POV: You've just finished the TFD graduate scheme
1 July 2026
TFD’s graduate programme is now in its fourth consecutive year. To show applicants insight into what life on the scheme is really like, we sat down with Alex and Dan, our two most recent graduates, to discuss their journeys through the programme and beyond.
Dan and Alex joined TFD at the start of 2026, Dan following his Masters in History at UCL, and Alex after graduating from Bournemouth University with a degree in Marketing with Advertising. Alex works across a wide range of our clients in quantum and AI, and Dan has helped kickstart TFD’s Space Collective and works across our cybersecurity clients. They have both progressed to Junior Account Executives and are established members of the TFD team!
What motivated you to join TFD’s graduate scheme?
Alex: I was really drawn to the clear growth pathway and the fast-paced agency environment that TFD offers. University gives you a great foundation, but there are so many practical elements of PR that you can only learn on the job through hands-on experience. The opportunity to receive direct mentorship from my colleagues while diving straight into agency life was exactly what I was looking for to kickstart my career.
Dan: Coming out of university with a degree in History, I was looking for an avenue of work that would allow me to best apply the skills I had developed, like research and storytelling. Talking to others who already had experience in the industry, PR seemed a promising career option. So when I saw TFD’s graduate scheme, I jumped at the chance to gain PR experience in a space as interesting as tech.
How have you progressed since completing the graduate scheme, and how did it prepare you for your current role?
Alex: My knowledge and confidence have built up week by week. The scheme gave me the right preparation because it focused on steady growth. I was able to learn the basics of media relations first before moving on to client accounts and building regular relationships with journalists.
Dan: At first I knew practically nothing about PR, but the hands-on training in the graduate scheme enabled me to build a growing understanding of communications over the full six months. Everyone on the team brought their own areas of expertise to the table during training sessions, which helped me get situated in the PR space, and from there I learned by doing.
What has been your favourite project to work on?
Alex: Working on the Commercialising Quantum 2026 event hosted by Economist Enterprise has been a massive highlight. I love working on live events, and I gained experience in event PR, contacting journalists and handling media interest. Attending the event in person, listening to the talks, and hearing firsthand about the future of the technology was a great experience.
Dan: I’ve really enjoyed working on helping to develop TFD’s Space Collective. I got to attend Space Comm Expo 2026 earlier this year, gathering information about what’s going on in the space industry by speaking to experts, journalists and other comms professionals. We also recently hosted a webinar on space comms, which I helped with by researching media contacts and creating the mailer. Continuing to develop new content for the Space Collective and watching it grow as we begin to take on new projects has been one of the most fulfilling parts of working at TFD.
What is your favourite part about working at TFD?
Alex: The team is easily the best part. Everyone was welcoming from day one, and we are all very close inside and outside of the office. Everyone looks out for one another here. Plus, I always look forward to a cheeky pint with everyone on a Thursday after work!
Dan: My favourite part about working at TFD is definitely the team. From day one, everyone here has been kind and supportive. There’s a warm atmosphere to the office, made evident by our lunches on the terrace, joint office playlist and of course, as Alex already shouted out, pints after work. Working alongside people you enjoy the company of makes life so much easier.
And finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone starting the graduate scheme, what would it be?
Alex: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You have a lot of new information to take in at the start, but everyone in the office is completely supportive and happy to help you out. Curiosity is your biggest asset on a graduate scheme!
Dan: Be a sponge for those first few weeks. The team has a ton of incredible insight and advice to share, and soaking it up will absolutely set you up for success. So learn as much as you can from those around you and enjoy the process!