This past year, FTI Consulting has partnered with the PRCA, the world’s largest professional PR body, to offer apprenticeship placements in their Strategic Communications practice. An 18-month blended work and study programme, with the opportunity to secure an ongoing future career with FTI on completion, it’s just one of the ways they are expanding access into the industry for people who can’t or opt not to follow a university education path.
With less than six months until graduation, we caught up with Abbie Carlton, an apprentice in FTI Consulting’s London Digital & Insights practice, on her experience so far on the programme, alongside tips she would share with anyone seeking an alternative path into corporate communications.
How it started
Walking up to the FTI doors last October, I had my A-Level grades in my pocket, a few sixth-form summers of working-environment experience in my local fish and chip shop and a whole lot of excited, but nervous, determination to get out there and set my own path when it came to stepping into a career. Not the typical conversation starter most day-one employees have in the PR and Communications industry.
Completing my A levels, I’d been interested in social media as a career option and wanted to learn more about digital brand management. But, not being academically-minded, a three-year uni course to qualify for graduate entry routes to the sector wasn’t what I wanted. I felt I would learn and grow much faster by getting straight into a hands-on role. An apprenticeship seemed to be a natural next step.
I discussed apprenticeships as an alternative option with our sixth form advisor at my grammar school – having researched industries I felt that PR would be what I would enjoy the most. The application process was straight forward, I first signed up to a PR apprenticeship mailing list and applied for FTI’s role, wrote a written assessment, chose the team I would like to apply for, then was interviewed by FTI, and secured my place to start in the October. Speaking about my previous experience with social media helped me to understand what skills I’d need to succeed in the next 18 months? All in all, the application process to securing a role took approximately 6 months.
Setting my own path, on reflection, is probably why I’ve found consulting, and an apprenticeship with FTI, a great fit for me so far.
How it’s going
Apprenticeships offer a blended, practical approach to entering the industry. You work towards an industry recognised qualification, a degree equivalent Level 4 Diploma in PR and Communications, using your daily work to provide evidence for the qualification criteria. You also benefit from direct access to mentors in the workplace, both through your assigned coach and various parts of the business you interact with.
Through my training with FTI and the PRCA, I have had the opportunity to balance working on varied projects with different specialisms while studying. These have honed my digital-specific skills while also supported transferable skills I’ll be able to apply to all aspects of a future career such as in client communication, time and project management and presentation skills.
A year in, I’ve had accomplishments ranging from supporting the launch of an industry-leading report, pitching coverage opportunities for clients to media, developing promotion campaigns to support targeted audience engagement, reputation insights monitoring, supporting copywriting for executive leaders and corporate social channels, as well as presenting at our internal townhalls. One quite-literal ‘high’, I think I will always remember is my “Abbie-seil” down a well-known London landmark to capture content for a real estate client.
I really love the fact that no day, or account, is the same – and I can’t thank my team, and FTI, enough for all the support. It was a proud moment recently to attend the PRCA industry awards with my coach and fellow Strat-Comms apprentices to see FTI Consulting shortlisted alongside the Government Communications Service for Best Apprenticeship programme – especially in its first year.
I’m excited about the future, and what next my career in communications will bring.
My three tips
My three main pieces of advice to people considering an apprenticeship:
- Build strong networks. Never underestimate the power of a coffee invite! Networking and building confidence in expanding who you know brings inspiring conversations, and opportunities.
- Embrace every learning experience. Actively seek out new tasks, ask questions and watch and learn from all levels of the professionals around you. Be vocal about what you would like to do more of, and what you’re enjoying
- Go for it! Be confident in celebrating your achievements and progress throughout the course. I’ve not looked back.