in my job – it always keeps me engaged, challenged and learning. My clients span various industries, which means there are always interesting challenges to learn from. In the short time I have been here, I have worked with clients in the telecommunications, consumer, and media sectors.

How would you describe yourself as a member of the team?

I believe I am an ambitious and keen member of my team, always willing to take on new tasks and help whenever needed. I believe I have quickly integrated myself FGS Global more broadly. My aim is to carry on with a positive attitude and maintain my eagerness to learn as I progress throughout my career.

What do you think is special about FGS Global?

Definitely the people! FGS Global has some of the most intelligent, curious, and intellectual people I have come across. It creates for an incredible environment where I feel challenged and supported. It also means that I am constantly learning from colleagues and every day I leave the office with more knowledge and skills than I started with.

How did you begin your career in the industry?

I studied History at the University of Cambridge and gained experience in financial services through my prior role in Deal Advisory at PwC. I applied to FGS Global eager to gain more of an intersectional understanding of finance and politics. I also wanted to be in an industry which strengthened my written and verbal communication skills, and allowed me to take greater ownership of the work I was doing.

Tell us about a typical day

A typical day (pre-lockdown) starts off by listening to a podcast as I walk to work while performing Olympic-level gymnastics maneuvers to avoid motorcyclists.

At the office, I start by catching up with the latest news, as I have media monitoring to do every morning. Afterwards I go through my emails to see what the to-do’s are for the day, and I get cracking.

I bring my own lunch most of the time, and either enjoy a quiet break by myself or spend it chatting with another co-worker. I’ve gotten both great professional and life advice during these chats.

We have meetings throughout the day with various clients or internal teams, to regroup, review our work, and move forward with next steps.

The afternoon slump is almost always accompanied by someone in the office asking if anybody else wants coffee or tea. Going to the coffee stand downstairs is a great opportunity to stretch your legs and reset.

As the day ends, things start to get a little busier as impending deadlines draw near, and last-minute emergencies come up. The office fills with sounds of furious typing, phone calls and meetings.

Everybody gives the office a collective good-bye as they leave for the day. If it’s a Friday, there might be something bubbly waiting, for a little celebration of another week well done.

What is your favorite aspect of the job?

Reacting in real time to global events to create value for our clients.

How would you describe yourself as a member of the team?

If the Shanghai office was a human body, each of us would be an organ vital to the functioning of the overall being. I think I would be the spleen – playing a vital supporting role.

What do you think is special about FGS Global?

Definitely the people! I’ve been with FGS for about half a year now, and every single person, regardless of experience or title, treats me like an equal and encourages me to contribute my own opinions. FGS truly invests in its people – having one-on-one lunches with every co-worker at the Shanghai office when I first joined not only helped me piece out my own career direction, it also allowed me to feel incredible warmth from my co-workers.

How did you begin your career in the industry?

I was an International Studies and Environmental Studies major in college, and I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do after graduation. I decided to intern at FGS because I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to learn about a wide variety of industries and meet people with an array of perspectives on any given topic. This was an amazing decision, because I ended up loving it and I’m so glad to be full-time now with FGS.

Tell us about a typical day

British politics is an ever-changing landscape, and a role in public affairs reflects this. Each day is varied, whether drafting letters to Ministers, compiling briefing documents, analyzing policy reports or monitoring select committee inquiries. Work often involves engagement with politicians and their offices, building relationships to influence the direction of policy and enhance our client’s relationships with senior stakeholders.

What is your favorite aspect of the job?

The variety of accounts at FGS is particularly interesting - we work with clients across a broad range of sectors including digital, energy, consumer and TMT. This provides the opportunity to challenge yourself and learn about new industries, whilst keeping up with exciting and fast-paced policy developments.

How would you describe yourself as a member of the team?

I view myself as an established member of an ambitious and diverse team, keen to take on new challenges and deliver high-quality work. I strive to maintain a positive attitude, build on my political knowledge, and develop skills that will benefit me throughout my career.

What do you think is special about FGS Global?

FGS Global seamlessly integrates teams across the firm, allowing for a sharing of knowledge which not only benefits the offering we provide to our clients but also supports our personal development as well-rounded communication professionals. This extends not just within the London office but also between our global partners, allowing us to gain perspective on how different cultures and markets operate – increasingly important in an interconnected world.

How did you begin your career in the industry?

I studied History and Politics at the University of Nottingham, becoming interested in Public Affairs following two periods of work experience at Finsbury in 2019 and 2020. This exposure to public affairs revealed to me that the profession complimented both my interests and skill set, and it quickly became a career I was keen to pursue. Following university, I completed internships at BCW and Edelman before re-applying to Finsbury, motivated by the high calibre of the team and the learning opportunities available.