Within a year of joining the FT’s graduate trainee scheme I found myself alone on a plane to Reykjavik, clutching a laptop, camera, Blackberry and a notebook. Iceland’s banking system had collapsed, and I had been sent to cover it.

That’s how the grad scheme works. Editors and fellow reporters trust you - more than you trust yourself - and throw incredible opportunities your way. It starts on the day you arrive, and it can be stressful and terrifying and thrilling all at the same time. I reported on equity and credit markets as Bear Stearns failed, and UK retail when Woolworths and a string of other shops went bust. Now I’m in Washington DC.