The Ken is a pan-Asian digital publication which pioneered subscribers-only online business journalism in India. Founded by a team of experienced journalists and entrepreneurs, we’ve published thousands of stories that have been widely discussed, debated and referenced. In a world populated with scores of media sources churning out countless pieces of “content”, we believe bylines are sacred. As part of this journey, we are opening applications to our Journalism Leadership Programme for new graduates.
This is an opportunity for curious, self-driven, ambitious graduates to kick-start their journalism careers in a vibrant, high-touch, dynamic, and feedback-driven newsroom.
What is the programme?
You will join The Ken as a full-time employee in Bengaluru as part of this programme. You will be onboarded as a Staff Writer, and over the course of two years, you will work across The Ken’s newsroom to gain the requisite exposure and knowledge to emerge as a credible voice in your respective beats. This will set you on the path to becoming editorial leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving media landscape.
How many graduates can join this programme?
Four new graduates will be accepted into this programme every year. It starts in May 2023.
Why is The Ken doing this?
To spot and groom the next generation of critical-thinking journalists who will assume leadership positions at The Ken and newsrooms worldwide.
What will you get out of this programme?
Most Indian newsrooms train reporters to write summaries of stock-market developments, touch up press-releases, scan news wires, and follow narrow beats. At The Ken, you will get the opportunity to build a repertoire of deeply reported stories and develop unique newsroom skills. Through this programme, you can think out of the box on editorial and management issues, hone critical thinking by connecting the dots in every story, and set yourself up for future newsroom leadership roles.
What kind of work can you expect to do?
You will work on stories chronicling emerging sectors like education, commerce, and financial technology, clean mobility, climate technology, and artificial intelligence, and decode strategies of big corporations pivoting from traditional businesses to opportunities in the new economy. For instance, this story unraveled the ripple effect of the lending and accounting decisions that Byju’s has made.
You will also collaborate with our editors and staff writers based in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Hong Kong to produce cross-border stories. Like how we reported on a quasi-legal business process outsourcing industry making a killing during the pandemic in the Philippines. Or this story on how one of SouthEast Asia’s biggest travel companies wants to go public but everything the public wants to know about it is stashed away in a tax haven. A look through the archives on The Ken’s website will further help you comprehend the kind of stories you will tell.
Who will read your work?
Our subscribers include policymakers, corporates, bankers, startup founders, investors and various others who want to read intelligent journalism every morning from some of the most prolific writers.
Who will you work with?
Senior editors and staff writers will mentor you in the initial stages. You will also work with our podcast, design, and product teams.
What rewards and salary can you expect?
The starting salary is between Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh per annum. In addition, we offer:
- Employees Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) worth 50-100% of the annual salary
- Health insurance for you and your family
- Unlimited leaves
- The latest Apple MacBook
- A flat, non-hierarchical, and open culture
- Cutting-edge learning opportunities, whether it be on journalism or subscriptions products
- Company-sponsored therapy
Who can apply?
New college graduates and postgraduates from the class of 2022-23. Graduates with degrees in economics or commerce, or postgraduate degrees in journalism, from the following institutions will be given preference.
- Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi
- St. Stephen’s College, Delhi
- Ashoka University, Sonipat
- St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
- Loyola College, Chennai
How to apply?
You should apply here along with a cover letter not exceeding 300 words on why you want to be part of The Ken’s Journalism Leadership Programme.
