Purpose of the Program
Our Graduate Trainee Program is designed to nurture and develop journalists to become future leaders of the profession. You will have a personalised development track and participate in high-profile projects. You will be able to make a difference and have the potential for rapid career growth.
After intensive training at the start of the program, you will rotate among major desks in the newsroom to experience different areas of coverage. On successful completion, you will be assigned to a specific desk for a permanent reporting job.
Benefits of the Program:
EDUCATION
Knowledge and skills training in the newsroom, with the option to join a variety of in-house learning programs.
EXPERIENCE
Job rotations, challenging and high-profile reporting projects within and across desks. You can also participate in SCMP fun or SCMP Serve (CSR) projects, enjoying networking opportunities and making a lasting impact on society.
EXPOSURE
Exposure to newsroom leaders, top management and colleagues working in a variety of different fields, plus a Buddy Program.
EVALUATION
Feedback is a gift. Ongoing input from management and other colleagues.
Testimonials from Graduate Trainees:
Skills and Experience that will lead to success:
As an equal opportunities employer, we are looking for cultural diversity and different backgrounds among our graduates, who we expect to develop into future leaders of the profession.
- Undergraduate/postgraduate degree in (Journalism or Communications)
- Strong intellectual curiosity and learning agility.
- Willingness to work in Hong Kong for this program (work permit support by the Company)
- Culturally sensitive and quickly able to adapt to new roles and situations.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English
- Other language skills are an advantage, especially Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese)
- Multimedia skills are highly beneficial
Application & Selection Process
- Mid December 2022: Applications open Submit an online application through our website, with a cover letter, a full CV detailing language skills and any journalistic experience, 3 published English-language news or feature articles and one letter of recommendation
- 25 January, 2023: Deadline for application
- Early February 2023: Pre-screen and shortlist CVs
- Mid February 2023: Written tests for shortlisted candidates
- March 2023: Test evaluation and panel interviews
- April 2023: Offers made
- 3 July, 2023: Program commences
FAQ
Where can I find more information about the Graduate Trainee Program?
You can visit our website, you can also contact editorial.recruit@scmp.com if you have any queries.
What do I need to include in my application? Can I still apply if I don’t have published articles?
Please provide us with a full CV, a cover letter telling us why you want to join the graduate trainee programme and why you would be an excellent candidate, at least one reference and three published English-language news or feature articles. You still can apply if you don’t have any published articles, but please be aware that the published articles are a factor considered when deciding whether applications are successful.
I don’t speak Chinese nor have I ever lived in HK. Can I still apply? I can live and work in HK without the local language?
As an equal opportunities employer, we are looking for cultural diversity and different backgrounds among our graduates. Hong Kong is a very inclusive city with people from many different nationalities. You don’t need to speak the local language to enjoy living here. Of course, you are encouraged to learn once you get here.
The selection time seems lengthy; why so?
Senior editors in the newsroom and HR partners work together to make the program successful. This includes a rigorous interviewing process. Once your CVs are pre-screened, you will be invited to do 2 written tests, prior to 2 rounds of interviews.
Do I need a visa to work in HK? Would SCMP take care of it?
If you are from overseas, you will probably need a work visa in HK. SCMP will support you in applying for your work visa. It normally takes 1- 2 months.
I am currently outside HK. Would SCMP take care of the moving cost if I get the offer?
Your moving expenses will be your own responsibility. SCMP will provide and pay for a one-way economy air ticket to Hong Kong for graduate trainees coming from overseas. The company will also provide and pay for temporary hotel accommodation for the first month for those trainees.
What if I fail the program and do not get a permanent placement at the end of the program?
You are the owner of your career. We put into place reviews and coaching to help you succeed. Past experience has shown almost all of our Graduate Trainees secure a permanent placement after graduation.