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The Economist’s Finance & Economics Internship: A Glimpse into a Premier Media Opportunity
The Economist, the world’s renowned weekly that translates complex global events into clear, concise journalism, is again opening its doors to a new cohort of aspiring analysts and writers. The 2025 Finance & Economics Internship, announced on August 27 by the publication’s Finance & Economics desk, offers recent graduates an immersive six‑month experience that blends rigorous economic analysis with the fast‑paced world of media. With a focus on real‑world exposure, mentorship, and career‑shaping skill‑sets, the program is positioned as one of the most sought‑after pathways into journalism, research, and the broader financial services industry.
A Programme Designed for Impact
At its core, the internship is built around the belief that compelling stories start with a deep understanding of the data that drives the markets and public policy. Interns are paired with senior editors and economists across the Finance & Economics team and contribute to a range of output, from in‑depth feature pieces and quick news briefs to interactive data visualisations. The role therefore demands not only strong writing chops but also a solid grasp of statistical tools, macroeconomic modelling, and an intuitive sense of narrative pacing.
According to the announcement, the internship is split into three phases. In the orientation phase, interns participate in a boot‑camp that covers the basics of The Economist’s editorial workflow, the editorial calendar, and the key economic indicators that shape the weekly’s coverage. The production phase follows, wherein interns take ownership of specific beats – such as monetary policy, commodity markets, or emerging‑market finance – and produce regular content for both the print and digital platforms. Finally, in the capstone phase, interns are tasked with a large‑scale project, often a data‑driven article or a series of columns that culminate in a public presentation before the editorial board and senior staff.
A Global, Inclusive Experience
The internship is available to candidates worldwide, and The Economist explicitly encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. The Economist’s career page (link: https://www.economist.com/careers) lists the application window as running from late September to early November 2025, with a two‑week review period followed by virtual interviews. Applicants must submit a CV, a cover letter outlining their interest in finance and economics journalism, and a writing sample (either a short piece or a longer analysis).
The Economist’s emphasis on inclusion is reflected not only in the application process but also in the workplace culture. Interns receive a modest stipend that covers living expenses and a travel allowance for occasional in‑office meetings in London or other global hubs. In addition to day‑to‑day tasks, interns are invited to networking events with senior economists, editors, and industry experts, giving them a front‑row seat to the decision‑making that shapes global narratives.
Mentorship, Training, and Career Prospects
A key highlight of the internship is the mentorship program. Each intern is paired with a mentor from the senior editorial team who offers guidance on analytical rigor, narrative construction, and career planning. Weekly one‑on‑one check‑ins allow interns to refine their research techniques, discuss feedback on drafts, and explore potential career pathways—whether that means continuing at The Economist as a reporter, moving into data journalism, or pivoting to finance.
Beyond mentorship, the internship includes formal training modules in economic modeling, Excel for economists, and data visualisation using tools such as Tableau and R. These modules are delivered through a combination of in‑person workshops at The Economist’s headquarters in London and online tutorials accessible via the company’s learning portal (link: https://www.economist.com/learning). Interns also have the opportunity to shadow the economics research team during high‑profile projects, giving them exposure to the latest macro‑economic forecasting techniques.
Because the internship is embedded in a media environment that continuously covers policy debates, corporate earnings, and market volatility, it equips participants with an unparalleled skill set for a range of industries. “When I left the internship, I had a portfolio that was both analytically rigorous and journalistic in tone,” says former intern A. Smith, now a data journalist at Bloomberg. “That combination made me very attractive to employers across finance, consulting, and tech.”
The Broader Impact on the Finance & Economics Desk
The Economist’s Finance & Economics desk, led by Editor Jane Hawthorne, has seen a steady rise in demand for data‑rich reporting in recent years. By bringing in fresh talent through the internship, the desk seeks to maintain its reputation for clarity while experimenting with new formats—interactive graphics, podcasts, and AI‑assisted research. In a recent interview on the Economist’s own YouTube channel, Hawthorne noted that interns “bring a fresh perspective and are often the first to spot emerging trends before senior analysts do.” This insight loop, she says, “is invaluable for staying ahead of the curve.”
The internship is also part of the Economist’s broader commitment to sustainability and responsible reporting. A dedicated ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) brief is part of the curriculum, training interns to analyze climate‑related financial data and evaluate policy proposals on carbon pricing and renewable investment. The programme’s inclusion of ESG themes underscores The Economist’s recognition that the intersection of finance and sustainability is a defining issue of our era.
How to Apply
Prospective interns should follow the step‑by‑step guide on The Economist’s careers page:
- Review the Requirements – A strong academic background in economics, finance, or a related field; proficiency in statistical software; excellent written English; and a demonstrable interest in global financial markets.
- Prepare Application Materials – CV, cover letter (max 300 words), and a writing sample (no longer than 800 words).
- Submit Online – Use the “Finance & Economics Internship” entry on the careers portal (link: https://www.economist.com/careers/internships/finance-economics).
- Interview Process – Two virtual interviews: an initial screening with the HR team, followed by a technical interview with a senior editor.
- Final Decision – Candidates are notified by mid‑December 2025.
The Economist’s application system is automated, but the selection process remains highly personalised. As the publication emphasises, “the best applicants are those who can combine analytical depth with a clear, engaging narrative voice.”
Final Thoughts
The Economist’s Finance & Economics Internship is more than a summer job—it is a stepping‑stone into a career that sits at the intersection of data, policy, and storytelling. For recent graduates who crave a rigorous analytical environment wrapped in the immediacy of news, the internship offers a unique blend of mentorship, hands‑on projects, and global networking. With an application window opening in late September, students looking to make an impact in financial journalism or related fields should secure their spot early. In an era where economics is more than numbers, but a lens on society, The Economist’s internship programme stands as a beacon for those who wish to translate data into compelling narratives.
Read the Full The Economist Article at:
[ https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/08/27/the-economists-finance-and-economics-internship ]