University Mentor

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

 

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

 

The Role / Position Overview
The Financial Times, one of the world’s leading business news organisations, is recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. FT Schools helps the next generation of decision makers prepare for life after school by enabling students to achieve more academically, make informed career choices, understand personal finance and become more engaged citizens.

The Student Advocate Program offers secondary school students the opportunity to develop new skills through promoting the benefits of reading the FT to their friends and teachers as well as being the voice of the student to the FT. The FT Schools Team is receptive to new ideas, creative, and a great environment to develop new employability skills and make new connections.

Job Purpose

We are trying to make the FT more accessible to young people through Student Advocates by building relationships with secondary school students and teachers at secondary schools. The role of a Student Advocate is to promote the benefits of the FT at school and represent the voice of students to the FT by suggesting ideas for how we can be more relevant for teenagers. We hope that Student University Mentors can be the bridge between Student Advocates in schools and the FT. They will lead and motivate teams of 60 Student Advocates across the world, discuss new ideas and work closely with the Schools Team to transform the FT into something which is more compelling for young people.

Student University Mentors will be able to do their work remotely from home/university and will be in regular contact with the FT. The position is paid and is part time (12 hours per month spread throughout the month) and on a fixed term contract basis (duration roughly 6 months).

Key Responsibilities

• Support a group of 60 Student Advocates by running two monthly calls and maintaining regular contact on Slack, helping them feel confident sharing ideas to boost FT visibility in schools
• Communicate ideas clearly between the FT and Student Advocates, and work with the Schools team to put these ideas into action
• Gather feedback from Advocates on ongoing projects and use this to help shape programme development
• Keep teachers updated on their students’ progress through monthly emails and respond to any queries
• Track student engagement by monitoring attendance, updating records and following up where needed to ensure active participation.
  
  

Required Skills / Experience

This role would suit a current university student, looking for a part time position that they can work around their studies.

• Be a current undergraduate or postgraduate university student
• High levels of motivation and initiative
• A keen interest in news and current affairs
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Strong organisational and communication skills 
• Experience mentoring young people or working with diverse groups
• Familiarity with the FT/FT Schools (desirable)
  
  

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter by July 11, 2025.

The cover letter can be in any form e.g. a letter, video or podcast. We would like to hear your ideas on how the FT can better engage with young people and we would also like to hear about any relevant experience in mentoring young people and communicating with lots of different groups. We encourage you to be creative. 

Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

 

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