Shaliz Navab
Consultant
MA in Politics & Economic & Social History
Joined 2019
When I was accepted into the FTI Consulting Strategic Communications Graduate scheme, I was made aware by many people around me, that this is a great company with high profile clients and very interesting strategic projects. All of this has definitely been true.
I have been able to work with global companies, take on responsibility for complicated tasks at an early stage, and experience working in several different sectors and industries – such as People & Change, Industrials and Life Sciences. However, what I did not know or expect before joining FTI, was how much I would enjoy working with this group of people. On every level, from Consultants to Senior Managing Directors, FTI is packed with kind and friendly people who always have time to give you guidance and support no matter their schedule. It is a company where creativity and innovation is rewarded, regardless of your role, if you have an idea there will be someone who is open to listen. I have truly enjoyed my experience on the graduate scheme, and recommend it to anyone who is ready to take on a new challenge.
Cally Billimore
Senior Consultant
BA Hons, History & Politics
Joined 2016
The Strategic Communications Graduate Scheme provides a breadth of training and experiences to introduce you to the financial and corporate communications FTI Consulting specialises in.
The rotational structure of the scheme enabled me to learn about different teams’ specialisms and gave me the opportunity to work on numerous high-profile clients in crisis situations and M&As. Having a cohort of other Graduates and the friendly nature of the office made it easier for me to settle in and feel comfortable asking questions or getting involved in interesting projects. During my time here I have also enjoyed the social side of FTI Consulting, playing for the netball team and taking part in the FTI Consulting Tennis Day.
Katie Bell
Senior Consultant
Master's degree, Global Media and Communication
Joined 2015
After completing my history degree, I was unsure of which career path to take so I decided to pursue a masters in global communications strategy, and was delighted to see that FTI Consulting was among the graduate employees that offered roles that perfectly suited a combination of strong verbal and analytical skills, with an outgoing personality and a desire to work hard.
The graduate scheme in FTI’ Consulting’s strategic communications practice really is unparalleled in the world of PR, with a highly reputable firm, a roster of exciting clients (from FTSE 100 household names to smaller companies with enormous growth potential) and a wealth of experienced sector teams to learn from.
What I was most drawn to was the fact that graduates rotate through three teams. This lets you get a real feel for what different industries do. The other advantage is that you get to meet a lot more people round the business, opening doors down the line. With training on everything from how to use a Bloomberg terminal to how to handle difficult journalists, the amount of support given to graduates is really impressive.
A consultant’s job is basically to have your eyes peeled for any news on the team’s clients, competitors or the space they operate in. The graduate scheme prepares you for the role by giving you a flavour for the industry as a whole. Research on prospective new clients, writing briefing notes, and even pitching stories to journalists all make up daily tasks.
There is scope to really make the role your own. If you have a passion for all things digital, or have experience in politics or journalism, the teams are really receptive to letting you play to your strengths. However, being keen to meet lots of different people is key in the industry, and there is a lot of networking to the job.
Away from the desk, FTI Consulting offers a host of different opportunities to get involved in. There are frequent seminars from experts on current affairs and political issues to go along to. I’m personally into sport, and have really enjoyed playing for the netball team as well as playing at the company tennis day and the annual participation in the JP Morgan run.
Ntobeko Chidavaenzi
Senior Consultant
BA Hons, Geography with Business
Joined 2015
FTI Consulting’s global stature and the opportunity to work with some of the UK and the world’s biggest companies was something that particularly drew me to the company.
Having interned in public affairs and communications roles before joining, the Strategic Communications practice and the opportunity to rotate through a number of specialist sector teams during the graduate scheme was very appealing.
Aside from developing my knowledge of corporate and financial communications, I’ve learnt a great deal about specific industries such as real estate, private equity and energy having had the chance to complete placements in these respective teams over the last year. The graduate training sessions helped equip us with the skills we’d need on a day to day basis and our teams are excellent at exposing us to as broad a variety of work as possible. During my time as a graduate consultant I’ve had the opportunity to work on an IPO, a number of mergers and acquisitions and also worked directly with the senior management teams of FTSE 100 and 250 companies.
The working atmosphere is one of the things I’ve enjoyed most about my time so far at FTI Consulting. At all levels, team members are approachable and eager to help which makes settling in as a graduate much easier. The social aspect is also very good, with organised drinks, networking events and even sports teams which are a great way to meet and get to know people from the other business streams.