UK Graduate Programme 2026
Pave your career path with FGS Global
We are the best at what we do because we hire people who are open-minded, collaborative and bring diverse perspectives to the table.
If you’re looking to be challenged, want to learn and progress in a fast-paced environment, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills, we want to get to know you.
2026 UK Graduate Programme
We work for some of the world’s most successful and interesting businesses, institutions and individuals helping to tell their stories to multiple stakeholders including investors, media, employees and government. The exceptional quality of our people is crucial to our success as a company and how we serve our clients.
We help our clients navigate today’s fast-moving and interconnected world to win support from the people who are interested in them. The knowledge, creativity and passion our people bring to this work is why we are a leader in our field.
Do you want to join a world-leading strategic communications consultancy?
We’re now welcoming applications for our 2026 UK Graduate Programme
You will be applying for the UK office in London, where you will join one of our brilliant teams.
During the graduate programme you will get the opportunity to work on high-stakes, business-critical projects that span some of the world’s largest companies and most complex situations faced by organisations. You’ll encounter issues that make up the global news agenda of the time.
Please follow links to our Middle East, Asia, US and mainland Europe pages if you are interested in applying for opportunities in those regions.
What the programme will involve
The UK graduate programme is based in London but offers our graduates the opportunity to work with colleagues and clients around our international offices. We are a global business, and we work collaboratively across time zones.
Throughout your application for the UK Graduate programme, you will have the opportunity to indicate a preference for one of three pathways:
Core consulting – most of FGS Global’s UK activity takes place on this pathway, including Transaction & Financial Communications, Strategy & Reputation and Crisis and Issues Management practices’.
Digital & creative – This pathway is an opportunity to join the Edmonds Elder by FGS Global team, working across digital strategy, content development and campaign execution. This pathway will either mean working very closely with Edmonds Elder or potentially directly as part of their team, depending on your skillset.
UK Public Affairs – This pathway is to work as part of our specialist public affairs offering, which helps clients engage with the UK political environment, and working closely with our colleagues in Brussels, Washington D.C. and all over the world.
The graduate programme will begin with two joint-training weeks for all participants to truly immerse you in our culture and the type of work we do. Following this, you’ll spend six-months in a structured training and mentorship programme along one of our three pathways, learning both on-the-job and through formal trainings to help develop your knowledge and skillset across communications. This will be across a range of audiences including those involved in public affairs, the media, investors, employees and government.
Our people love the work they do, and the people they do it with, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your local and global colleagues both socially and professionally.
Through the application process, we select individuals for this programme that we believe will pioneer the future of FGS Global. The intention is for us to invest in your development, and for you to receive a truly immersive learning experience that challenges you and allows you to demonstrate your own entrepreneurial flare. The expectation is that you continue with us after the programme ends as a full-time Associate without any further interviews or assessment.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for motivated and proactive graduates who welcome a steep learning curve and the chance to collaborate with a wide range of people
All roles require individuals who are interested and engaged in how different stakeholders communicate – be it through news outlets, investor presentations, social media, keynote events, or face-to-face conversations
We want applicants who are interested in the news agenda, and track emerging issues and current challenges facing society today
We want people who will bring their own dynamism and knowledge of how companies and organisations communicate, for example the changing world of digital and social media communications
Our core pathway is suited to a wide range of backgrounds and skillsets in line with the criteria above, while the Digital & creative pathway is best suited to those with a flair for creative thinking or an interest in focusing on digital mediums or content production. While not explicitly required, UK Public Affairs pathway applicants will benefit from a strong understanding of the Westminster system and UK political dynamics
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate that they embody the values our people live by: being ambitious together, working hard while keeping energy levels high, striving for excellence and taking responsibility in all they do
We care for and uplift those around us, and expect anyone who joins our team to do their part
What we offer you in return
We are a diverse, dynamic and caring group of people. We motivate each other, strive to deliver to a brilliant standard and we take the time to celebrate together and learn lessons to improve
You will have the opportunity to work with leading communications professionals, learning from the brightest minds in the industry who come from a diverse background
You will be working on a diverse mix of clients, across industries, sectors and geographies
You will have continuous training and development throughout the programme, with dedicated mentors
You will be given the platform to innovate and trusted to demonstrate your entrepreneurial flare
You will have access to a range of office perks including regular team socials, free tickets to exhibitions, company discounts, and flexible working policies
A competitive salary benchmarked against others in the industry, and we review Associate salaries every six months in line with formal appraisals. We also offer a number of other benefits including gym membership and private health and dental care
At the beginning of the programme, we require you to be in the office full time. After this, we expect all colleagues to be in the office the majority of the working week, however we do offer flexibility to work from home at least one day a week
Visa, language and relocation requirements
Fluent and native-standard English is essential
Candidates must have a right to work in the UK
Candidates must be able to relocate by the end of August 2026 to begin work in September 8th 2026
How the application process works
Step 1. We have developed an FGS Global-specific task that is designed to highlight the brightest, most creative graduates. It will be an opportunity for you to demonstrate your research skills, creative thinking and ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way. This must be completed in a presentation. We will also ask you to fill out a short form and send us your CV. We appreciate the task takes a lot of work, but it gives us the opportunity to assess in a completely blind way based on your abilities and talents.
