2027 Graduate Placement in Strategic Communications

FTI Consulting, Inc.; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

FTI Consulting, Inc. in Johannesburg is looking for a Graduate Consultant to join the Strategic Communications team for a one-year, full-time placement starting January/February 2027.

You will support our teams and clients across industries, gaining hands-on experience in research, strategy and engagement. You’ll grow through structured learning, mentorship and exposure to media relations, crisis communications and digital strategy, with regular coaching to accelerate your professional

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree and/or studying towards an Honours or Master’s degree (graduating in 2026)
• Available to join a one-year, full-time Placement at the Johannesburg office from January/February 2027
• A degree in Law, Economics, Business, STEM, Engineering, Computer Science, Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Development Studies or a related discipline is preferred, particularly where the course of study has developed strong analytical, research, digital or communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Executing Research and Analysis for Client Accounts: Contribute to gathering, interpreting, and synthesising information from diverse sources to support client engagements.
• Supporting the Development and Execution of Communication Campaigns: Assist in analysis, strategy development and execution of digital content, media engagement activities, and stakeholder outreach plans.
• Contributing to Report and Content Creation: Help prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations that support client deliverables.
• Engaging in Structured Learning and Applying Skills to Real Client Work: Participate in a structured learning programme covering key disciplines and apply learnings to live projects.
• Participating in a Mentorship Programme and Building an Internal Network: Be paired with a mentor and engage with senior leaders across the firm.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Honours/Master's in progress

Job description

Who We Are

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world’s top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations.

At FTI Consulting, you'll work side-by-side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you'll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You'll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you.

Are you ready to make your impact?

About The Role

The Strategic Communications practice of FTI Consulting is one of the world’s most highly regarded communications consultancies. We offer a broad base of disciplines to clients including strategic consulting, corporate communications, publicaffairsand issues management.

The South African teamadviseslarge international and major national companies and brands on all aspects of corporate reputation, including senior counsel, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, government relations, issues management, thoughtleadershipand media relations.

We are currently looking for a Graduate Consultantto join our team in Johannesburg who can support our teams and clientsfor one-year full-time Placement .The Graduate Consultant will have the opportunity to work across various team members who support our clients in a variety of industries. Subject to performance,graduatescan continue with the company beyond theinitialone-year period.

This team supports leading corporates (listed and non-listed) and state-owned entities across a variety of sectors. We counsel clients facing regulatory and reputational changes to help them capitalise on opportunities and mitigate or defeat risks, with a reputation-led approach, cognizant of the political and economic motivations of the initiators, the procedural and engagement processes of relevant institutions through which they work and the tactics of the various stakeholders.

WhatYou’llDo

As a Graduate Consultant in the Strategic Communications team in Johannesburg, you will gain hands‑on experience working with clients on complex, high-impact projects. You will be exposed to multiple aspects of the consulting process,from research and strategy to execution and client engagement,while developing the analytical, communication, and professional skills that define a trusted advisor.

You'll be guided by experienced consultants who will provide regular feedback and support as you grow.

Your work will include:

Executing Research and Analysis for Client Accounts
Contribute to gathering, interpreting, and synthesising information from diverse sources (including media, policy, and market intelligence) to support client engagements. This will sharpen your ability to understand market dynamics, public sentiment, and competitive landscapes—the foundations of strategic advisory work.

Supporting the Development and Execution of Communication Campaigns
Supporting analysis, strategy development and executionofdigital content, media engagement activities, and stakeholder outreach plans. This is your introduction to campaign managementandturning strategic ideas into coordinated actions that deliver measurable results.

Contributing to Report and Content Creation
Apply your analytical and writing skills to help prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations that support client deliverables. This experience develops your capacity to distil complex information into clear, persuasive narratives that influence decision-making.

Engaging in Structured Learning and Applying Skills to Real Client Work
You’ll participate in a structured learning programme covering key disciplines such as media relations, crisis communications,public policyanalysis and digital strategy. You willapplythese learnings directly to live projects for accelerated professional development.

Participating in a Mentorship Programme and Building an Internal Network
You’ll be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance, feedback, and advocacy for your growth.You’ll also engage with senior leaders and colleagues across the firm, broadening your exposure and building relationships that will support your long‑term career at FTI Consulting.

HowYou’llGrow

We are committed to investing and supporting you in your professional development, and we have developed a range of programs focused on fostering leadership, growth and development opportunities. We aim to promote continuous learning and individual skills development through on-the-job learning, self-guided professional development courses and certifications. You'll be assigned a dedicated coach to mentor, guide and support you through regular coaching sessions and serve as an advocate for your professional growth.

As you progress through your career at FTI Consulting, we offer tailored programs for critical professional milestones to ensure you are prepared and empowered to take on your next role.

WhatYouWillNeed toSucceed

Basic Qualifications :

• - Must haveaBachelor'sdegreeand or studying towards an Honours orMaster'sdegree (graduating in 2026)
• - Available to join a one-year, full-time Placement at the Johannesburg office from January/February 2027

Preferred Qualifications :

• - A degree in Law, Economics, Business, STEM, Engineering, Computer Science, Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Development Studies or a related discipline is preferred, particularly where the course of study has developed strong analytical, research, digital or communication skills.
• - Experience or knowledge in digital
• - Strong detail orientation, timemanagementand self-organisation
• - An ability to work individually and as part of a team
• - A strong work ethic and 'can do' attitude
• - Outstanding communication skills
• - Curiosity about current affairs, policy, and business issues will be an advantage.

FTI Consulting is committed to Employment Equity and as such, preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, as defined in the Employment Equity Act,55 of 1998.