Strategic Communications Graduate at FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting is offering an exciting career opportunity for talented emerging professionals through its Strategic Communications Graduate Placement Programme based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Designed as a comprehensive one-year full-time placement, this programme immerses ambitious graduates directly into client engagements alongside seasoned advisors. Successful candidates will support high-profile corporate clients, multinationals, and state-owned enterprises as they navigate complex reputational, regulatory, and financial developments across South Africa and the wider African continent. Depending on individual performance and business requirements, graduates may have the opportunity to secure a permanent role within the firm following the placement period.

Estimated Salary Range (Market Benchmark)

The hiring employer has not officially specified a salary for this position. Based on South African market data and industry benchmarks for a corporate consulting graduate programme role, the estimated remuneration is approximately R14,000 – R24,000 per month. Please note that this is an industry estimate and actual remuneration will be determined by the employer based on qualifications, experience, and internal pay structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and Market Analysis: Gather, interpret, and synthesise quantitative and qualitative data from diverse sources including news media, public policy briefings, and market intelligence to underpin strategic client recommendations.

• Communication Campaign Execution: Assist in developing and rolling out integrated communication strategies, managing digital content, coordinating media outreach, and supporting stakeholder engagement plans.

• Report Writing and Deliverables: Draft comprehensive reports, executive presentations, monitoring updates, and messaging matrices that translate intricate business issues into clear narratives.

• Continuous Learning and Application: Participate actively in a structured curriculum covering media relations, crisis communications, regulatory affairs, and corporate positioning, applying knowledge directly to live accounts.

• Mentorship and Networking: Collaborate proactively with dedicated mentors, executive consultants, and cross-functional teams to build an expansive professional consulting network.

Why Join the Company

FTI Consulting is an independent global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organisations manage change, mitigate risk, and resolve disputes. Joining the Johannesburg office places you at the intersection of business, media, and public policy. You will work within a supportive, high-performance culture that values intellectual curiosity, rigorous analysis, and individual perspectives. In addition to direct mentorship from leading industry practitioners, you will gain exposure to high-stakes assignments that accelerate your growth toward becoming a trusted strategic advisor.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Showcase Critical Thinking & Writing Prowess: Submit a crisp, impeccably written CV and cover letter demonstrating your ability to synthesize complex topics clearly. Provide links to academic papers, articles, or published work if available.

• Highlight Current Affairs and Policy Awareness: Emphasise specific coursework, research, or extracurricular projects that demonstrate your practical understanding of South Africa's political economy, corporate governance, and regulatory environments.

• Demonstrate Digital Competence: Detail your experience with digital tools, media monitoring platforms, social listening analytics, or content management systems to distinguish your application from standard academic profiles.

Interview Preparation

Candidates selected for an interview should be ready to answer practical analytical questions, such as:

• "How would you advise a major corporate client facing public criticism regarding a recent environmental or regulatory compliance issue?"

• "Can you give an example of a recent South African business or policy development in the news and explain how it influences stakeholder confidence?"

Sharpen your interview responses, articulate your viewpoints under pressure, and build confidence before your meeting by practicing with the YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates who meet the degree requirements and are available to start in Johannesburg from January/February 2027 should ensure their applications are submitted ahead of the closing date on 29 October 2026. Please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page or visit the official FTI Consulting careers portal to submit your updated CV, academic transcripts, and motivational letter.

• Must hold a Bachelor's degree or be actively studying towards an Honours or Master's degree, graduating or having graduated by 2026/2027

• Available to commence a one-year, full-time placement at the Johannesburg office starting January/February 2027

• Academic qualification in Law, Economics, Business, STEM, Engineering, Computer Science, Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Development Studies, or a related field

• Strong analytical, research, digital, and written communication capabilities

• Knowledge or practical experience in digital media and strategic communications is advantageous

• Demonstrated attention to detail, time management, and self-organisational abilities

• Capability to work both autonomously and effectively within multi-disciplinary teams

• Professional work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and proactive problem-solving mindset

• Keen interest in current affairs, public policy, and corporate business issues