Presentations and CV’s must be submitted in PDF format. This application must be completed by Thursday 15th January at 23:59 GMT – late applications will not be accepted.
Our Step 1 review process is entirely anonymous. All application tasks and CVs are assessed blindly with personal identifying information removed prior to review.
Step 2. Successful candidates will be interviewed virtually between 2nd February and 6th ;March 2026 and told whether they are through to the final shortlist for our assessment day. You will also take an online scenario test simulating tasks we undertake.
Step 3. We will host an in-person assessment day at our London office on 24th April 2026. Further details of the assessment day will be announced in due course.
Successful applicants will start full time on 8th September 2026.
General inquiries
If you are not yet in your final year of study, but would be interested in applying for work experience opportunities, please get in touch with us via UKMEAGraduateApplications@fgsglobal.com with your CV and a piece of work you are proud of.
The piece of work can be anything you choose which you think illustrates your curiosity and creativity (e.g., an academic essay, something you wrote for a school or University magazine, an example of a creative project you worked on, or anything else which you think is relevant).
For work experience applications, we do not expect your example of work, or any experience on your CV, to relate to strategic communications directly, but you may wish to outline in your email what interests you about communications and the world of business more generally.
Testimonials
Emilia Bridges
Associate (2025 Graduate programme intake)
What was your journey prior to FGS Global and how did you hear about the firm?
Before joining FGS, I was studying BA International Social and Political Studies with Spanish at UCL. Throughout university, I gained practical experience through working with startups and a key interest in all things global affairs, business, finance and sustainability. After seeing FGS on LinkedIn and the breadth of sectors, markets and practice areas it participates in, I knew I had to apply!
Tell us about a typical day
Every day really is very varied. I start most mornings summarising global media coverage for my clients, keeping track of market developments and political affairs, and any reputational issues that may arise. The rest of my day is spent conducting research, writing press briefings, speaking with journalists and working alongside my global colleagues. FGS offers us many opportunities to get involved across the business too, one day I may be organising events for ambassadors, the next helping partners with new business propositions and the next attending networking events.
What is your favourite aspect of the job?
I love the wide skillset and exposure we get from this job. We’re constantly learning new skills such as how to interact with the media, how to value a company and how to analyse geopolitical risk for our clients. The constant learning and upskilling keeps the job fun and interesting. Further, the exposure to a wide variety of sectors means you are constantly learning new and exciting things that you wouldn’t otherwise have exposure to!
How would you describe yourself as a member of the team?
The great thing about FGS is everyone at every level of the company values your insights and contributions from day one. I’ve felt empowered to contribute my thoughts and ideas and add value to every team and project. I’ve particularly enjoyed all the wider social activities of the firm. Participating in our company football team FGS FC, going to Thursday socials, lunch and learns or simply sharing coffee in the lobby has enriched my experience at the firm and made me feel like valued member of the team both in London and globally.
What do you think is special about FGS Global?
FGS is constantly expanding and innovating. Right before we joined, FGS acquired Edmonds Elder, expanding the company’s ability to create digital content and advise our clients. This constant growth and innovation is incredibly exciting and the professional growth opportunities for associates are ever evolving. FGS’s encouragement of global cooperation is also great, we’re actively encouraged to visit our peers in our international offices and create broad professional networks. The views from our London office are definitely a selling point too!
Toby Gill
Associate (2024 Graduate programme intake)
What was your journey prior to FGS Global and how did you hear about the firm?
Before joining FGS, I was studying History at the University of York. As part of my studies, I spent a year working in London. It was around this time that I discovered communications as a career path, and I began researching the industry over the next year. I have a keen interest in politics and global events, and this industry seemed like a perfect fit. FGS stood out as one of the top firms both in the UK and globally, and so when I saw the graduate programme advertised on LinkedIn, I had to apply!
Tell us about a typical day
It's hard to describe a typical day because every day is genuinely different to the last. From day one you're put on such interesting accounts across different sectors, so you're really getting experience in loads of areas. One day you might be organising events with famous politicians and executives, and the next you'll be working on exciting bits of research with real-world impacts. Every day is a learning opportunity!
What is your favourite aspect of the job?
The best part of the job is definitely the scope of work the firm does. You're working on high-profile events, or representing enormous global clients, adding real value to the work you do. FGS represents some of the biggest names out there, and having the chance to join as a graduate and be working for these names is great. Plus, the job keeps you on the ball - you're always reading the news, you know what's going on around the world and you're learning from people with incredible experience.
How would you describe yourself as a member of the team?
Everyone, at all levels from graduates to Partners, is a valued part of the team. On my accounts, my voice is heard and my opinions listened to. You're given genuine responsibility in your first few weeks of the job, and it gives you an amazing opportunity to learn on the job. I'm enthusiastic and keen to do well in the role, and that's appreciated by the wider teams that I work on - everyone is working together to succeed.
What do you think is special about FGS Global?
The culture! Everyone in the office is incredibly smart, friendly and easy to talk to. Everyone wants you to succeed, and absolutely everyone is willing to help as you learn about the business and the day-to-day work. We also have fun socials, free barista coffees and breakfasts - it's a great office experience which really makes coming into work a lot easier.
Jack Jones
Associate (2024 Graduate programme intake)
What was your journey prior to FGS Global and how did you hear about the firm?
I was studying for my Master's degree at the University of Exeter, and thinking about what my next steps would be. Having already done an internship in public relations, I began looking for a full time job in the strategic communications sphere. Given that graduate scheme opportunities in PR/PA are not necessarily abundant, I was surprised to see such a comprehensive and mapped out process being offered by FGS Global. I found the scheme through a Google search and it was refreshing to start a process which had a great balance of challenge and engagement.
Tell us about a typical day
A typical day at FGS Global is quite hard to pin down, as the remit under which we work for clients is broad and fluid. An enjoyable aspect of day-to-day life is the versatile nature of our tasks. Some of these are performed routinely, whether that be summarising the coverage a client is getting in the news or evaluating a potential media opportunity they have been presented with. It is then interesting to have tasks more specific to the sector of the client, where you could be researching the implications of a piece of legislation, or brainstorming ways in which a client's initiative could be launched. There is also work we do on our internal operations, such as helping put together a piece of thought leadership from stakeholder research.
What is your favourite aspect of the job?
My favourite aspect of the job is the multi-faceted nature of the work. We all have our niches, but this role exposes you to so many areas of the corporate, political and media landscape you can really get a sense of this world in its entirety. Not only can you drift towards your personal areas of interests but find new ones.
How would you describe yourself as a member of the team?
Collaborating as a team is one of the best parts of the job. Everyone brings their own perspective and experience, and that creates an optimal atmosphere for collaboration. The way I try to work in a team is through a sense of open-mindedness, and a willingness to let my pre-conceptions be challenged. I think care for what we do here is a given, so the next step is harnessing those passions toward maximum results.
What do you think is special about FGS Global?
FGS Global has a special blend of expertise and creativity. As a new joiner, a learning curve is something to be embraced. Not only will you be given the tools to scale it, but also be given tasks and responsibilities which embolden personal qualities you already have. This is something I recognised throughout the assessment process and has played an important role in the responsibilities I have been given so far.
Ty Cartmell
Senior Associate (2022 Graduate programme intake)
What was your journey prior to FGS Global and how did you hear about the firm?
I studied law at the University of Liverpool before finishing my studies at King’s College London with a Masters degree in International Relations. I then went on to work in local government for a year before applying for the graduate programme. I had always been deeply fascinated by the interplay between the private sector and the political world so the opportunity to work at this intersection was naturally the next step in my career. Working at FGS Global has lived up to my every expectation, with access to world class clients and constant dialogue with policy makers at the cutting edge of the most important issues of the day.
Tell us about a typical day
There is no one typical day at FGS Global, with each new day bringing a different set of challenges and ways to grow as an advisor. Depending on what is happening in the media or the world of politics that day, things can change incredibly fast, so you have to be agile and responsive to the world around you. Throughout the day I will produce concise summaries of the most important news stories and government announcements, in-depth analysis of the latest think tank reports and briefing notes on both journalists and political stakeholders. This is all in addition to liaising directly with clients and advising them on how to position their business in light of the latest breaking story.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
Working at such a prestigious company means we have direct access to the key players in business, politics and the media. This not only helps to expand my own personal network, but it is also a great opportunity to learn from the best in the business and get under the skin of some of the largest companies in the world. Also, who could forget the fantastic people at FGS Global who make the company what it is. The team spirit and culture have meant I have made friends for life.
How would you describe yourself as a member of the team?
I would hope that my colleagues would describe me as hard-working, attentive and caring. However, I believe you could easily look at every FGS Global employee and use these same adjectives given how brilliant our teams are both in their jobs and as people.
What do you think is special about FGS Global?
The firm is always pushing you to grow as an advisor. From day one you will be supported and encouraged to grow your skills, network and all-around ability as an advisor to the biggest companies in the world. Your colleagues are always supportive and want to see you succeed and grow both professionally and personally.
Have any questions? Please email UKMEAGraduateApplications@fgsglobal.com for more information.